Trump Signals Possible Preemptive Pardons for White House Staff

President Donald Trump told reporters on Saturday that, while he has not given the idea serious thought, he would be “allowed” to grant pardons to White House staff and administration officials. He framed the notion as a safeguard against what he described as “corrupt weaponization” of investigations. The comments followed a report that White House attorneys were evaluating preemptive pardons for lower-level officials involved in immigration, trade, and military policy.

Newsweek

Trump has repeatedly defended the use of presidential clemency to protect his allies. During his first term he pardoned Michael Flynn, Roger Stone and Steve Bannon. In his second term he has already granted clemency to about 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and commuted the sentence of former Representative George Santos in October 2024. He also pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, whose 45-year sentence for drug-trafficking was controversial.

Newsweek

Former President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for a range of individuals, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley and members of the House select committee that investigated the Capitol riot. Trump has cited those actions as precedent for his own potential use of the power.

Newsweek

Trump emphasized that he does not want “innocent people” to face “years of nonsense” or financial ruin, suggesting that staff could be protected from politically motivated investigations after his term ends. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously dismissed media speculation as a joke, asserting that the president’s pardon power is absolute. The White House has not confirmed any formal plan to issue broad preemptive pardons.

Newsweek

Legal scholars warn that a blanket preemptive pardon for administration personnel would expand the traditional scope of the power. Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, noted on X that pardons “do not provide absolute immunity” and that recipients could still face state, civil or international liability. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) has called for a constitutional amendment to limit pardon authority and bar self-pardons, citing concerns about misuse by presidents of both parties.

Newsweek

• “Well, I haven't thought of it, but I will tell you, it would be very unfair to go through what we went through for four years with the corrupt weaponization that took place,” — Donald Trump, president

Newsweek

• “I don't want to see people that work for me go through years of nonsense, hire lawyers, and everything else,” — Donald Trump, president

Newsweek

• “I certainly don't want to see innocent people go through hell and lose all their money," Trump said before turning to White House aide Margo Martin, who was standing nearby.” — Donald Trump, president

Newsweek