Trump Fired Her For Not Giving Mel Gibson His Guns Back!
May 19, 2025
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Liz Oyer, a former U.S. pardon attorney and author, shares her gripping tale of termination after refusing to recommend the restoration of Mel Gibson's gun rights. She dives into Trump's controversial use of the pardon system to favor allies and donors, revealing the intimidation tactics used by the DOJ. Oyer emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and ethical reforms, reflecting on the emotional toll faced by those navigating the opaque clemency process. Her insights highlight the challenges of accountability in a politically charged environment.
The abuse of the pardon system under Trump exemplifies the conflicts between political influence and the integrity of clemency decisions.
There is a critical need for reform in the pardon process to ensure transparency and fairness for deserving individuals seeking mercy.
Deep dives
Role of the Pardon Attorney
The pardon attorney plays a crucial role in reviewing clemency applications, primarily from incarcerated individuals seeking sentence reductions, with a focus on ensuring that those without political connections have a chance for mercy. Approximately 80% of applications come from individuals serving life sentences under outdated mandatory minimums, while the remaining 20% are from those requesting full pardons to move past older, minor offenses. The podcast highlights the challenge of balancing political pressures with the mission of advocating for deserving cases, emphasizing that the pardon process should not exclusively favor individuals with powerful connections. This role aims to provide second chances for those who have earned them, standing against the politicization of clemency.
Impact of Political Influences on Pardons
Political influences significantly affect clemency decisions, often prioritizing individuals with high-level connections over those who are genuinely deserving of pardons. After initially declining to recommend the restoration of Mel Gibson's gun rights due to a lack of supporting evidence, the guest was fired, pointing to the underlying politics involved in pardon decisions. This incident illustrates the pressures faced by pardon attorneys to issue recommendations for politically favored individuals, casting doubt on the integrity of the process. The conversation sheds light on the dangers of using clemency as a political tool rather than a means of achieving justice for those in need.
Need for Reform in the Pardon Process
There's a pressing need for reform in the pardon process to ensure it serves justice and does not become a mechanism for political favors. The podcast discusses concerns about the current administration's approach to pardoning, which is perceived as increasingly secretive and selective, often benefiting wealthy benefactors who can afford lobbyists. Effective reforms could involve establishing oversight mechanisms for the clemency process, potentially involving public explanations for pardon decisions to foster accountability. The overarching theme stresses the need to prioritize deserving cases over politically motivated pardons, raising awareness about the ethical implications of clemency power.
Former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer was fired after refusing to recommend restoring Mel Gibson’s gun rights. She speaks out about Trump’s abuse of the pardon system to reward allies and donors, DOJ intimidation tactics, and her fight to bring transparency to a secretive and corrupt process.
