In his second term, US President Donald Trump has issued more than 1,840 pardons and commutations, many benefiting political allies and wealthy supporters, raising concerns that clemency has become transactional. Experts say the traditional Justice Department review process has weakened, concentrating power in the White House and fuelling calls for limits and greater transparency. In his second term, US President Donald Trump has issued more than 1,840 pardons and commutations, many benefiting political allies and wealthy supporters, raising concerns that clemency has become transactional. Experts say the traditional Justice Department review process has weakened, concentrating power in the White House and fuelling calls for limits and greater transparency.