FreedomWorks Statement in Response to Pardons and Commutations Issued by President Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the decision today by President Trump to exercise his power to grant pardons and commutations, Adam Brandon, FreedomWorks’ President, commented:

"From pardoning Bernie Kerik and David Safavian — both of whom have dedicated their lives’ work to furthering criminal justice reform following incarceration — to commuting the sentences of Tynice Hall, Crystal Munoz, and Judith Negron — all of whom have accepted responsibility for their drug offenses and since demonstrated exceptional commitment to rehabilitation — President Trump’s exercise of executive authority is important to criminal justice reform nationwide.

“Article II of the Constitution explicitly vests the power to grant commutations and pardons to the president, and President Trump is right to use this power to advance smart-on-crime causes. We are pleased to see this administration continuing its work on criminal justice reform, by recognizing and vindicating many Americans who have paid their debts to society for past mistakes. We hope to continue to see President Trump use this particular Article II power more to address the problems with the federal criminal justice system.”