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Former President Donald Trump granted a pardon to 1st Lt. Mark C. Bashaw, a former U.S. Army officer convicted in 2022 for disobeying COVID-19 safety measures. Bashaw’s conviction stemmed from his refusal to comply with orders such as teleworking, undergoing testing, and wearing masks indoors—measures intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus in military settings. In 2023, he was discharged from the Army, leaving him with a criminal record.
Following Trump’s pardon on May 28, 2025, Bashaw expressed gratitude, calling it a restoration of justice. The pardon is seen as part of Trump’s broader efforts to reinstate military personnel who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccination or protocols.
Critics view the pardon as politically motivated and symbolic, arguing that it undermines discipline and order in the ranks. Supporters argue it corrects what they see as overreach in military enforcement of public health policies during the pandemic.
