"Trump pardons drug kingpins even as he escalates U.S. drug war rhetoric"

[orleans]

https://www.npr.org/2025/05/31/nx-s1-5415939/trump-pardons-drug-kingpins-even-as-he-escalates-the-u-s-drug-war

President Trump has long called for escalating the U.S. drug war against Mexican cartels and wants tougher penalties for dealers selling fentanyl and other street drugs in American communities. "I am ready for it, the death penalty, if you deal drugs," Trump said during a meeting with state governors in February, where he said dealers are too often treated with a "slap on the wrist."

But despite his tough rhetoric, Trump has sparked controversy by pardoning a growing number of convicted drug dealers, including this week's move to grant clemency to Larry Hoover, 74, who was serving multiple life sentences in federal prison for crimes linked to his role leading the Chicago-based Gangster Disciples.

snip

Drug policy experts interviewed by NPR said it's difficult to find a coherent philosophy behind Trump's use of clemency. According to the Cato Institute's Singer, Trump's pardons often appear "transactional" and often reflect the influence of powerful individuals.

more

there's a 4 minute audio you can listen to at the above link

[Wingus Dingus]

1. Money or favors--Taco Don's pardons are for sale

[Irish_Dem]

2. Trump wants a piece of the sex/drug trade.

His pal Putin got very rich doing the same.

[tanyev]

3. It's only difficult to find a coherent philosophy if you're too cowardly to say they are FOR SALE.