The Pardons Economy: How Legal Fees Are Fueling Trump’s Clemency Market

In an era where wealth and political clout increasingly determine legal outcomes, a new market has emerged around presidential pardons. Recent data reveals that lawyers are quoting fees exceeding $1 million to secure clemency for high-profile clients, leveraging Donald Trump’s administration to bypass traditional judicial processes. From cryptocurrency tycoons to disgraced entrepreneurs, defendants are pouring millions into lobbying and legal strategies, reshaping the clemency landscape into a high-stakes arena where money buys mercy.

The Rise of the Pardons Economy

President Trump’s 2025 pardon activity has reached unprecedented scale, with over 1,600 pardons and commutations issued this year—far exceeding his first term but lagging behind Biden’s record 4,245. However, what distinguishes Trump’s approach is its focus on wealthy defendants and ideological allies. A key driver is the $1 billion in restitution erased by pardons, as highlighted by former Justice Department Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer. For instance:
- Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corp., donated $1.7 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and hired high-priced lawyers like Marc Mukasey (son of a former U.S. Attorney General) to secure a full pardon within two months.
- The Bankman-Fried family reportedly spent over $1 million on clemency efforts, framing their case as a victim of “prosecutorial overreach” to align with Trump’s rhetoric.

This trend reflects a systemic shift: pardons are no longer reserved for rehabilitation but have become a tool to reward political loyalty and erase financial liabilities.