1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The CBS investigators worked with Ammon Covino, a convicted felon who had failed to secure a pardon through the normal DOJ process. He secretly filmed a meeting with two pardon brokers, who promised him one by October for 300,000 dollars. That’s the pitch. Nothing about justice or deserving a second chance. Just annoy the president until he caves. There’s a whole industry trading on that carelessness, including lobbyists, MAGA influencers, and business partners. Anyone with West Wing access can peddle their influence. And they have peddled, again and again. Over the last two years, we’ve watched Trump pardon MAGA donors and allies, including the January 6th rioters who attacked police officers and stormed the Capitol. Even as the administration talks a big game about fighting fraud, they’re pardoning some of the biggest fraudsters in the country. Covino told 60 minutes he doesn’t like that this kind of system operates. But he acknowledged this is simply how the game is now played. He’s right. And it’s not just pardons. This is how the game is now played across the administration. The right strategy comes right from the boss: if you can’t win, cheat.