He pardoned the ones who could sink his a** because they had the goods on him. With one stupid dumb exception on his part.
Michael Cohen. He didn't think Michael would ever roll over no matter how badly FOOTOO treated him. WRONG AGAIN!
Elsewise otherwise he pardoned the Roger Stones et al.
He was also stupid dumb for not "pardoning" in advance his CFO. The guy who knows where all the skeletons are buried. Alan Weisselburg.
Now the FOOTOO gets to roast slowly in his own juices. That's what happens to the arrogant who believe they are smarter than everyone and can outthink everyone.
Just desserts. Tasty!