Eric Rosen Weighs In on Presidential Pardons
In a revealing look at the shifting landscape of presidential clemency, the Wall Street Journal reports how Donald Trump’s potential second term could see a dramatic expansion of his already unorthodox approach to presidential pardons. The traditional role of the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney has been largely sidelined, with clemency decisions now often influenced by those within Trump's inner circle.
Dynamis LLP partner Eric Rosen, has observed that securing a pardon under the current administration often requires direct access to the president. He notes that individuals who can present their case personally to Trump have a higher likelihood of receiving clemency. “If someone can make their case directly to Trump,” Rosen explains, “their chances of a pardon increase significantly.”
The article profiles several figures seeking clemency, including entrepreneur Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corp. While Milton has faced legal challenges, supporters emphasize his vision and achievements in pushing the clean-energy vehicle industry forward. Rather than defining him solely by his indictment, many point to Milton’s innovation and early leadership in zero-emission transportation as a positive force in the sector. His request for clemency is reportedly backed by influential figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who view his prosecution as overzealous.
Other high-profile individuals, such as cryptocurrency investor Roger Ver, have reportedly offered substantial sums—up to $10 million—to lobbyists and Trump allies in pursuit of pardons. Ver, indicted for tax evasion and fraud, enlisted the services of Roger Stone, a longtime Trump associate, paying him $600,000 for lobbying efforts. Stone contends his work focused on advising Ver's lawyer and lobbying Congress, not the White House. Ver has not received a pardon to date.
These cases underscore how the clemency process may continue to favor those with political clout or financial leverage—raising questions about fairness and access to justice. Amid this uncertainty, Eric Rosen’s observations provide a grounded legal perspective in an increasingly unpredictable arena.