By HBCU Original Staff
Published May 29, 2025

In 2025, Donald J. Trump has once again put his presidential pardon power on full display—this time in his second term, issuing a wave of clemency decisions that continue to spark debate across the nation.

Since his return to the White House, Trump has pardoned a broad list of individuals, many of whom have been at the center of political and legal controversies. The pardons have been hailed by supporters as efforts to correct what they see as unfair treatment by a “weaponized” justice system, while critics argue the moves reflect a pattern of shielding allies, amplifying a narrative of persecution, and undermining the legitimacy of law enforcement.

The Sweep: Pardoning January 6 Capitol Riot Defendants

Perhaps the most dramatic move came on Trump’s inauguration day, January 20, 2025. He granted full pardons to nearly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot—ranging from nonviolent participants to those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement officers.

Among the clemency recipients were prominent far-right figures like Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader, whose 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, whose 18-year sentence was reduced to time served.

Trump described this mass pardon as an effort to “end a grave national injustice” and promote “national reconciliation,” but the move drew sharp criticism from many who viewed it as a dangerous dismissal of the violent assault on democracy.

High-Profile Pardons: From Dark Web to Political Figures

Among other notable pardons:

• Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road dark web marketplace, was granted a full and unconditional pardon. Despite a life sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering, Ulbricht’s supporters in the libertarian and cryptocurrency communities hailed the pardon as a blow against government overreach.

• Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois Governor known for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat, received a full pardon that cleared his criminal record after his sentence was commuted during Trump’s first term. Blagojevich has been vocal in his support for Trump, even calling himself a “Trump-ocrat.”

• NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), the popular rapper serving a sentence on a federal gun charge, was pardoned in late May 2025. YoungBoy expressed gratitude for the pardon, calling it an opportunity to rebuild his life and career.

Controversies and Political Alliances

Many of Trump’s pardons have focused on individuals with political or financial ties:

• Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola, convicted of fraud, was pardoned despite ongoing legal controversies. Milton and his wife have donated millions to Trump’s campaigns.

• Several cryptocurrency executives, including the co-founders of BitMEX, were pardoned after pleading guilty to violations related to anti-money laundering laws.

• Former Republican Tennessee Senator Brian Kelsey and former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, both convicted of corruption-related charges, were also pardoned amid claims of political prosecution.

• Anti-abortion activists convicted for clinic blockades, including Lauren Handy—a figure associated with a highly controversial case involving the discovery of fetal remains—were granted clemency.

The Critics Speak Out

Civil rights advocates and legal experts warn these pardons may deepen distrust in the justice system. Dr. Tamika Hall, a legal analyst, commented:

“This series of pardons isn’t just about correcting miscarriages of justice. It’s a political tool to reward loyalty and erase accountability.”

They argue that pardons extended to January 6 defendants and politically connected figures send a troubling message about equal justice under the law.

Supporters Defend the Pardons

Trump supporters and some political commentators praise the clemency as a way to fight what they describe as “political persecution” and “selective prosecution.” They see the pardons as restoring balance to a system they believe unfairly targets conservatives and Trump allies.

What This Means for America

As the 2024 election aftermath unfolds and Trump maintains a strong hold over a large voting base, the 2025 pardons are more than legal acts—they are political statements shaping the national conversation around justice, loyalty, and power.

Whether viewed as rightful acts of mercy or as controversial power plays, Trump’s pardons will continue to be a defining part of his legacy—and a story that keeps the nation talking.

Join the Conversation:

What are your thoughts on President Trump’s 2025 pardons? Do you see them as justice served or political favoritism? Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @HBCUOriginal and share your voice.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Five talented students from Southern University have won a prestigious Sports Emmy Award for their documentary, The Hidden Sport.

The award-winning project earned national acclaim for its compelling storytelling and high production value. The documentary was initially named a finalist, bringing significant attention to its creators and the legacy it honors.

The student team—Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, Verbon Muhammad, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White—affectionately known as “The Dream Team,” created The Hidden Sport to shine a light on the iconic Southern University Human Jukebox marching band. The film explores the band’s cultural influence on sports at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Inspired by the relentless dedication of the Human Jukebox, the team was motivated to capture and celebrate the artistry, discipline, and athleticism that band members embody. After releasing a teaser of the documentary on social media, it quickly went viral, amassing over 100,000 views.

