President Trump doled out executive clemency Wednesday to Conrad Black, a former media mogul who spent time in prison for mail fraud and wrote a book about Mr. Trump, and to former California lawmaker Patrick Nolan, who advocated for criminal-justice reform after his own prison stint.
The White House said Mr. Black deserved forgiveness after receiving “broad support from many high-profile individuals who have vigorously vouched for his exceptional character.”
It also said while Mr. Black — who once controlled the Hollinger International newspaper group — spent 3 1/2 years in prison for mail fraud and obstruction, the Supreme Court overturned some of his charges, and notables such as Henry Kissinger and Elton John advocated on his behalf.
“An entrepreneur and scholar, Lord Black has made tremendous contributions to business, as well as to political and historical thought. Formerly the owner of the world’s then-third largest newspaper, he is also the author of several notable biographies and works of history,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.
Mr. Black is a presidential biographer who last year wrote a book titled “Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other.”
Mr. Trump also extended clemency to Patrick Nolan, the former minority leader of the California State Assembly who, in the White House’s telling, faced a tough choice.
“He could defend himself against charges of public corruption and risk decades in prison, or he could plead guilty and accept a 33-month sentence,” Mrs. Sanders said. “Determined to help his wife raise their three young children, Mr. Nolan chose to accept the plea.”
She said Mr. Nolan’s experience in the penal system “change his life.”
“While incarcerated, Mr. Nolan helped organize religious-study groups and is uniformly described as a man of principle and integrity,” according to Mrs. Sanders.
The White House says a number of people vouched for Mr. Nolan, including former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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