peteblue
Welcome back Wayne
Not sure but I'd take a guess that they were probably considered 'rehabilitated' and no longer a threat to society. They had probably already cost the tax payer too much and pardoning them posed no risk and made no political statement of any consequence.
As for Trump, he's pardoning to send a message to Mueller and he's threatening a government shutdown to slow down congressional investigations.
and full stops after a question mark?,,,...!!
I know, standards are slipping......