Washington, D.C., USA – May 30, 2025 – President Donald Trump has granted pardons to several high-profile celebrities and public figures during his first term (2017–2021) and the early months of his second term (2025–present), often citing unfair prosecutions or political motivations. Below is a detailed list of notable celebrities and public figures pardoned or granted commutations by Trump, based on available information from sources like NBC News, The New York Times, and posts on X.
Celebrities and Public Figures Pardoned by Trump
- Todd and Julie Chrisley (Pardoned May 28, 2025)
- Background: Reality TV stars of Chrisley Knows Best, which ran for 10 seasons on the USA Network.
- Conviction: Convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks of over $36 million and tax evasion. Todd received a 12-year sentence, and Julie a 7-year sentence.
- Pardon Details: Trump pardoned the couple on May 28, 2025, claiming they were “prosecuted because they were celebrities” and targeted due to their public profile and conservative beliefs. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, a Trump supporter, spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, alleging “rogue prosecutors” persecuted her parents. The Chrisleys were released from federal prisons in Florida and Kentucky on May 28, 2025.
- NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell Gaulden) (Pardoned May 28, 2025)
- Background: Louisiana rapper known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again.
- Conviction: Sentenced to two years in prison in 2024 for possessing weapons as a convicted felon.
- Pardon Details: Pardoned on May 28, 2025, Gaulden expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist.” The pardon aligns with Trump’s campaign efforts to connect with Black male voters through hip-hop artists.
- Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) (Pardoned January 20, 2021)
- Background: Grammy-winning rapper and founder of Young Money Entertainment.
- Conviction: Pleaded guilty in December 2020 to a federal weapons charge for carrying a handgun on a private jet, illegal due to a prior felony conviction.
- Pardon Details: Received a full pardon on Trump’s last day in office during his first term. Trump’s office highlighted Wayne’s charitable contributions, including donations to research hospitals and food banks. Wayne had publicly supported Trump, meeting him in October 2020.
- Kodak Black (Bill Kahan Kapri) (Commuted January 20, 2021)
- Background: Rapper known for hits like “No Flockin.”
- Conviction: Sentenced to 46 months in 2019 for falsifying information on federal forms to purchase firearms, including two handguns and a semiautomatic weapon.
- Pardon Details: Trump commuted his sentence on his final day in office. Kodak Black had pledged $1 million to charity if released, though the tweet was later deleted. The commutation was part of Trump’s last-minute clemency actions.
- Rod Blagojevich (Commuted February 18, 2020)
- Background: Former Illinois governor and Celebrity Apprentice contestant in 2010.
- Conviction: Convicted in 2011 of wire fraud, extortion, soliciting bribes, and lying to the FBI, primarily for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Sentenced to 14 years.
- Pardon Details: Trump commuted his sentence in February 2020, citing unfair prosecution. Blagojevich’s appearance on Trump’s reality show and conservative media advocacy likely influenced the decision.
- Jack Johnson (Posthumous Pardon, May 24, 2018)
- Background: First Black heavyweight boxing champion.
- Conviction: Convicted in 1913 for transporting a white woman across state lines, a charge widely seen as racially motivated under the Mann Act.
- Pardon Details: Trump granted a posthumous pardon, championed by Sylvester Stallone and others, in a White House ceremony attended by boxer Deontay Wilder and others. The pardon was seen as correcting a historical injustice.
- Alice Marie Johnson (Commuted June 6, 2018)
- Crystal Munoz, Judith Negron, Tynice Hall (Commuted February 18, 2020)
Context and Controversy
Trump’s pardons have often bypassed the Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, with only 25 of his 237 first-term clemency actions following the formal process. Many recipients, including celebrities, had personal or political connections to Trump, such as campaign support or appearances on Celebrity Apprentice. Critics, including former DOJ officials, argue this reflects favoritism, with pardons often serving political goals or rewarding loyalty. For example, the Chrisleys’ pardon followed their daughter’s vocal support, and rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black were pardoned after public endorsements.
In his second term, Trump’s clemency actions, including the Chrisley and NBA YoungBoy pardons, continue to spark debate. Posts on X, such as @NYMag’s note, “Todd and Julie Chrisley are just the latest celebs pardoned by Trump,” highlight public interest in these high-profile cases. Speculation also surrounds potential pardons for figures like Sean “Diddy” Combs, though no action has been taken as of May 30, 2025.
Notes
- Scope: Trump’s clemency is limited to federal offenses. The above list focuses on celebrities and public figures, but Trump has also pardoned political allies (e.g., Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn) and January 6 rioters (approximately 1,500 individuals).
- Process: Unlike traditional presidents, Trump often grants clemency based on personal appeals, conservative media campaigns, or connections, raising concerns about a “two-tier” justice system.
- Future Pardons: While no additional celebrity pardons have been confirmed as of May 30, 2025, Trump’s unpredictable approach suggests more may follow.
This list reflects the most prominent celebrity pardons based on verified sources and current as of May 30, 2025. For further details, refer to official announcements from the White House or the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
