How Trump Will Be Pardoned
It’s all in the planning
In 14 days, a convicted felon will enter the White House and sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
The Oval Office has housed six different desks over the years, and each president is free to select a different one from their predecessor. Donald Trump used the Resolute Desk during his first term, and it is widely believed that one of its drawers was used by Richard Nixon to hide the recorder involved in the infamous Watergate tapes.
Currently President-elect, Trump has been convicted by the courts of multiple felonies. The judge in his case is scheduled to pronounce his sentence on Friday, January 10. The expectation is that Trump will receive an unconditional discharge—meaning he will not serve prison time nor pay a fine. However, this sentence does not erase the convictions, which will remain on his record. Trump will become the first president in U.S. history to enter the White House as a convicted felon—a felon elected by the American public.
Presidents have the power to pardon individuals, effectively wiping convictions from their records. During his term, Joe Biden pardoned nearly 70 people, including his son, Hunter Biden. In contrast, Trump issued almost twice as many pardons during his first term, including pardons for several individuals who worked directly with him.
It is widely assumed that Trump will seek a full pardon to clear his record. However, since no prior president has entered office as a convicted felon, there is no legal precedent to guide such an action.
Could Trump pardon himself?
Almost certainly not. However, given Trump’s disregard for norms and rules, it is entirely plausible that he might attempt it.
Could Joe Biden pardon Trump before Inauguration Day on January 20?
That scenario is about as likely as a human landing on Mars by the weekend.
Could the next president in four years pardon Trump?
If another Republican is elected, it’s possible. While there would be no obligation to do so, Trump could leverage his influence. For example, he could offer a public endorsement of the next Republican candidate in exchange for a pardon.
Can Vice President J.D. Vance pardon Trump?
Not under normal circumstances. However, there are hypothetical scenarios in which Vance could issue a pardon:
• Scenario 1: Trump becomes seriously ill and undergoes emergency surgery, temporarily transferring presidential powers to Vance. During this brief period, Vance could issue a pardon.
• Scenario 2: Trump dies in office, and Vance, as the new president, issues a posthumous pardon.
• Scenario 3: Toward the end of his term, Trump fakes an illness and temporarily hands over the presidency to Vance “for the good of the country.” Vance pardons Trump, and within 24 hours, Trump makes a miraculous recovery, with a clean record.
The Oval Office desks have witnessed great leaders and countless political intrigues over the decades. Are we about to witness one of the most egregious abuses of power in U.S. history—a pardon for Donald J. Trump, convicted felon?
Watch this space.