Did Trump pardon Desiree Perez?
Asked by: Alberta Pollich | Last update: June 28, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez was granted a full pardon by President Donald Trump in January 2021, among his final acts in office. The pardon related to her 1994 arrest for conspiracy to distribute narcotics and a subsequent 1999 parole violation, which she cited as a past chapter she had moved on from through personal growth and criminal justice reform advocacy.
Did Desiree Perez get a pardon from Trump?
In 2021, then-president Donald Trump pardoned Perez of the charges, citing her efforts to "turn her life around." Following the pardon, Perez expressed her gratitude. Perez is married to the co-founder and President of Roc Nation Sports, Juan Perez. The couple reside in New York City.
Who exactly did Trump pardon?
In his second term (beginning 2025), President Trump has issued numerous pardons, including a large-scale pardon of Jan. 6 Capitol rioters on his first day in office, along with allies like Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and various political supporters. Other pardons include reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, and former Rep. George Santos.
Who did Desiree Perez snitched on?
Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, cooperated with federal authorities in the 1990s following a 1994 arrest for conspiracy to distribute 35 kilograms of cocaine, acting as a government informer to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Records suggest her cooperation involved co-defendant Amaury Lopez. She was later pardoned by President Trump in 2021.
What did Desiree Perez do?
In 2008, Perez joined Jay-Z and three other founders to establish Roc Nation. Perez joined the team as chief operations officer and co-founder. She served as COO until 2019, when she was named chief executive officer of the company, succeeding Jay Brown.
ROC NATION CEO DESIREE PEREZ WAS PARDONED BY TRUMP?!
Which woman did Trump pardon?
Alice Marie Johnson is the most prominent woman pardoned by Donald Trump. After her life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense was commuted in 2018 following advocacy by Kim Kardashian, Trump granted her a full pardon in August 2020. She has since become a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and was appointed by Trump to a "[pardon czar]" role in 2025.
Who cannot be pardoned by the president?
The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.
Are you still a felon if you are pardoned by the president?
Yes, a person who receives a presidential pardon is still technically a convicted felon, as a pardon does not erase the historical record of the conviction, nor does it imply innocence. However, a pardon removes the punishment, restores civil rights (like voting or holding office), and lifts legal disabilities resulting from the conviction.
Who pardoned the most people, Biden or Trump?
Based on data as of early 2026, Joe Biden granted more total acts of clemency (over 4,200) during his 2021–2025 term than Donald Trump did in his first term. However, early in his second term (starting Jan 2025), Donald Trump issued massive, unprecedented pardons, including over 1,500 for Jan. 6th defendants, putting him on a pace to exceed historical records.
Can anyone overrule a presidential pardon?
A presidential pardon—no matter how controversial—cannot be overturned. The Constitution gives the pardon power to the executive branch alone, not the legislative branch (Congress) or the judicial branch (federal courts, including the Supreme Court).
Who did Kim Kardashian get Trump to pardon?
In late May 2018, Kardashian met with the President in the Oval Office to urge him to pardon Johnson. On June 6, 2018, following Kardashian's appeal, Trump commuted Johnson's sentence, and Johnson was released.
Who famous did Obama pardon?
President Barack Obama granted 212 pardons and 1,385 commutations during his term, focusing heavily on nonviolent drug offenses. Notable pardons included Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager (tax evasion), Hall of Fame baseball player Willie McCovey (tax evasion), and Puerto Rican nationalist Oscar Lopez Rivera (commutation of 55-year sentence).
What race is Desiree Perez?
Desiree Perez, the CEO of Roc Nation, is of Cuban ethnicity. Born to Cuban immigrant parents and raised in the Bronx, New York City, she is a first-generation American who is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Who does Desiree Perez work for?
Desiree Perez is Chief Executive Officer of the globally acclaimed entertainment organization, Roc Nation. She is an award-winning executive producer renowned for her integrity as an industry leader and her exemplary humanitarian work.
Who is Desiree Perez to Jay-Z?
The Roc Star CEO of JAY-Z's Empire
Since launching alongside JAY-Z and founding partners in 2008, she's built the infrastructure for management, label, publishing, live, and social impact, turning Roc Nation into a business that operates across industries without losing control of its core. That instinct started early.
What is Desiree doing now?
Des'ree (Desirée Annette Weekes), best known for 90s hits like "You Gotta Be," largely stepped away from the spotlight after 2003, focusing on a career as a nutritionist and naturopath. She returned to music with a new album, A Love Story, released on her own label in 2019, but has otherwise maintained a quiet, private life.
How old is Desiree Perez?
Based on the search results, there are two distinct individuals named Desiree Perez. The CEO of Roc Nation (Desiree Perez) and a reality television personality (Desiree "Des" Perez).
What businesses does Desiree Perez own?
About Desiree Perez
In tandem with hip-hop and business mogul JAY-Z (Chairman), Desiree Perez co-founded entertainment company Roc Nation with Jay Brown (Vice Chairman), Juan Perez (President of Roc Nation Sports), and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith (President of A&R) in 2008.
Are you still a convicted felon if you get a presidential pardon?
Yes, a person who receives a presidential pardon is still technically a convicted felon, as a pardon does not erase the historical record of the conviction, nor does it imply innocence. However, a pardon removes the punishment, restores civil rights (like voting or holding office), and lifts legal disabilities resulting from the conviction.
Who is everyone that Trump pardoned?
In his second term (2025–present), President Donald Trump has issued numerous pardons and commutations, heavily focusing on financial crimes, political allies, and, on his first day, blanket pardons for January 6, 2021, Capitol rioters. Key beneficiaries include crypto executives, former politicians, and supporters.
Does a pardon erase the crime?
The California Constitution gives the Governor the right to pardon someone convicted of a crime in California. A pardon can restore some, but not all, rights lost due to a conviction. It does not erase or seal a record. California Constitution, Article 5, §8.
Which president never pardoned?
Yes, two U.S. presidents did not issue any pardons or commutations during their time in office: William Henry Harrison and James A. Garfield. Both presidents did not grant clemency because their terms were cut short by death shortly after taking office, leaving them no practical opportunity to do so.
Do you have to be found guilty to be pardoned?
No, you do not have to be guilty—or even convicted—to be pardoned, though a pardon is legally interpreted as an act of forgiveness for a crime rather than a declaration of innocence. A pardon can be issued at any time after a crime is committed, including before any charges or convictions occur.