The Al Franken Podcast Lawyer Liz Oyer on Trump’s Corrupt Pardons
21 snips
Nov 23, 2025 
Liz Oyer, former U.S. pardon attorney, sheds light on the controversial pardons from Trump's second term, revealing how many were driven by money and loyalty. She describes the blanket pardons for January 6th rioters and brands the pardon of cryptocurrency mogul Changpeng Zhao as potentially the most corrupt in U.S. history. Oyer critiques the current pardon attorney's extreme political stance and expresses concern about the lack of transparency and favoritism in the pardoning process, especially regarding high-profile cases.
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Fired Over Mel Gibson Gun Decision
- Liz Oyer recounts being fired after refusing to recommend Mel Gibson's gun rights reinstatement.
- She says she was dismissed shortly after declining to change her position and the reinstatement was granted anyway.
Marshals Sent Before Congressional Testimony
- Liz Oyer describes special deputy U.S. Marshals being sent to her home before her congressional testimony.
- She says a DOJ employee warned her and helped call off the visit when she raised concerns about her teen alone at home.
Rigorous Clemency Vetting Process
- The Office of the Pardon Attorney vets thousands of applications yearly using merit-based criteria.
- Clemency recommendations hinge on rehabilitation, public safety, and preventing future harm.
