Congressman Krishnamoorthi Calls On WH Counsel For Answers On Anti-Bribery Safeguards Around Pardons As Well As President Trump’s Reported Exploration Of Pardoning Rudy Giuliani, His Own Family, And Himself

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi wrote to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone asking for information regarding President Trump's pardon of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, safeguards against potential bribery schemes, and whether future pardons were possible for President Trump's associates, family members, and or even himself.

President Trump announced the pardon of General Flynn on November 25. This pardon protects General Flynn from further legal actions against him regarding his 2017 guilty plea on lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. In his letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi noted his concern with the political nature of this pardon given that the official White House statement cited President Trump's vexation with the investigation into Russia's 2016 election interference. President Trump has used his pardon power for political and personal connections many times rather than for clemency petitions brought through the established channels.

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, a wave of presidential pardons is expected in the remaining weeks of the Trump Administration, and I want to ensure that there is maximum transparency regarding each one," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.

In terms of future pardons possible in the remaining weeks of the Trump Administration, President Trump has reportedly expressed interest in pre-emptively pardoning his family members and possibly himself. Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested details on future potential pardons and whether any misconduct or irregularities were occurring in the decision-making process.

"I am concerned that President Trump will use his remaining few weeks in office to pardon his personal associates – including Rudy Giuliani who has reportedly directly requested one from the President – as well as family members, and even himself," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested the following information from the White House Counsel:

1. In the coming weeks, is the White House committed to publicly announcing all presidential pardons prior to their issuance, including the names of recipients and the full text of each pardon?
2. Please describe the process by which the White House is vetting potential presidential pardon candidates.
3. Please provide a list of the individuals involved in providing guidance and advice to President Trump on the pardon of Michael Flynn and potential future pardons.
4. Is the White House reviewing any requests for pardons from the President's advisors or legal team members, such as Rudy Giuliani?
5. Are there any safeguards in place to shield the pardon process from bribery or coercion?
6. Is the White House reviewing potential pardons for the President or any of his family members? If so, please provide the names of these individuals.

A copy of the letter is available here.