Conversations with Bill Kristol Harvard’s Jack Goldsmith on the Coming Trump Presidency
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Dec 12, 2024 
In this insightful conversation, Harvard law professor Jack Goldsmith, a former Assistant Attorney General, delves into the looming implications of a second Trump presidency. He analyzes Trump's ambitions to reshape federal control, highlighting the potential risks to constitutional governance and the rule of law. Goldsmith discusses the evolving power of presidential pardons and the erosion of checks and balances, emphasizing the critical role of Congress and civil servant independence in maintaining democratic integrity amidst political pressures.
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Exploiting Loopholes
- Trump exploited loopholes in executive branch accountability during his first term.
- These actions have weakened norms and checks on presidential power.
Pardon Power's Peril
- The Presidential pardon power, while intended for mercy and reconciliation, is unchecked and open to abuse.
- Reforming it would likely require a constitutional amendment.
Unprecedented Pardon
- Past presidential pardons often cleared records or addressed past convictions.
- Biden's pardon of his son mid-trial is more akin to Ford pardoning Nixon pre-indictment.