Trump Signals Possible Pardons for White House Staff

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

Newsweek

Trump has previously used the pardon power for political allies, including Michael Flynn, Roger Stone and Steve Bannon. During his second term he said he had granted clemency to about 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. He also cited former President Joe Biden’s end-of-term clemency actions—such as pre-emptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci and members of the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot—as a precedent for broader use of the power.

Newsweek

The White House has not confirmed any plan to issue broad pre-emptive pardons for administration personnel. Legal scholars note that a blanket pardon covering categories of staff would expand the traditional scope of presidential clemency.

Newsweek

Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, warned on X that presidential pardons “do not provide absolute immunity,” emphasizing that recipients could still face state, civil or international liability. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) called for a constitutional amendment to limit pardon powers and bar self-pardons, arguing that presidents of both parties have misused the authority, with particular concern about Trump’s approach.

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

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

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• “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

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