The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Trump pardons 73 people, including Steve Bannon, on last day

20 January 2021, MVT 14:22
(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 22, 2017 US President Donald Trump (L) congratulates Senior Counselor to the President Stephen Bannon during the swearing-in of senior staff in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. - President Donald Trump has decided to pardon his influential former adviser Steve Bannon, US media reported January 19, 2021, though no official announcement had been made as Trump counted down his final hours in the White House. Bannon was granted clemency after being charged with defrauding people over funds raised to build the Mexico border wall that was a flagship Trump policy, the New York Times said citing White House officials. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
20 January 2021, MVT 14:22

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned 73 people, including his former aide Steve Bannon and other allies, just hours before he was due to leave office.

The president and his children were not on the list.

Bannon was granted clemency after being charged with defrauding people over funds raised to build the Mexico border wall that was a flagship Trump policy.

"Mr. Bannon has been an important leader in the conservative movement and is known for his political acumen," the statement added.

US media earlier reported that the president made his last-minute decision after speaking to Bannon by phone.

Former Trump fund-raiser Elliott Broidy was similarly pardoned, after pleading guilty last year to conspiring to violate foreign lobbying laws.

Rapper Lil Wayne, who last month pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and faced 10 years in jail, also made the list.

President-elect Joe Biden, who beat Trump in an election last year, was due to be sworn in as his successor later Wednesday.

Before that, Trump will fly to his home in Florida, skipping the inauguration ceremony.

Washington, United States | AFP

Share this story

Related Stories

Discuss

MORE ON WORLD