WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Donald Trump’s pardons of Steve Bannon, Elliot Broidy, and others, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Presidential pardons have their place as a way of showing impartial mercy. But Donald Trump’s abuse of the pardon power demonstrates the same cronyism and corruption that have dominated his presidency. His pardons of Steve Bannon and Elliot Broidy join earlier pardons of his inner circle including Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Roger Stone and Charles Kushner. This is not how the presidential power was intended to be used, and it’s a sad coda to a disastrous tenure that thankfully is now over.”

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About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.