The real reason Donald Trump is reportedly NOT planning to pardon himself or his family
Fox News anchor John Roberts has broken what could be one of this week’s biggest stories. He tweeted a short while ago: “Sources with knowledge of the process tell Fox News that President Trump is NOT EXPECTED to issue ‘protective’ pardons to members of his family, and is NOT expected to attempt a protective pardon for himself.”
Some people think Trump could face criminal charges for his role in inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. No charges have been filed, however, and it’s not clear that a “protective” or “preemptive” pardon can be particularly effective against crimes which have not yet been identified and charged by the FBI.
Trump also has been the subject of a grand jury inquiry in New York City that could result in criminal indictments after he leaves office. Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance has an ongoing investigation concerning Trump’s finances and business dealings. Since these are not federal crimes, any charges resulting from Vance’s probe could not be pardoned.
CNN previously reported that Trump plans to issue around 100 pardons before he leaves office at noon on Wednesday. Legal experts have said all along that a president could not legally pardon himself or his co-conspirators, which may include his children.
This new report may confirm that Trump knows a self-pardon or pardon of his children will not be legally effective, but could lead to some very negative press which is the last thing he needs right now. NOTE: This story is breaking and may be updated later.
