Investigation Reveals Lobbyists Charging High Fees for Trump Presidential Pardons
A CBS News investigation revealed that lobbyists Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl offered to secure presidential pardons from former US President Donald Trump for fees up to $300,000. The investigation highlighted a growing market where brokers bypass the traditional Justice Department process, instead leveraging White House contacts and political pressure. Some brokers reportedly charge millions, with about 70% of Trump's second-term pardons not processed through the Justice Department. The undercover probe exposed the role of various lobbyists in this pardon economy.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is negative (28/100). Lens Score 60/100.
Outlets measured: indianexpress, timesnow. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (28–28/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
timesnow broke this story on 14 Sept, 04:44 pm. Other outlets followed.