WASHINGTON, DC – After President Donald Trump announced several new pardons, including for his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, campaign operative Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law and White House aide, Jared Kushner, the following statement was issued by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI):

“These pardons are disgraceful and another example of President Trump’s ethical failings.

“Clearly, President Trump isn’t using his pardon authority here to correct injustice, he’s using it to thwart justice.  He’s handing out legal free passes to members of his inner circle who aided or abetted him or have family connections.  He has also pardoned several corrupt former Republican Congressman who he sees as allies. 

“Nobody can stop Trump’s pardon parade at this point, but good people across the political spectrum can and should condemn it or he may sink even lower.

“Facts are stubborn things and not even a presidential pardon can change or wipe away the improprieties that have occurred.”