1A ICYMI: Trump Pardons Top Jan. 6 Conspirators
Nov 11, 2025
Kyle Cheney, a Senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, dives into the recent wave of Trump pardons for allies linked to the 2020 election overturn efforts. He discusses key figures like Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, analyzing how these pardons offer political protection. The timing of the announcements and their potential to reshape legal outcomes is explored, alongside the implications of self-pardoning. Cheney emphasizes the broader context of clemency as a tool for shielding political allies amid ongoing investigations.
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Preemptive Pardons Reframe 2020 Narrative
- The White House released preemptive pardons for dozens tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including Giuliani and Meadows.
- Kyle Cheney says the move rewrites the history of that effort and signals broad presidential protection for allies.
Pardons Can Influence State Cases Indirectly
- A presidential pardon can shield recipients from future federal prosecution and be used to pressure state systems.
- Cheney expects defense motions in state courts arguing the president labeled the conduct non-criminal.
Pardons Follow Political Loyalty
- Trump's use of clemency has been consistently political, favoring allies and Republican figures.
- Cheney notes this pattern includes January 6 defendants and other partisan beneficiaries like George Santos.