# Investigation into Trump-era presidential pardons

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-trump-era-presidential-pardons
> Updated: 2026-09-14T14:27:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

An investigation by ‘60 Minutes’ titled ‘The Pardon Economy’ examines the use of presidential pardons during the Donald Trump administration. The report focuses on the emergence of a specialized industry involving lawyers and lobbyists who leverage the constitutional power of clemency.

The investigation alleges that a lucrative marketplace exists for securing pardons, identifying individuals Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl as “pardon brokers” who reportedly solicited money from those seeking clemency. Findings suggest that approximately 92% of Trump’s pardons, including those for January 6th insurrectionists, bypassed the standard Department of Justice review process. 

The report highlights patterns where pardons were granted to convicted felons, including those involved in financial, healthcare, and nursing home fraud, following significant political donations or business deals. One specific instance noted was a claim by rapper Boosie Badazz that brokers took $600,000 from him in hopes of a pardon.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Trump pardon process under scrutiny following corruption allegations

A 60 Minutes investigation alleges that Trump loyalists Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl acted as “pardon brokers,” soliciting money from individuals seeking presidential pardons.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-pardon-process-under-scrutiny-following-corruption-allegations

### 2026-09-11: 60 Minutes to investigate Trump-era presidential pardons

The ‘60 Minutes’ season premiere will feature an investigation into the ‘pardon economy’ and the controversial use of presidential pardons during the Trump administration.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/60-minutes-to-investigate-trump-era-presidential-pardons

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Cite as: Investigation into Trump-era presidential pardons. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-trump-era-presidential-pardons
