Trump Admin Ponders 250 Pardons For America’s Birthday
Trump administration eyeing 250 pardons for America’s 250th birthday.
There are many ways one can celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
For President Donald Trump, one way may be to grant 250 presidential Pardons, a move that has convicts lobbying for clemency.
The initiative is being called “250 pardons for 250 years.”
According to “The Atlantic,” the proposal is under discussion before the Independence Day holiday.
However,Trump hasn't been formally presented with the proposal; it may not be implemented.
The outlet reported advisers are divided over whether a sweeping use of presidential clemency would result in a political boost or a liability.
The prospect of a mass pardon annuncement has sparked what one criminal-defense attorney described to The Atlantic as “a three-ring circus.”
A former Trump administration official called it “batsh*t crazy.”
Attorneys and lobbyists said they have seen a rush of new clients hoping to receive clemency.
One lawyer said, “In 30 years of practicing law, I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m exhausted.”
Supporters say the plan would reinforce the Trump’s image as a merciful leader.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told “The Atlantic,” “President Trump takes his absolute constitutional power to issue Pardons and commutations seriously.
“That’s why we have a rigorous review process involving the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel’s Office – a team of elite lawyers who carefully evaluate every request before it reaches the President’s desk, and he serves as the final decision maker,” she added.
Those reportedly vying for possible clemency include Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, who is wanted over the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal; former Fugees member Pras Michel, who was convicted over an alleged lobbying scheme connected to Jho Low; and OneTaste co-founder Nicole Daedone, who was sentenced in a forced-labor conspiracy case.
The Justice Department noted, “Anyone is eligible to apply for a pardon and POTUS is the ultimate decider.”
At the start of his second term as president, Trump used his clemency powers by issuing Pardons or sentence commutations to nearly 1,600 people connected to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.