Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says that, compared to other recent presidents, Trump’s pardons appear "more politically oriented. He is focusing on people whose political actions are consistent with his own, in that they have been advancing points of view that he shares, or working toward his goals."

Shana Gadarian, associate professor of political science, says those who pay attention to politics tend to be more partisan and often set aside information they find inconsistent with their beliefs. "To the extent that you like this administration," she says, "you might say this is just the way business is done. This isn’t a concern."