A rumored White House proposal to issue 250 pardons to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday is prompting a new wave of public clemency campaigns from some of the country’s most recognizable convicted figures, despite uncertainty about whether such a plan is even in the works.The proposal, first reported by the Wall Street Journal last month, remains in preliminary discussions, sources familiar with the matter told the outlet. In turn, the murmurs of a potential clemency package have generated fresh intrigue among pardon hopefuls seeking relief from President Donald Trump, whose grants are increasingly sought through online promotions, lobbying campaigns, and people with sway over the administration.A White House official declined to tell the Washington Examiner whether Trump is really mulling a burst of 250 pardons, adding, “The White House does not comment on potential clemency requests.”
“The President is the final decider on all pardons or commutations,” the official added.
‘Pharma Bro’ throws his hat in the ring
Still, the mere possibility of looming pardons has already triggered sharp interest from figures such as Martin Shkreli, whose decision to raise the price of the antiparasitic drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 per pill in 2015 made him one of the most controversial figures in corporate America and earned him the nickname “Pharma Bro.”
