Clemency

Trump Says He Believes in Giving People a 'Second Chance.' For 6,000 People, the Answer Was No.

The administration this month denied thousands of clemency applications.

Billy Binion | 7.26.2026 7:00 AM

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(BONNIE CASH/UPI/Newscom)

"For 250 years, America has stood as a Nation that believes in the potential of its people," the Trump administration said in a statement a few months back. "Upon returning to office, for the first time ever, I appointed a White House Pardon Czar to lead our clemency efforts with a clear focus on both opportunity and accountability….The story of America is filled with individuals who have demonstrated real change in their hearts and earned a second chance."

More people will have to wait. President Donald Trump this month denied about 6,000 clemency applications after White House staff had recently floated granting 250 pardons to celebrate America's........

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