Trump promises mass pardons for staff before leaving office – WSJ
President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised sweeping pardons to top administration officials before he leaves office, the Wall Street Journal reported. “I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval,” he told aides in a recent meeting. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a joke, but insisted the president’s pardon power is absolute.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of granting mass pardons to senior White House officials and aides before the end of his term, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing people familiar with his remarks. According to the report, Trump told aides in a recent meeting: “I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval.” He has also discussed holding a news conference to announce the pardons before leaving office.
White House Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the report, saying: “The Wall Street Journal should learn to take a joke, however, the President’s pardon power is absolute.” The Journal noted that Trump has already issued around 1,600 clemency grants during his current term. The report did not specify which officials might be covered or whether any specific legal exposure prompted the discussions.
Political Context
The reported pledge comes as Trump’s second term nears its end and as he has faced numerous legal challenges and investigations over the years. While presidents have broad constitutional authority to grant pardons for federal crimes, mass pardons for unknown or unspecified offenses would be highly unusual. The story adds to the ongoing debate over executive power and accountability, even as the White House dismisses the comments as off‑hand remarks.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.