Staff ReportsOutgoing presidents have a well-established tradition of issuing pardons before sharing a cup of tea with their successors. However, Donald Trump, the soon-to-be president again, has never been one for following traditions. It seems he may not wait until the dawn of early 2029 to start handing out some legal forgiveness. Instead, he’s likely to show up to his second inauguration on January 20, 2025, with a list of pardons longer than the line at a Black Friday sale.
The immediate pool of potential pardonees is vast and includes individuals who were caught up in the January 6, 2021 drama at the Capitol. While over 900 individuals face federal charges stemming from that day, they aren’t the only ones hoping for a quick ticket out of legal trouble. There’s also a cadre of Trump’s former advisers, many of whom have danced with convictions of their own from back in his first term.
Did NYC Mayor tell Trump “pardon me”? pic.twitter.com/U8UbLNyYWb
— Vitamvivere_1 (@Vitamvivere_1) November 18, 2024
Among the most notable names vying for a presidential pardoning are individuals like Peter Navarro, the former trade advisor who took up residence in a federal prison for a short stint. Navarro’s legal troubles stemmed from his “contempt of Congress” charge during the House’s investigation of the January 6 events. It’s amusing to think how much simpler things could’ve been for Navarro had he just picked up a hobby instead of getting involved with a congressional panel.
The pardon game is not just for the common folk; it has seen high-profile administration officials also getting in on the action. History shows that past presidents have looked out for their teams when legal troubles rear their heads. For instance, George W. Bush famously freed Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney’s aide, or Bill Clinton’s dubious decision to pardon former CIA Director John Deutch. Presidents have always seemed to enjoy a good game of legal protection for pals, and who can blame them?
While names abound on Trump’s potential pardon roster, one name stands out like a sore thumb: Michael Cohen, Trump’s previous personal lawyer, who ruffled some feathers by testifying against Trump himself. Cohen is unlikely to find himself in the warm embrace of a presidential pardon any time soon. One can almost hear Trump quipping to him, “You should have chosen your loyalties better, buddy.”
There’s speculation about how expansive Trump might be in the realm of pardons. Some analysts wonder whether the former president might surprise everyone by showing mercy to those involved in claims of election interference from 2020. With his knack for ignoring the conventional political playbook, Trump’s approach to pardons after being reinstated promises to ignite a firestorm of debate, laughter, and maybe even a bit of chaos—just the way Americans like it. And while some hope for deals that could include mutual pardons between the Trumps and the Bidens, it’s probably wise to keep expectations tempered. One thing is certain: in the unpredictable world of Donald Trump, the only certainty is that surprises are never too far away.
