Tell Congress: Expose Trump's Pardon-for-Profit Scheme

Donald Trump was reportedly furious when he learned that his former lawyer had landed a $50 million deal with the family of a billionaire he pardoned. Not because it reeked of corruption — but apparently because he wasn't getting a cut.

Explosive new reporting from The New York Times reveals that Trump wanted his former attorney, Alina Habba, to funnel some of her massive payday to his presidential library or another Trump-linked organization. The scandal raises an outrageous question: Is Trump treating presidential pardons like a personal profit machine?

Here's what happened: Venezuelan billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini wanted a presidential pardon. While Habba was serving as a senior Justice Department adviser, the billionaire's daughter offered her a legal contract guaranteeing more than $50 million. Trump pardoned her father weeks after Habba began the job.

The family also poured $3.5 million into a pro-Trump super PAC. Habba denies helping secure the pardon, and no illegal deal has been proven. But the money trail demands answers.

Tell Congress: Investigate the $50 million deal, Trump's reported demands for money, and whether presidential pardons were traded for political favors.

Presidential pardons are supposed to serve justice, not the highest bidder. But this scandal raises the possibility that Trump's inner circle is cashing in on access to presidential power.

Ordinary Americans can't buy their way out of criminal convictions. Billionaires shouldn't be able to either.

If Congress looks the other way, it risks giving Trump and his allies a green light to turn presidential power into a cash cow for the wealthy and well-connected.

Lawmakers must demand the contracts, financial records, and communications surrounding this pardon. They must investigate who benefited, what was promised, and whether presidential clemency was traded for money or influence.

Add your name: Demand a full investigation. Presidential pardons must never become paydays for Trump and his wealthy friends.

The petition to Congress reads:

“Launch a full, independent investigation into the $50 million deal involving Alina Habba and the family of a billionaire pardoned by Donald Trump, including Trump's reported demands for money to benefit his presidential library or other affiliated organizations. Follow the money, hold public hearings, and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing uncovered.”