RFK Jr. and Lee Zeldin pressed by Democrats on possible roles in Trump pardons

Democratic lawmakers have sent letters to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin asking about possible roles in pardons issued by President Donald Trump.

The inquiries concern Trevor Milton, convicted of deceiving investors in 2022, and Troy Lake, found guilty in 2024 of violating the Clean Air Act. The letters ask about the officials’ connections to either man, any advocacy for their pardons and involvement in other clemency cases.

The letter to Kennedy referenced a Reuters report that he supported a pardon for Milton. A person close to Kennedy told CBS News they had heard him say privately that he would not advocate for pardons. The department and Milton did not immediately comment.

Democrats also pointed to a statement by Lake’s wife that seemed to credit Zeldin with bringing the case to the White House. An EPA official disputed that Zeldin had advocated for Lake’s pardon.

Democrats have few tools to compel testimony while they are in the minority. If they win control of either chamber in November’s midterms, they would gain subpoena power and say they intend to examine the pardon process and related lobbying. The letters signal that clemency may become a focus of congressional oversight next year.