Trump pardons 11, including ex-partner Abramoff and emissions violators

President Donald Trump has issued pardons to 11 individuals, a group that includes his former business associate, lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The clemencies also cover nine people cited by the White House for their roles in circumventing vehicle emissions control systems, according to Reuters.

This latest round of pardons continues a pattern seen throughout Trump's presidency, where many beneficiaries have been individuals connected to his political or personal allies. The frequent use of the presidential power to pardon and commute sentences has become a notable feature of his administration's expansive approach to executive authority.

Abramoff, once a prominent Republican lobbyist, was convicted in 2006 on charges including fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion related to his dealings with Native American tribes. His case was a significant scandal in Washington at the time. The pardons for those involved in emissions control violations address actions that undermined environmental regulations.