Trump Denies Nearly 6,000 Clemency Applications, Issues 11 Pardons
President Trump has denied nearly 6,000 clemency applications, according to a letter from U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin. This decision comes amid expectations of a significant number of pardons to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
The Department of Justice's public records indicate that over 5,600 commutation requests and more than 300 pardon applications were formally rejected between July 10 and July 14, 2026. These denials were posted on the Justice Department’s website.
On July 3, 2026, President Trump issued 11 pardons, primarily related to violations of the Clean Air Act, including cases of emissions tampering. One of the pardons was granted to a political donor convicted of wire fraud.
Prior to the semiquincentennial celebrations, there was speculation that the administration might issue 250 pardons as a symbolic gesture. However, a White House official clarified that this was never an actual plan, but merely a concept considered by some staff members.