Story perspectives

Judge Rejects Trump Pardon Claim in Pipe-Bomb Case

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Amir H. Ali, a Biden appointee, rejected Brian Cole Jr.’s claim that President Donald Trump’s blanket pardon covered his alleged pipe-bomb crimes.
The White House clarified the pardon excludes Cole’s alleged January 5 2021 pipe-bomb plot, for which he faces charges of transporting explosives, attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism while armed.
He is set for a status hearing on Wednesday, but no trial date has been scheduled.

History

Historical Context

In August 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a full pardon to former President Richard Nixon, dropping his approval from 71 % to 50 % and prompting congressional backlash. The episode showed that a presidential pardon does not automatically stop ongoing prosecutions, a point reiterated today as Judge Amir H. Ali ruled Donald Trump’s 2021 blanket pardon does not protect Brian Cole Jr. from pipe-bomb charges.

1 of 2

Story summary

Judge Amir H. Ali, a Biden appointee, rejected Brian Cole Jr.’s claim that President Donald Trump’s blanket pardon covered his alleged pipe-bomb crimes.
The White House clarified the pardon excludes Cole’s alleged January 5 2021 pipe-bomb plot, for which he faces charges of transporting explosives, attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism while armed.
He is set for a status hearing on Wednesday, but no trial date has been scheduled.

1 / 2