Lesley Stahl

“How did these people get their grievances in the president's ear? Donations appear to help and those who can pay hire pardon brokers, lawyers and lobbyists who sell their ties to the president for exorbitant fees. It's a marketplace of money and mercy.”

Lesley Stahl · said 2026-09-13 · reported 2026-09-14

Stahl described pardon brokers as lawyers and lobbyists selling access to the president for fees.

“It's a constitutional power. No explanation needed. The Department of Justice does screen applicants and typically only recommends those who remorsefully seek mercy. But that's not always been the process. President Ford pardoned Richard Nixon. President Clinton, Marc Rich after donations. President Biden, his son Hunter, and Anthony Fauci.”

Lesley Stahl · said 2026-09-13 · reported 2026-09-14

Stahl described the constitutional pardon power and historical examples of controversial pardons.

“Presidents have been pardoning criminals since George Washington,”

Lesley Stahl · said 2026-09-13 · reported 2026-09-14

60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl introduced a segment on lobbyists negotiating for presidential pardons.

“President Trump, he's developed his own vetting system, pardoning political allies, including all of the January 6 rioters, as well as a string of unrepentant financial conmen who argued, just like him, that they were wrongly prosecuted,”

Lesley Stahl · said 2026-09-13 · reported 2026-09-14

Stahl characterized President Trump's pardon practices as a self-developed vetting system favoring political allies.