Media mogul Conrad Black was convicted on fraud and obstruction charges in 2007. Released from prison in 2012, Black went on to become a vocal ally for President Donald Trump.
In addition to writing an entire book praising the president— Trump: A President Like No Other —Black also wrote an op-ed in the National Review in 2015 praising Trump's campaign.
The President gleefully shared it on Twitter.
Black said in the piece:
“Donald Trump — who, I should disclose, is an old friend, a fine and generous and loyal man, and a delightful companion — is striking very close to the heart of the American problem: the corrupt, dysfunctional political system and the dishonest media.”
This week, Trump announced that he would be granting his old friend a full pardon on the fraud and obstruction convictions he faced.
When my assistant said there was a call from the White House, I picked up, said “Hello” and started to ask if this… https://t.co/zk9hPWPeh2— Conrad Black (@Conrad Black) 1557970989.0
People are calling foul.
2. Conrad Black is the 'perfect' Trump pardon. Someone who had glitzy power in the 80s and 90s. Someone who was rej… https://t.co/744yt9sQvZ— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@Yashar Ali 🐘) 1557970582.0
@ElizLanders @WhiteHouse Of course he did. Colour me shocked.— Serena Daly 🇨🇦🇮🇪🇨🇦 (@Serena Daly 🇨🇦🇮🇪🇨🇦) 1557968357.0
Conrad Black is one of the sleaziest people ever in the puss-drenched newspaper business. He's also a white suprema… https://t.co/wFWCsEOJrT— Dan Murphy (@Dan Murphy) 1557966547.0
This is as pathetic as it is transparent: Trump pardons billionaire friend Conrad Black, who wrote a book about him https://t.co/3GKGS9kqHB— Glenn Kirschner (@Glenn Kirschner) 1557974661.0
Others began pointing out the numerous times Black has used his platform to praise the president.
Published yesterday by Conrad Black: "Smooth Sailing Ahead for Trump" https://t.co/ofohyID8QI— Annie Karni (@Annie Karni) 1557968226.0
Conrad Black frequently uses his National Post column to praise Trump. Here's one from March 29, "The absurd collus… https://t.co/1rnc1aXLEA— Jennifer Epstein (@Jennifer Epstein) 1557967434.0
At least now we know why Conrad Black was writing all those ridiculous pro Trump columns. https://t.co/BagMVmdKqI— Ben Holt 💚 🌎 (@Ben Holt 💚 🌎) 1557982458.0
At least that ink didn't go to waste.