President Donald Trump issued clemency to more than a dozen individuals Tuesday night, including former Trump campaign advisor George Papadopoulos and Alex van der Zwaan. Both were caught up in Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel investigation.
“Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to George Papadopoulos. Mr. Papadopoulos was charged with a process-related crime, one count of making false statements, in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
“Notably, Mueller stated in his report that he found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia’s attempts to interfere in the election. Nonetheless, the Special Counsel’s team still charged Mr. Papadopoulos with this process-related crime,” the White House released a statement.
Thank you, Mr. President!!! This means the world to me and my family!
— George Papadopoulos (@GeorgePapa19) December 23, 2020
“President Trump granted a full pardon to Alex van der Zwaan. His pardon is supported by former Rep. Trey Gowdy,” the statement continues. “Mr. van der Zwaan was charged with a process-related crime, one count of making false statements, in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. None of his underlying conduct was alleged to have been unlawful, nor did prosecutors note any prior criminal history. Mr. van der Zwaan is a Dutch national who voluntarily returned to the United States to correct his statements and surrendered his passport upon entry.”
On other issues, President Trump pardoned two former Republican Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Chris Collins.
“At the request of many Members of Congress, President Trump granted a full pardon to Duncan Hunter. His pardon is also supported by former Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission Bradley Smith. Mr. Hunter has dedicated much of his adult life to public service”
“Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Chris Collins, at the request of many members of Congress. Mr. Collins served in Congress for nearly seven years, representing the people of Western New York from 2013 to 2019.
Mr. Collins spent his early career as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, before devoting his life to public service. In 2019, Mr. Collins pled guilty to the charges of conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI.
During his tenure in Congress, Mr. Collins was known for his particular focus on the wellbeing of small businesses, agriculture, and sciences. Mr. Collins is currently serving his 26-month sentence.”
The others pardoned by Trump are Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, Dustin Heard, Alfonso Costa, Alfred Lee Crum, Ignacio Ramos, Jose Compean, Weldon Angelos, Philip Lyman.
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