Man with Kushner Family Ties Who Received Trump Commutation Arrested Again

Jonathan Braun, a convicted drug dealer and predatory lender from New York with connections to Jared Kushner’s family, was recently arrested on Long Island, raising renewed concerns about the clemency he received from former President Donald Trump. Despite assurances of thorough vetting, Braun’s case—marked by a disturbing history of violence and ongoing legal troubles—calls that claim into question, as reported by The New York Times.

A Troubling History Unfolds

On Tuesday, Braun was apprehended after allegedly assaulting his 75-year-old father-in-law, striking him twice in the head. The incident reportedly occurred as the father-in-law intervened to protect his daughter, Braun’s wife, during an argument at their home. Court documents further revealed that Braun’s wife accused him of assault on two other occasions in the last five weeks. These accusations include incidents where Braun allegedly threw his wife off a bed, causing her significant pain and injury.

Despite the serious allegations, Braun pleaded not guilty and was released without bail. His attorney, Marc Fernich, emphasized that Braun would address these allegations through the judicial process.

Implications of Clemency

Braun’s arrest not only exacerbates his legal woes but also raises significant questions about the process through which Trump granted him clemency. As part of the conditions of his release from federal prison, Braun was required to remain out of legal trouble. However, with his recent arrest, he now faces the possibility of being returned to federal custody, depending on the decisions of the federal judge who oversaw his original conviction for marijuana trafficking.

The arrest of Braun underscores the broader controversy surrounding Trump’s use of clemency powers during his final days in office. Braun, among others, leveraged personal connections to bypass traditional vetting processes, securing a commutation that has left legal experts and prosecutors questioning the integrity of these decisions.

Connections and Influence

Braun’s clemency came after his family reached out to Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser. This connection played a pivotal role in securing Braun’s release, bypassing the conventional channels typically required for clemency consideration. Legal experts and prosecutors familiar with Braun’s case were reportedly shocked by the decision, given his documented history of violence and ongoing predatory lending activities.

Braun’s case is particularly notable because it disrupted an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan into predatory lending practices. Prior to receiving clemency, prosecutors had been negotiating with Braun to cooperate in exposing industry insiders. The commutation abruptly ended these discussions, allowing Braun to continue his questionable business practices after his release.

Continued Legal Troubles

Since his release, Braun has faced multiple legal challenges, including civil actions brought by New York State and the Federal Trade Commission for his predatory lending activities. His behavior since release has done little to suggest reform, as evidenced by a recent incident involving narcotics found on a private flight to Las Vegas, although no arrests were made.

Braun’s recent arrest and the surrounding circumstances call into question the wisdom of his clemency. While Trump has defended his decisions as being part of a thorough vetting process, the reality of Braun’s continued illegal activities suggests that some clemency grants were based on influence rather than merit.

The Broader Implications

The case of Jonathan Braun serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of circumventing established processes for clemency. His arrest, coupled with his ongoing legal issues, highlights the risks involved when decisions of such gravity are influenced by personal connections rather than objective assessments. As Braun’s legal battles continue, the implications of his clemency remain a stark reminder of the complexities and potential dangers inherent in the exercise of presidential clemency powers.