Three Asian Americans receiving commutations from Trump

Three Asian Americans received last-minute commutations by Donald Trump late Tuesday, the waning before Trump leaves the White House and hands the reins of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

Early Wednesday morning, in the final hours of his presidency Trump was still signing pardons and commutations. 

It is not unusual for Presidents to issue pardons and commutations before leaving office. In fact, Trump has not used the power of clemency as frequently as other Presidents. In contrast, Obama granted clemency 1,927 times during his eight-year tenure, including 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations.

On Trump's list are close associates and friends, including Roger Stone and Paul Manafort and George Papadopoulos. 

Steve Bannon, a former Trump confidante received a last-minute pardon even though he hasn't been convicted for alleged fraud in using funds raised to construct a fence between Mexico and the U.S. for other purposes. Apparently going against staff recommendations, after a phone call with Bannon, Trump decided to give him a pre-emptive pardon in case he is indicted.

He also commuted the sentence of his son-in-law's father Charles Kushner who was serving time for to 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness, and one count of lying to the Federal Election Commission.

Trump granted pardons or commutations to tw rappers: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known as Lil Wayne, who pleaded guilty in December to having illegally possessed a gold-plated .45-caliber Glock handgun and ammunition as a felon; and Bill Kapri, known as Kodak Black, who was sentenced in 2019 to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to lying on background paperwork while trying to buy guns.

A pardon cancels a criminal conviction, while a commutation shortens or ends a prison sentence.

Among those receiving commutations are three Asian Americans who were serving their sentences, including:

Way Quoe Long –  Long is a 58 year-old who has served nearly half of a 50-year sentence for a non-violent conviction for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. Long has spent his incarceration striving to better himself through English proficiency classes and by obtaining his GED.  Upon release, Mr. Long will reunite with his family and will be strongly supported as he integrates back into the community.

Kyle Kimoto –  Kimoto is a father of six who has served 12 years of his 29 year sentence for a non-violent telemarketing fraud scheme.  Kimoto has been an exemplary prisoner, has held numerous jobs, shown remorse, and mentored other inmates in faith. Upon his release, he has a job offer and will help care for his six children and three grandchildren.

Amir Khan –  This pardon is supported by his adult children and members of the community. Khan pled guilty to wire fraud. Notably, he immediately paid back the victim more than in full and has demonstrated remorse for his conduct. Prior to the pandemic,  Khan volunteered at the organization 3 Square Meals, and has regularly donated to charities including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Boys Town, Covenant House, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the Salvation Army.