“We wanted to highlight the time, effort, and commitment these musicians pour into their craft,” said Cuillier. “They train and perform with the same intensity and rigor as athletes—that’s what gave birth to the idea of The Hidden Sport.”

The documentary is also a heartfelt tribute to two influential figures in Southern University’s athletic and musical community: Caleb Wilson, a dedicated band member, and Sean Wallace, a beloved football coach—both of whom passed away during the production. The students dedicated the film in their memory.

The winners were announced during the 2025 Sports Emmy Awards ceremony held in New York City on Tuesday, May 20.

In a gesture of giving back, the students plan to allocate part of the award proceeds to support the Human Jukebox program, its media team, and scholarships for future students pursuing similar creative paths.

One of the filmmakers, a native of Monroe, also helped bring regional pride to the Emmy-winning achievement.

During Morris Brown College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, Bishop T.D. Jakes delivered more than just an empowering message—he made a major impact. The renowned pastor and leader of The Potter’s House surprised the graduating class by announcing a $100,000 donation to the historic Atlanta-based HBCU.

The funds, delivered through the T.D. Jakes Foundation, will cover more than 150 workforce certification exams, opening doors for students to earn credentials in high-demand industries. The donation was a powerful reinforcement of Jakes’ core message: that true legacy isn’t just what we inherit, but what we intentionally invest in others.

Held on May 17 at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, the commencement celebrated 58 graduates who now move from the classroom into the world as changemakers. In a symbolic full-circle moment, Jakes was awarded an honorary doctorate from Morris Brown—home of the Wolverines—an institution that has weathered tremendous storms to reclaim its legacy.

Morris Brown made history in 2022 as the first HBCU to regain its accreditation after a 20-year struggle. Since then, it has reopened its doors not only to traditional students but also to those displaced by the recent closure of institutions like Limestone University. Despite past challenges, the college continues to rise—and contributions like Jakes’ are helping to ensure that future generations can rise with it.

“We’re under attack financially,” Morris Brown leaders noted, emphasizing how timely this donation is as many HBCUs continue to fight for stability and support. Yet Jakes encouraged the graduates to see themselves as the solution—not just for their college, but for the world.

“You’ve come too far not to get up,” Jakes declared. “Fight until you build your business or company, find a cure for cancer, franchise yourself, or get on your feet.”

May proved to be a powerful moment for Atlanta’s HBCU community overall. Civil rights icon Dr. Cornel West inspired Morehouse College graduates with a powerful address on “spiritual wickedness in high places,” while actress and advocate Taraji P. Henson reminded Spelman College seniors to lean on sisterhood in a world that too often tries to wear Black women down.

But at Morris Brown, T.D. Jakes left the class of 2025 with a call to action: build, lead, give, and most importantly—change the world.

Just days after former President Donald Trump confidently told a national audience that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) had “nothing to worry about” when it comes to federal funding, a new budget proposal from his team is telling a much different story.

At the heart of the controversy is Howard University — the only federally chartered HBCU and one of the most influential institutions in Black higher education. Under the proposed 2026 federal budget, Howard stands to lose $64 million in funding, a sharp reduction that has sent ripples through the HBCU community.

The White House claims this rollback reflects a return to “sustainable” funding levels from 2021, noting that the 2025 budget included a one-time, $300 million federal commitment for a new hospital on campus. But to many, including Howard’s administration, the proposed cut feels like more than just an accounting decision — it feels like a betrayal.

Words Don’t Match the Policy

At a recent NewsNation town hall, Trump responded to a question from media personality Stephen A. Smith — a known Trump sympathizer — about whether HBCUs should be worried about funding under his leadership. Trump assured viewers there was no threat, citing his past actions and framing himself as a champion for Black colleges.

However, the stark contrast between those words and this budget proposal is raising alarms, especially considering the broader pattern of attacks on educational equity and diversity initiatives coming from his political circle.

Howard Responds

In a formal statement, Howard University expressed disappointment while reaffirming its mission:

“The University is aware of the Trump Administration’s proposed funding recommendations… As a leading HBCU, Howard has since its founding in 1867 cultivated talent, unlocked opportunity, and contributed mightily to every sector of American life.”

Howard emphasized its ongoing role as a top-tier research institution and as a leader in economic mobility for Black students. “We look forward to engaging with policymakers to sustain the FY 2026 budget at least at the level of FY 2025,” the statement continued, underscoring the school’s readiness to advocate for its future.

