Trump's Pardon of Loan Shark Thwarted Federal Probe: Report
Former President Donald Trump's last-minute pardon of loan shark Jonathan Braun undermined a federal investigation into predatory lenders in the merchant cash advance industry. Prosecutors were negotiating with Braun for his cooperation in exchange for his release, but Trump's pardon eliminated their leverage. Braun, who had been convicted of running a marijuana ring, had ties to the family of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The pardon also raised questions about the Kushners' involvement in securing Braun's release. Federal investigators were furious about Trump's interference, and Braun maintains his innocence. Trump has expressed intentions to issue more pardons if he becomes president again.