Washington — In response to a recent segment on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” the White House firmly denied that President Trump’s administration is swayed by so‑called “pardon brokers.” White House spokesperson Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital that the pardon review process includes White House counsel, the Department of Justice, a designated pardon czar, and ultimately the President himself as the final decision‑maker.

Administration’s Defense of the Clemency Process

Bis emphasized that any individual or group attempting to buy influence over pardons is “foolishly wasting their money” because the President does not even know who these alleged lobbyists are. She highlighted the robust safeguards in place, noting that the Department of Justice screens applicants and typically recommends only those who demonstrate genuine remorse. “The Trump Administration has a robust pardon review process which includes White House counsel, the Department of Justice, pardon czar Alice Johnson, and ultimately, the President himself as the final decider,” Bis said.

Contrast With Prior Administrations

While defending the current system, Bis also seized the opportunity to criticize the clemency record of the previous administration. She argued that many of President Biden’s pardons have released violent offenders, including “child killers and mass murderers,” and accused certain Democratic governors of pardoning illegal‑immigrant child rapists and attempted murderers in attempts to keep them in the United States.

“60 Minutes” Segment Raises Historical Context

The “60 Minutes” premiere, anchored by correspondent Lesley Stahl, traced the history of presidential pardons from George Washington to the present, noting that past presidents have sometimes used the power for political purposes. Stahl cited examples such as President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, President Clinton’s pardon of Marc Rich after donations, and President Biden’s alleged use of the power to benefit his son Hunter and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Stahl also suggested that President Trump has “developed his own vetting system,” allegedly pardoning political allies, including participants in the January 6 protests and a “string of unrepentant financial conmen.” She claimed that donations appear to help and that individuals can hire “pardon brokers” who sell access to the President for “exorbitant fees,” describing it as a “marketplace of money and mercy.”

White House Response to the Allegations

Bis rejected these characterizations, stating that the notion of a “marketplace of money and mercy” is unfounded. She reiterated that the President’s decisions are made after thorough review and that any suggestion of external influence is inaccurate. “Anyone spending money to lobby for pardons is foolishly wasting their money and the President doesn’t even know who these so‑called ‘lobbyists’ are,” she said.

Broader Media Context

The “60 Minutes” episode aired amid internal turmoil at CBS, where longtime producers and correspondents have been dismissed as the network’s editor‑in‑chief, Bari Weiss, attempts a reorganization. Former producer and managing editor Guy Campanile posted on Facebook that the firings were linked to staff refusing to compromise with “White House talking points.” Campanile wrote, “We would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting. We objected when told to conduct interviews arranged by the administration. We insisted on asking the most challenging questions to business and political leaders without fear or favor.”

Implications for Future Clemency Decisions

The dispute underscores the ongoing partisan debate over the proper use of presidential clemency. Supporters of the Trump administration argue that the current system safeguards against corruption and ensures that mercy is granted based on merit. Critics, citing the “60 Minutes” segment, contend that the perception of a “pardon broker” market erodes public trust in the justice system.

As the conversation continues, the White House maintains that its process is transparent, lawful, and free from external pressure, while urging the public to focus on the substantive merits of each pardon case rather than unfounded speculation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.