If you are in desperate need of something you don’t deserve that only Trump can supply, and that alone doesn’t cause you not to want it, then yes, pretending you don’t have principles is rational: it is the only thing that will get you what you want.

Trump is an ignorant Leland Gaunt. If only he can help you out of a mess you made, being helped is going to violate every remaining principle you have. Worth just getting rid of them up front.

Elizabeth Holmes is probably practicing doing her hair like Ivanka. Her pardon is going to cost a lot of money and probably some face time.