President Donald Trump is mulling over pre-emptively pardoning about 20 people, including his loyal associates and aides, before he steps down as the president. The move is not backed by some Republicans who suggest offering legal reprieves to his close friends and family members could have an adverse effect.
Adopting a non-traditional strategy, Trump rejects the typical protocol of processing cases through the U.S. Justice Department. He argues that such pre-emptive pardons for his family members and friends are necessary to ensure they do not end up paying millions in legal fees, fighting what he calls "witch hunts."
Aside from the president's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, several members of Trump's family are up for clemency. Considering these people have not been charged with a crime, Trump would be worried these pardons would appear like an admission of guilt, POLITICO reported.
The news comes on the heels of the Department of Justice unveiling documents that hint at potential bribery for presidential pardons scheme. Despite pleading guilty to the FBI, Trump's pardoning of his former adviser Michael Flynn sparked speculations over whether he is considering pardoning other associates and family members.
Republicans, however, aren't supporting Trump's decision to offer pre-emptive pardons to so many people, and although they have expressed hesitation, they aren't willing to tell the president to stop. Senator Mike Braun noted that is in a category where are likely to run into a lot of static.
Braun said he doesn't think such a thing has ever been attempted before. This has led to another impending clash between Trump and the rest of the Republican Party. A pardon specifically applies to federal crimes, yet it is legal for the president to pardon his close circles, including family members, Reuters reported.
Pardons not only are given to people who have been prosecuted, but they also cover actions that have not led to legal proceedings. It is worth noting, though, a pardon cannot apply to conduct that has not yet taken place.
While pardons are usually given to people who have been prosecuted and sentenced, President Jimmy Carter pardoned several draft dodgers, who refused to serve in the Vietnam War in 1977.
The GOP is considering how closely aligned it wants to remain with the outgoing president once he leaves the office. On the other hand, the president has discouraged voters with his controversial actions, but since he retains some loyal followers, Trump is considering a 2024 presidential run.