Pardon Brokers Promote ‘Pressure Tactics’ for Trump Pardons at Exorbitant Costs

Investigating high-cost pardon lobbying tactics as Trump's clemency process faces scrutiny.

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A growing industry of pardon brokers has emerged, offering to pressure President Trump into granting clemency in exchange for exorbitant fees, according to new revelations.

Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, well-known right-wing lobbyists, recently met with Ammon Covino, a convicted aquarium operator, to pitch their services. Covino had previously submitted a pardon request to the Biden Justice Department, which was denied by Trump. The pair claimed they could secure a pardon through direct influence and connections rather than the traditional process.

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The practice has raised concerns about the integrity of the clemency system, with critics arguing that it favors those who can afford to pay. Legal experts like Mark Osler note that the process is increasingly being bypassed in favor of private lobbying, with some applicants encouraged to avoid showing remorse and instead focus on political grievances.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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