In a move that has stunned legal experts, President Donald Trump has issued a fresh pardon to Adriana Camberos—a Florida woman he already granted clemency to during his first term.

Camberos, who was originally convicted for a 5-Hour Energy drink counterfeit scheme, found herself back in prison for a separate grocery fraud. Trump’s decision to pardon her again, alongside 12 others, underscores his willingness to use presidential powers to override the judicial system for favored individuals.

The "Pardon Pipeline"

The pardon comes amidst a flurry of clemency acts that include the father of a major donor and a former Puerto Rican governor. Critics argue the President is operating a "pardon pipeline" for the connected.

• The Offense: Camberos and her brother were convicted of defrauding manufacturers by diverting goods meant for Mexico back into the US market.
• The Message: The dual pardon sends a signal that loyalty—or luck—can buy immunity from the law, not once, but twice.
• The Context: This is happening as Trump’s administration systematically dismantles Justice Department norms, firing the pardon attorney to streamline his decisions.

For the prosecutors who built the case, it is a slap in the face. For Camberos, it is the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card, played for the second time.