Boosie Badazz sues GOP lobbyists over $600,000 failed Trump pardon

Rapper Boosie Badazz (legal name Torence Hatch) paid $600,000 to far‑right political operatives Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, who claimed they could secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his federal firearms conviction. The pair assured Boosie they had “Trump on speed dial” and later told his lawyer that the pardon had been signed and was awaiting announcement. A White House official later confirmed no pardon application had ever been filed and said the lobbyists’ involvement would have hurt any clemency chances.

Boosie has filed a lawsuit seeking a $300,000 refund, citing a contract clause that would return half the fee if no pardon was obtained. Wohl and Burkman deny any such provision, argue they tried “very, very hard,” and claim financial strain from past legal fines. The dispute also names several right‑wing figures—Laura Loomer, Mike Johnson, Nancy Mace, Andy Biggs—who have denied any involvement.

The case, now in arbitration and federal court, raises questions about lobbying ethics, potential bribery, and the commercialization of presidential clemency.