Access for cash is not justice
A Trump pardon followed nearly $2 million in donations from the man who got it. That tells every family that rules can be bought.
Look at the money around a risky gas station supplement. A Texas couple tied to kratom gave more than $3 million to Republicans this cycle. Their wholesaler faces lawsuits, and the industry is ramping up spending. Reporting says the Justice Department moved to drop a case against a kratom drink company after its founder made donations to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has invested in that firm.
Here is the cost to you. At least 30 states have tried to rein in kratom over health risks. Texas wrote a shield for some retailers into law if they say they relied on a supplier’s claims. The industry’s trade group spent at least $485,000 this year on federal lobbying. Democratic lawmakers pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Environmental Protection Agency chief Lee Zeldin to explain whether influence and access affected the normal pardon review after Trevor Milton’s donations and pardon.
Justice is not a donor perk.
When big checks buy access, safety rules get weaker and your family takes the risk. You don’t have to change teams to reject that. In 2026, hire people who answer to you, not to a checkbook.
- Ask your representative if they back a ban on paid pardon lobbying and full transparency on clemency requests
- Share this with a neighbor who still thinks donations don’t change outcomes
- Vote in 2026 to replace the officials who did this
- Check your voter registration at Vote.gov
Countdown
The 2026 midterms are in 18 days.
References
The kratom millionaires quietly boosting the GOP – POLITICO. Oct 9, 2026
RFK Jr. and Lee Zeldin pressed by Democrats on possible roles in Trump pardons – CBS News. Oct 9, 2026