Trump Frees David Gentile Who Defrauded 10,000 Americans of $1.6 Billion

Trump campaigned on law and order, but his actions show he only believes in it when it serves his interests. He just commuted the seven-year sentence of David Gentile after the man served less than two weeks in prison for defrauding over 10,000 Americans out of $1.6 billion. Federal prosecutors documented how Gentile’s victims included veterans, farmers, teachers, and nurses who lost their retirement savings. One victim wrote, “I lost my whole life savings.” Meanwhile, Gentile’s co-defendant Jeffry Schneider remains in prison for the same crime. The difference? We don’t know, but it wasn’t based on justice. This isn’t an isolated case. Public Citizen’s Corporate Enforcement Tracker documents that Trump’s administration has dropped, halted, or withdrawn enforcement actions against more than 160 corporations accused of misconduct. The list includes companies facing investigations for foreign bribery, workplace discrimination, environmental violations, and consumer fraud. Many of these corporations donated to Trump’s inaugural fund or have business ties to his administration. When law enforcement becomes a reward system for political allies, we no longer have equal justice under law. Small businesses and working Americans can’t compete in a system where connected corporations get to ignore the rules. When Trump drops a case against big banks that enabled nearly $1 billion in fraud on Zelle after they donated $1.5 million to his inaugural fund, honest community banks lose ground. When he halts enforcement against companies using forced labor after they donate to his campaign, American manufacturers who follow the law can’t match their prices. Law and order means everyone plays by the same rules, or it means nothing at all.