Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal report, say officials are discussing a list of about 250 people for possible pardons.
- The White House is eyeing June 14, which is Trump’s birthday and Flag Day, or July 4 for a potential announcement.
- A White House official says talks continue and no decisions have been made, with Trump as the final arbiter on clemency.
- Some staff have warned that a large new batch before the fall midterms could hurt Republicans politically.
- The buzz has revived lobbying from high-profile convicts and crypto figures after pardons for Changpeng Zhao, Trevor Milton, and Ross Ulbricht and a record 16,000 applications last year.