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Trump considers preemptive pardons for administration officials
President Donald Trump stated in a recent interview with TIME magazine that he is considering granting preemptive pardons to members of his administration before the conclusion of his term. Trump justified this potential move by citing former President Joe Biden's use of the pardon power to shield officials and family members, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Hunter Biden, from potential political targeting.
Trump indicated that he would have no issue providing clemency to staff who might face federal investigations or prosecutions after he leaves office, particularly if Democrats regain control of the House in future elections. Reports suggest he has previously promised pardons to officials who were within 200 feet of the Oval Office.
In response to these developments, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin has called for a total ban on presidential pardon powers. Slotkin argued that the current system has become a marketplace for influence, alleging that individuals pay brokers to secure clemency. The White House has rejected these claims, asserting that the administration maintains a robust and ethical pardon review process involving the Department of Justice and White House counsel.
Entities
Department of Justice · Donald Trump · Elissa Slotkin · Joe Biden · White House · White House
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Trump cited Joe Biden's pardons of individuals like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley as a precedent for his own potential actions. civildeadline.com · yournews.com · articles.thelocalreport.in · abcnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The White House stated that the Trump administration maintains a robust pardon review process and that pardons are not for sale. onecaribbeantelevision.com · wzmq19.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Donald Trump would consider granting preemptive pardons to administration officials before the end of his term. civildeadline.com · yournews.com · articles.thelocalreport.in · abcnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Senator Elissa Slotkin called for a ban on presidential pardon powers, citing concerns over a marketplace for clemency. onecaribbeantelevision.com · wzmq19.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Trump has previously indicated he would pardon officials who came within 200 feet of the Oval Office. civildeadline.com · articles.thelocalreport.in