Trump has repeatedly joked with aides and government officials recently about making extensive use of presidential pardon powers before leaving office, even going so far as to say he would pardon everyone within 200 feet of the Oval Office. Sources familiar with the matter said Trump frequently mentioned this idea when aides expressed concern about potential criminal prosecutions or congressional investigations after his term. White House press secretary Levitt responded by saying it was merely a joke. The report notes that Trump has already issued approximately 1,600 pardons or commutations during his current term—far exceeding his first term—and has repeatedly granted pardons to allies, donors, and individuals closely connected to him, sparking criticism from both parties. Trump’s frequent references to preemptive pardons reflect his ongoing concerns about political and legal risks after leaving office, especially amid fears that Republicans may lose control of the House of Representatives and Democrats have vowed to investigate matters related to the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and pardon practices. The report points out that toward the end of Biden’s term, several senior officials and their families were granted preemptive pardons, which some former Biden aides viewed as breaking precedent, thereby creating space for Trump to further expand this power. Oye, a former Department of Justice pardon attorney, warned that such statements could encourage cabinet members and senior officials to adopt more aggressive actions, believing they will ultimately be protected.
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