Congressman Krishnamoorthi Asks White House If Potential Presidential Pardons For President Trump’s Family Or Himself Will Specify The Crimes For Which The Recipients Are Being Pardoned
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone citing his concern about President Trump's reported interest in issuing preemptive pardons to members of his family, including himself. This letter follows a December 3rd letter that Congressman Krishnamoorthi sent to White House Counsel regarding the pardon of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
"The use of a preemptive presidential pardon for a family member, particularly a blanket pardon, would be entirely unprecedented in American history," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.
President Trump has reportedly asked aides if he can issue preemptive, blanket pardons to Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner. There have also been reports that President Trump has considered pardoning himself. These preemptive, blanket pardons would supposedly apply to all future federal charges.
"While each of these family members, and the President himself, have faced scrutiny for actions which could lead to federal investigations, if not necessarily charges, the President could eliminate this risk through issuing blanket, preemptive pardons," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "These pardons would block any accountability from the Trump family regarding their illicit actions."
Congressman Krishnamoorthi introduced the Presidential Pardon Transparency Act last year in order to increase the transparency of the pardon power. This act would require that the Attorney General publish the name, date, and full text of a presidential pardon no later than three days after it's issued. While this legislation has yet to become law, Congressman Krishnamoorthi is intent on ensuring there is maximum transparency with future pardons of the Trump Administration.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested the following information from the White House Counsel:
- Is the White House reviewing potential pardons for President Trump's family members or himself?
- Can you guarantee that any pardons issued to members of the Trump family, close associates, or President Trump himself will be publicly disclosed and that the crimes for which the recipients are being pardoned will be specified?
A copy of the letter is available here.