Jason Miller, a top adviser to Donald Trump, was asked on CNN this morning if the president-elect would pardon himself of federal charges he faced, once he takes office.
Trump was indicted last year for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election, and for possessing and hiding classified documents. The justice department special counsel leading the prosecution, Jack Smith, last week dropped those charges, thought kept open the possibility that they could be reinstated at a future time.
Once he is inaugurated, Trump has the power to issue himself a pardon that could end his legal trouble for good. CNN asked Miller if Trump would do that, and he responded:
“That would never be something that I would weigh in on. That would be something for the legal team to discuss. And again, President Trump did nothing wrong.”
Constitutionally there isn’t a restriction for a self pardon. However it goes against the definition of the word and action. Some things by meaning you don’t do towards yourself. That probably won’t matter, since its validity is up to the courts and we know how they’re stacked to do what he wants.
That’s why Biden’s pardon of his son is so interesting. He’s not the first President to pardon a family member, but Hunter Biden is such a central character in the Conservative Cinematic Universe that I’m sure that there are a lot of MAGAts in Congress itching to impeach him over it…
… and I bet a bunch of Democrats get on board, too! Because whether or not Hunter Biden goes to jail ultimately doesn’t matter in the long run. But establishing some bounds for the pardon power is essential, and the SCOTUS has effectively ruled that he can exercise his official powers however he wants, and only Congress can hold him to account.
It would be hilarious if someone like MTG introduced an impeachment resolution over it, only to have to walk it back when many Democrats support it, and Senate Democrats back it, too, and the impeachment ends up having more to do with putting bounds on the next President than punishing the current one.
I kind of like the idea of impeaching Biden solely to allow Kamala to be president for a few days/weeks, meaning Trump has to toss all his “47” merch and have it re-made with “48.”
Oh, and also constitutional guide-rails I guess.
You say that like it would be a bad thing for Trump. That just means all of his worshipers will buy all new stuff. You see NBA players do this sometimes when they change numbers. Right after they do their jersey sales Skyrocket.
Good point.