Kim Wehle, a law professor and author of 'Pardon Power,' shares her insights on the complexities of presidential pardons, especially in light of Trump’s comments on the January 6 incidents. Meanwhile, Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save the World, delves into the Syrian conflict, discussing how rebel groups gained control and the shifting dynamics of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Their conversation uncovers the implications of U.S. actions and international relations in the ongoing struggle for power in Syria.
Trump's potential pardons for January 6th insurrectionists could undermine the rule of law and embolden future violence against democracy.
The rapid collapse of Assad's regime in Syria, influenced by dwindling support and effective rebel forces, raises urgent questions about the nation's future stability.
Deep dives
Trump's Pardon Promises and Their Implications
Former President Donald Trump expressed his intent to issue pardons for those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, suggesting he could do so on the first day of his presidency if re-elected. This commitment raises concerns about the potential ramifications of pardoning individuals who participated in an attack on the U.S. government. Legal experts warn that such actions could embolden violent behaviors and set a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law. They note that it could imply tacit approval for actions aimed at disrupting legitimate democratic processes.
The Rise and Fall of Bashar al-Assad
The recent toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria marked a significant shift in the nation's power dynamics, surprising many observers who had witnessed years of a brutal civil war. Analysts suggest that Assad's weakening military and reduced support from his allies, such as Russia and Iran, contributed to the regime's rapid collapse. Rebel forces, particularly the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, swiftly advanced toward the capital, capturing key positions and effectively forcing Assad to flee. This development raises critical questions about the future governance of Syria and the potential for stability in the war-torn nation.
Preemptive Pardons: A New Political Strategy
The concept of preemptive pardons has emerged as a potential response to the political climate and threats posed by a future Trump administration. Legal experts argue this practice, while not entirely novel, could signal a move towards protecting individuals from politically motivated prosecutions. President Biden's consideration of such pardons for those perceived as potential targets emphasizes the escalating tensions in American politics. This situation reveals a troubling reality where the powers of the presidency are seen as necessary shields against possible authoritarian actions by political adversaries.
President-elect Donald Trump stopped by 'Meet the Press' on Sunday for his first network sit-down interview since winning back the White House. During his hour-plus conversation, he reaffirmed his promise to pardon most of the people who violently stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, possibly on his first day back in office. And he said every person who sat on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack "should go to jail." Those kinds of comments are exactly why the Biden Administration is reportedly weighing preemptive pardons for people who might become targets of Trump's Justice Department. Kim Wehle, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law and author of the book 'Pardon Power,' explains the significance of the presidential pardon.
Plus, we talked with Pod Save The World's Tommy Vietor about how a Syrian rebel militia group gained control of the country.
And in headlines: Trump says he can't guarantee Americans won't end up paying more for goods under his tariff plans, The U.S. Department of Agriculture orders testing of the nation's milk supply for bird flu, and Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral held its first mass on Sunday since a 2019 fire partially destroyed it.