Donald Trump has faced a host of legal challenges including lawsuits, allegations of fraud, and allegations of tax evasion during his years as President of the United States. But as his presidency enters its final weeks, Trump is keenly aware that once he formally leaves the White House (on January 20 of next year), he will not have the extensive legal protections he has enjoyed thus far.
In 2018, he tweeted: “As numerous jurists have stated, I have the absolute right to FORGIVE ME, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? Meanwhile, the never-ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very angry and conflicting Democrats (and others) continues in the intervening periods. “
What is a presidential pardon?
All presidents of the United States have the constitutional right to pardon or commute the sentences of persons who have violated federal laws. The power to forgive cannot be restricted even by Congress, making it an unlimited power that applies only to federal and non-state crimes. Therefore, pardons are not questioned and it is not necessary to give a reason for them.
Can Trump forgive himself?
Since there is no precedent for a president to forgive himself in the history of the United States, the legality of the matter has not been clear. Although Trump has insisted over the years that he has the “absolute right” to forgive himself. But a presidential pardon could not fully protect Trump, as pardons can only be granted for federal crimes, and therefore, you may have to face prosecution for state crimes. Trump can use this power, like previous presidents, to forgive his friends and family, as this also happened in 2019 when Trump commuted the prison sentence of his longtime ally Roger Stone.
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Can Vice President Mike Pence forgive Trump?
Experts have been saying that Trump could use the 25th amendment to the US constitution that allows an incapacitated president to temporarily resign and hand over the reins to the vice president, who will act on his behalf until he returns to office during which time. Pence could pardon. Triumph. Although, this seems like a long shot.
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