President Trump’s brazen use of the pardon power has generated a Washington growth industry—pardon lobbyists and lawyers, who tout their connections with Trump Administration officials. The pardon power was intended to promote “the benign prerogative of mercy,” but in one instance after another, this President has directed clemency toward political allies, celebrities, and fraudsters. The White House insists that money plays no role in Trump’s pardons. The evidence suggests otherwise. “If you’re a wildly rich guy who’s looking for a pardon, giving a contribution is probably the single best way to elevate your brand,” a Republican lobbyist said. Ruth Marcus reports on the business of clemency in Trump 2.0: www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/dona...