In West Palm Beach, Florida, President Donald Trump granted clemency to Carlos Watson, co-founder of Ozy Media, just before he was set to commence a nearly 10-year prison sentence for involvement in a financial conspiracy. Watson's conviction last year shed light on the downfall of an ambitious startup amidst media industry turmoil. A high-ranking White House official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the commutation, emphasizing Trump's frequent use of his executive powers to grant pardons and commutations to those he views as treated unfairly by the legal system. Alongside Watson, the White House disclosed other acts of clemency, including pardons for individuals such as Nikola founder Trevor Milton and three entrepreneurs tied to BITMEX, a cryptocurrency exchange fined for breaching anti-money laundering laws. Ozy Media, established in 2012, intended to provide a fresh take on politics and culture while amplifying underrepresented voices. It faced closure in 2021 following concerns raised by a New York Times article, which doubted the organization's viewership claims and hinted at potential securities fraud. Watson's arrest in 2023 followed guilty pleas from two executives on fraud charges. Prosecutors accused him of manipulating revenue figures to mislead investors and lenders, including fabricating the finality of deals. Post-sentencing, then-Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace labeled Watson a "con man" who deceived investors through deceitful practices.