Trump Pardons 11 People, SBF Not on the List, Celebration Speech Takes Center Stage

BlockBeats News, July 4th: On the day before Independence Day (July 3rd local time), U.S. President Trump signed a series of pardons, pardoning a total of 11 individuals, including several who were convicted for violating the Clean Air Act. Trump referred to these individuals as victims of "persecution by the Biden administration," stating that they had been imprisoned or faced jail time for fixing their own cars, and that he was now granting them all freedom.

Of note, the most anticipated potential pardon recipient in the crypto community, FTX founder SBF, has not been included in the list of pardons released. Today, on July 4th, coinciding with the U.S. 250th-anniversary celebrations, Trump will be attending events in several locations. The White House had previously discussed the possibility of a large-scale pardon of 250 individuals during the U.S. 250th-anniversary celebrations as part of the festivities. However, these discussions are still in the preliminary stages and have not been formally announced. The market is watching closely for Trump's statements today.

Some analysts point out that the U.S. Independence Day pardons target three groups and may become a new tool for Trump to win over public opinion. The 250th-anniversary pardon list should emphasize symbolic and public interest dimensions, highlighting the image of a "compassionate America" or correcting cases seen as examples of "weaponized justice." In the actual decision-making process, lobbying, political loyalty, the public visibility of high-profile cases, as well as potential economic, diplomatic gains, and the President's own potential benefits will all be important considerations. Therefore, white-collar/financial criminals; reformed, non-violent offenders; and high-profile/symbolic cases or "political/policy-related" offenders are the three groups most likely to be pardoned targets.

Under the Trump administration, the pardon competition has significantly intensified, with the President personally exercising unprecedented control over the pardon process, frequently using his pardon power to support allies and advance his own political agenda. The pardon affairs are managed by a small team composed of White House Special Legal Counsel David Warrington, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin. The majority of cases undergo initial review by Warrington in coordination with Martin and the Justice Department, with the selected candidates then submitted to Wiles for review before Warrington and Wiles present the final choices to Trump for his decision.