Trump Promised Top Officials Blanket Pardons

NEWS & RESEARCH

President Trump repeatedly promised top officials pardons to preempt potential prosecutions or congressional probes. He reportedly joked about pardoning anyone within "200 feet of the Oval Office."

SOURCE: Wall Street Journal

ANALYSIS & OPINION

Law professor and former federal prosecutor and pardon expert Frank Bowman said “the Supreme Court has given [Trump] permission to commit crimes if they involve pardons…He is at liberty to throw around promises of pardons for any kind of prospective criminal behavior.” Law professor Kimberly Wehle agreed: “The Supreme Court effectively greenlighted an organized crime spree in the Oval Office.”

SOURCES: Slate | Opinion: The Hill

HOW TO FIX IT

Congressional Action:

• Transparency: Pass the Presidential Pardon Transparency Act to require public disclosure of all pardon details and mandate that the administration share prosecution data with Congress.

• Constitutional Limits: Adopt an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President, pardons for family members, or those issued for "corrupt purposes" (e.g., bribes).

• Oversight: Formally investigate the administration’s use—and promised use—of the pardon power.

State Action:

• Independent Prosecution: States should continue enforcing state laws, as federal pardons do not provide immunity from state-level charges.

Legislation: H.R.252 - Presidential Pardon Transparency Act of 2021 | H.J.Res.13 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President