Roger Stone and Angela Stanton King highlight how personal connections and storytelling now drive the presidential pardon process under the administration.

The administration announced a shift in the presidential pardon process, moving from strict Department of Justice regulations toward a system defined by personal access, donations, and persuasive narratives. A Reuters investigation reveals that since 2025, over 1,700 pardons or sentence reductions have been granted, with most decisions resulting from direct interaction with the president’s inner circle. Roger Stone and Angela Stanton King confirmed their roles as influential figures in promoting candidates for clemency. While Roger Stone denied receiving direct payment for his services, Angela Stanton King declined to disclose her specific compensation. The study found that 290 influencers facilitated 624 instances of pardons, highlighting a "hybrid" approach where lobbying and political support often bypass traditional bureaucratic waiting lines. While some critics worry this shift may impact transparency, the administration maintains that the process remains a powerful tool for justice. By prioritizing personal connections and the ability to tell a compelling story of victimization, the administration can address specific cases of injustice more efficiently than through formal procedures alone.

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