Even If Trump Could Pardon Himself, Should He?
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Via Jeffrey Crouch for The Hill
The media is abuzz with speculation about President Trump’s clemency powers after the story broke that his lawyers are mulling options for himself and his family.
The president himself on Saturday seemed to confirm the report, asserting that he has "complete power" to pardon relatives, aides and possibly himself.
How does the clemency power work? Who could he pardon? Can he pardon himself? Should he?
The fact is, Trump can pardon any f
A pardon isn’t necessary unless there is something to pardon. If Trump gives himself a pardon, it would mean he is guilty of some felony which required a presidential pardon. Without even naming what that felony is, the pardoning of oneself is the admittance of a felony which is an impeachable offense. That the felony isn’t specified makes no difference. He, the president, can be impeached and removed due to his admission of committing a felony due to the pardon he gave himself.
He made public statement(s) about anyone requesting 5th amendment immunity would be a guilty person. But he did not make that statement about Flynn. Wonder why he did not just pardon Flynn — maybe because it would also reflect Flynn was guilty. It is ridiculous to even think Trump could pardon himself – just a stupid discussion!
– Murphy