Trump's Terms How President Trump is changing presidential pardons
Jun 2, 2025
Explore how President Trump is reshaping the power of presidential pardons. Delve into his unprecedented approach, including strategic pardons linked to the January 6 riots. Compare his techniques with past presidents and their practices. Discover the implications this shift may have on political norms and future pardons. The conversation also highlights NPR's ongoing political insights and its wider offerings for those interested in informed discussions.
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Trump's Unchecked Pardon Power
- The president has exclusive and unchecked power to pardon individuals without legal or congressional review.
- Trump uses this power aggressively and transparently, contrasting prior presidents who pardoned mostly at term ends.
January 6 Pardons as Political Message
- On his first day in office, Trump pardoned over 1500 January 6 rioters, including violent offenders who attacked police.
- This act sent a clear political message endorsing violence on his behalf.
Trump's Pardons and GOP Silence
- Trump made pardoning politically controversial figures a campaign promise and practices it openly.
- Republicans largely remain silent on these pardons, showing Trump's strong influence over his party.