Former Rep. Duncan D. Hunter reacts to being pardoned by President Trump

WASHINGTON (KUSI) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, including Republican allies, a 2016 campaign official ensnared in the Russia probe and former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad.

The pardons include former Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter.

Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds and spending the money on everything from outings with friends to his daughter’s birthday party.

Former Rep. Duncan D. Hunter spoke exclusively with KUSI News shortly after he was pardoned. Hunter explained that he had no idea a pardon was coming, but he had a feeling President Trump would “do the right thing, and he did.”

Hunter was extremely thankful for the pardon, and everyone involved who was urging the president to grant him one.

Hunter also pointed out that other people pardoned by President Trump, specifically the Blackwater guys, are much more deserving of a pardon than him.

Hunter believes military guys like Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher and other Congressman stepped in to make sure he was on Trump’s list of people to pardon, and is very thankful that they did so.

Gallagher posted a few photos to Instagram saying he was stoked for Duncan Hunter, adding that he believes the pardon was much deserved.

Gallagher’s full caption read, “So stoked for Duncan Hunter! The pardon from President Trump @realdonaldtrump was beyond deserved. Duncan was one of the FEW members of Congress that fought tirelessly and stuck with Me & my family from the beginning. He never gave up and he didn’t take shit from the “swamp” when countless others cowered. Congrats brother!”