Trump Considering Pardoning Himself

Schmidt, Michael, and Maggie Haberman. "Trump Is Said to Have Discussed Pardoning Himself." The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos. Last modified January 7, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/politics/trump-self-pardon.html.

Earlier this year, Donald Trump suggested that he plans to pardon himself in the final days of his presidency. According to The New York Times, this would be the most extraordinary and untested use of presidential power in American history. It is alleged that Donald Trump is consulting advisers on this matter, asking about the impact it could have. On Wednesday 6th January 2020 Donald Trump is said to have incited his supporters to match into the Capitol and the events of that day did not end well. This is the first time the issue of self-clemency has popped since no other president has done that, and there is a divided opinion on whether the courts would recognize it. This is an issue of concern because it would make presidents feel like they are above the law. None of them would ever be held accountable for any crimes committed in office.

Some legal scholars believe this can happen, and some are not certain. Back in 1974, the Justice department shared an opinion that “it would seem” that presidents cannot pardon themselves. However, this was just an opinion. It is only a court that can validate a self-pardon, and this would happen if a case was brought before the court by the Biden administration. Donald Trump in his tweet say’s there is nothing he has done that would require him to sign the self-pardon, but he insists he has the power to do so. This issue can be determined better if he signs a self-pardon and then a case is brough against him.  

Some legal scholars believe this can happen, and some are not certain. Back in 1974, the Justice department shared an opinion that “it would seem” that presidents cannot pardon themselves. However, this was just an opinion. It is only a court that can validate a self-pardon, and this would happen if a case was brought before the court by the Biden administration. Donald Trump in his tweet say’s there is nothing he has done that would require him to sign the self-pardon, but he insists he has the power to do so. This issue can be determined better if he signs a self-pardon and then a case is brough against him.  

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