Washington, February 20 (RHC)-- U.S. President Donald Trump issued a wave of pardons and commutations this week to a group of his political allies, circumventing the normal Justice Department process.  

Among the 11 people granted clemency Tuesday were former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who had been jailed for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat; former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik, who was convicted of tax fraud and lying to officials; and investment banker Mike Milken, who was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy and was best known as the “Junk Bond King.” 

The clemency comes amid speculation Trump might also try to pardon his longtime friend and former campaign adviser Roger Stone.