Trump pardons business partner of Abramoff and others for bypassing emissionsbypassing emissions
President Donald Trump on Friday pardoned 11 people, including a former business partner of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and nine individuals convicted of helping others bypass vehicle emissions controls, just before the US Independence Day.
The pardons were granted to those Trump claimed were unfairly prosecuted for vehicle modifications, raising questions about the administration's approach to federal enforcement.
- Four days before the 250th anniversary of US independence, presidential pardons often surge as a traditional act of political goodwill.
- The Clean Air Act, which mandates vehicle emissions controls, was signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970 to combat air pollution.
- Jack Abramoff's 2006 conviction involved bribing government officials to pass legislation for his clients, making his business partner's pardon particularly notable.
