Andrew Schulz, a comedian known for his alignment with Donald Trump, has recently expressed his disagreement with the former president’s pardons. On the podcast Flagrant, Schulz criticized Trump’s controversial pardoning decisions, particularly regarding money-laundering cryptocurrency executive Changpeng Zhao.
Schulz Questions Trump’s Knowledge of Pardons
During a recent episode, Schulz pointed out an alarming statement from Trump. The former president admitted he had minimal knowledge of certain individuals he pardoned. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump responded about Zhao, who received a four-month prison sentence amid accusations of a “Biden witch hunt.” Schulz reacted strongly, noting, “You can’t pardon someone when you don’t know who they are.”
Interpretations of Presidential Pardons
Schulz shared his interpretation of Trump’s pardoning motivations. He suggested they might be either favors to loyal associates or a means to garner political capital. He referenced Trump’s release of convicted January 6 rioters on his first day back in office as an example.
In a notable exchange, when a podcast guest hinted at the potential for financial influence in pardons, Schulz acknowledged a $2 billion partnership between Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange, and the Trump family’s crypto business. “I mean, that checks out,” he remarked, suggesting a potential link between economic interests and Trump’s pardons.
Criticism of the Pardon Power
Schulz further criticized the broader implications of presidential pardons. He argued against the notion that this power serves as a necessary check against the judiciary. “This pardon s–t is crazy,” he exclaimed, questioning why a president can allow individuals to evade the consequences of their illegal actions.
- Criticized Trump for pardoning the former president of Honduras, recently sentenced to 45 years for drug trafficking.
- Expressed skepticism about the appropriateness of the pardon system in its current form.
Continuing Disconnect from Trump
This isn’t the first time Schulz has distanced himself from Trump. In a previous podcast appearance, he lamented that Trump is acting contrary to the promises he made during his campaign. “He’s doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for,” Schulz said, referencing issues like military funding and budget spending.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding these remarks. As discussions around the implications of presidential pardons continue, Schulz’s critiques highlight a growing concern among some of Trump’s former supporters.
