It was as if the last decade had not happened.

Wearing a black turtleneck and blazer — an American flag pin affixed to its lapel — Bernard B. Kerik made an appearance on Fox News. Then it was on to a Midtown steakhouse for dinner and Ketel-One-and-cranberry cocktails, courtesy of his old friend Bo Dietl, who wanted to toast Mr. Kerik.

The day before, President Trump had personally informed Mr. Kerik that he was being pardoned. With that, the dishonored former New York City police commissioner was moved ahead of 14,000 others seeking pardons, forgiven his criminal convictions and unshackled from restrictions that can impede the post-prison careers of people with felony records.

During that dinner last week, Mr. Dietl, the profane security consultant and former New York police detective, raised the possibility of giving Mr. Kerik, 64, some work outside the country. Mr. Dietl recalled how his friend responded: “‘We could do some business, Bo.’”

The simple comment conveyed the world of opportunity restored.

For at least 10 years, Mr. Kerik had been seen as a fallen figure from a distant tough-guy era in New York, banished to the margins of power. But with the rise of Mr. Trump, Mr. Kerik’s fortunes changed. His brand — brashly conservative, critical of federal prosecutors and close with right-wing media — precisely fit the jaw-jutting mold favored in the White House.