There doesn’t appear to be a process

In a briefing last autumn, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured journalists that the administration approaches pardons with “the utmost seriousness.” Trump’s chief spokesperson further stated that every pardon undergoes “a very thorough review process,” carried out by a team of “qualified lawyers.”

I still find this statement from Leavitt to be among her most inadvertently humorous remarks.

Nevertheless, NOTUS recently released a report, drawing on insights from several individuals acquainted with the White House’s pardon procedures. These sources depicted a disorganized system where clemency is frequently granted to those possessing appropriate connections, reaching the right individuals, and presenting a compelling “narrative.” The article states:

More than a year in, the White House’s pardon process remains a puzzle for those trying to navigate, and in some cases profit, from it. The nearly dozen people who NOTUS spoke with — including sources both outside the Trump administration, like lawyers and lobbyists, and inside the White House — described an ever-changing situation. Many said it is predicated on who has access and who can create the most appealing stories for their clients.

An individual with direct involvement in the pardon proceedings confided to NOTUS, “There is no process, there is no right way to do this. It’s chaos.”

Admittedly, the same NOTUS investigation also featured White House rebuttals, with one insider keen to reassure the public that “a defined process” does exist.