Unchecked presidential pardon powers
Historically, five years after release from incarceration, federally convicted applicants seeking a pardon were expected to demonstrate rehabilitation: show remorse for misdeeds, emphasize life changes since conviction and address remaining concerns. If pardoned, voting rights, ability to serve on a jury, holding public office, obtaining off-limits professional licenses and gaining new employment opportunities could be restored.
President Trump has circumvented this process. Given the Supreme Court’s immunity decision, he has attempted to expand said immunity to his allies, donors and cultural-war figures. Blanket “Get Out of Jail Free” Jan. 6 pardons cue perpetrators that any future lawlessness committed on his behalf will bear no consequences. It enables “Trump-like” financial fraudsters to continue the grift and emboldens corrupt public officials to routinely betray their constituents’ trust, all while relegating “unconnected” applicants to the side-lines. Considering a pardon for convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell only magnifies the depths of Trump’s corruption.
Consider the following mitigation measures: Add a Constitutional amendment to tighten pardon protocol. Limit the presidential pardon powers through legislative action. Exercise and enhance oversight and investigative powers. Enforce federal bribery and obstruction of justice regulations. Adjudicate pardons granted outside the established process. Review validity of “out of process” “quid pro quo” pardons. Invalidate wrongfully granted pardons. Provide remedies to victims of those illegally pardoned. Strengthen case law guides to prevent future presidential pardon power misuse and abuse.
As our founding fathers intended, we need to elect public officials willing and able to restore a fair and just presidential pardon power process.