A Pattern of Concern

This budget battle is bigger than Howard. HBCU leaders across the country are watching closely, especially amid ongoing concerns about potential threats to the Department of Education and federally supported diversity initiatives.

The deeper worry is that if a school as prominent as Howard can have its funding threatened, what might be in store for smaller HBCUs that don’t have the same level of visibility or federal status?

The Bottom Line

For HBCU advocates and alumni, the latest budget proposal is a sobering reminder that promises on the campaign trail don’t always survive in Washington. As this debate unfolds, HBCU Original will continue to follow the money — and the message — to ensure our community stays informed and empowered.

Florida A&M University, the state’s only public historically Black university, is entering a new chapter as its Board of Trustees voted Friday to appoint telecom executive Marva Johnson as its next president. Johnson, a vice president at Charter Communications and a former appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Florida Board of Education, secured the role with an 8-4 vote—despite intense opposition from students, alumni, and faculty.

Her appointment follows a highly charged and divisive search process that many critics say lacked transparency and community input. Johnson’s limited experience in higher education and her political ties to DeSantis—whose administration has drawn fire for rolling back diversity initiatives and restricting African American history instruction—have fueled protests on campus and beyond.

Supporters argue that Johnson’s political connections could prove strategic, helping FAMU navigate Tallahassee’s Republican-controlled legislature at a time of funding uncertainty. Critics, however, question whether those same ties will compromise the university’s core mission as an HBCU.

“I’m not a Trojan Horse,” Johnson told a skeptical audience at a public forum earlier this week. “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU.”

If confirmed by the state’s Board of Governors, Johnson could earn up to $750,000 annually—more than $150,000 above her predecessor’s salary. That figure has only added to concerns about the direction of the search and what it signals about university leadership priorities.

Board Chair Kristin Harper, who voted against Johnson’s selection and was later removed from leading contract negotiations, expressed disappointment in the process. “There was a lack of intellectual depth and a gap in cultural connection that was just painfully blatant,” she said.

Johnson’s appointment also comes amid broader efforts by Gov. DeSantis to reshape Florida’s higher education system, often favoring politically aligned candidates over those with academic credentials. If confirmed, Johnson will join a growing number of university leaders in Florida with close ties to the governor.

Jamal Brown, the board’s faculty representative who voted in favor of Johnson, defended the decision: “Our survival depends on how we navigate those systems. If we don’t have leadership that can operate within it, we fall further behind.”

Still, resistance within the FAMU community remains strong. More than 13,000 individuals signed a petition opposing Johnson’s nomination ahead of the board’s vote. During public comment, speakers warned that donor support could be jeopardized, and accused the board of disregarding student and alumni voices.

Prominent FAMU alumnus and film producer Will Packer called the decision “a recipe for disaster,” adding that other notable alumni—including rapper Common, singer K. Michelle, and comedian Roy Wood Jr.—also oppose the appointment.

FAMU’s new student body vice president, Kennedy Williams, echoed the sentiment. “The students are the heart and soul of FAMU and it’s important that they feel as if they’re heard,” she said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t today.”

Concerns about political interference heightened last month after a leaked list of finalists circulated, sparking speculation that Johnson was added late in the process. Tensions escalated further when Trustee Earnie Ellison resigned after calling for a pause in the search to address community concerns. The day before Friday’s vote, Alan Levine—a DeSantis ally and member of the search committee and Board of Governors—nominated a local McDonald’s franchise owner to fill a board vacancy, prompting further scrutiny.

Leon County Commissioner and FAMU instructor Al Lawson criticized the process, calling it “hanky panky.”

Levine, in an interview, denied any political interference, calling rumors about Johnson’s last-minute inclusion “patently false.” He defended her qualifications and cited successful presidencies by other nontraditional candidates, including former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher.

FAMU continues to recover from past leadership turmoil, including a national scandal involving a fake $237 million donation under Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, who resigned last year.

State Senator and FAMU alumnus Shevrin Jones urged unity despite lingering frustrations. “FAMU is not a Fortune 500 company,” he said, “but if Johnson can use her political background to address historic underfunding, it may offer some benefit.” Still, he cautioned that political access must not come at the cost of cultural understanding or academic leadership.

“FAMU has survived far worse than this,” Jones said. “As Marva comes in, the first order of business for her is to unite the university.”