Donald Trump pardons dozens, including Steve Bannon, on last night of his presidency
- Trump pardons ex-aide Bannon but not himself or family
- US president granted clemency to some 143 individuals
Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to his former chief strategist Steve Bannon as part of a late flurry of clemency action benefiting 143 people, but not himself.
The 73 pardons and 70 commutations were announced after midnight Wednesday in the final hours of Trump’s White House term.
“Mr Bannon has been an important leader in the conservative movement and is known for his political acumen,” the White House said in a statement.
The New York Times earlier reported that the president – who will leave office on Wednesday – made his last-minute decision after speaking to Bannon by phone.
White House officials had advised Trump against pardoning Bannon. The two men had lately rekindled their relationship as Trump sought support for his unproven claims of voter fraud, an official familiar with the situation said.
