Story perspectives

Trump May Consider Pardoning Michael Cohen Amid “Pardon Economy” Claims

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 2:12 AM UTC · How we work

Left

Clemency For Donations

U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 10, 2026 he might consider pardoning former attorney Michael Cohen.
Coverage highlights a developing “pardon economy” where Trump’s clemency appears linked to political donations and favors.
Cohen, claiming pressure to testify, serves a three-year sentence for the Stormy Daniels payment.
60 Minutes will air “The Pardon Economy” segment on Trump’s 194 pardons and 37 commutations.

Right

State Jurisdiction Limits

U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 10, 2026 he might consider pardoning former personal attorney Michael Cohen.
His authority was limited to federal crimes, so any pardon request falls under state jurisdiction, and the Clancy case is a state matter.
The situation was described as sad, with no winner regardless of outcome.
He said Lindsay Clancy will pay for the deaths, in a mental institution or jail.

Blindspot

Reporters in the left-leaning sources describe a developing “pardon economy,” saying Trump’s clemency appears tied to political donations, campaign contributions, and other favors.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

Bill Clinton’s mass clemency on Jan 20 2001, when he granted 140 pardons—including the controversial Marc Rich pardon—triggered a Senate investigation and prompted tighter oversight of presidential clemency in the United States. The episode set a precedent cited in Sep 2026 when Donald Trump floated pardoning Michael Cohen, reviving ongoing national debates over a “pardon economy.”

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Clemency For Donations

U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 10, 2026 he might consider pardoning former attorney Michael Cohen.
Coverage highlights a developing “pardon economy” where Trump’s clemency appears linked to political donations and favors.
Cohen, claiming pressure to testify, serves a three-year sentence for the Stormy Daniels payment.
60 Minutes will air “The Pardon Economy” segment on Trump’s 194 pardons and 37 commutations.

1 / 4