Will Agent Orange attempt to pardon himself for federal crimes for which he has yet to be charged?

[BernieBabies]

It makes sense to delay as many charges until he's gone in January.

[CincyDem]

1. More likely outcome - Trump resigns and Pence pardons him and the mob...

..."for the good of the country" a la Ford/Nixon.


IIRC, Nixon was pardon of all federal crimes known and unknown at the time of the pardon. I assume Pence would word it similarly to give him cover that it's precedent.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. He can't be pardoned for state crimes, and the Manhattan DA is just waiting...

[CincyDem]

8. Righto...and it's our only saving grace.

I just keep thinking he’ll somehow figure out a way to avoid extradition from Florida.

[Sherman A1]

2. Anything is possible with this cabal

just anything........

[Statistical]

4. He can certainly try (I give it a 50/50 he will) but most legal scholars believe a President can't

self pardon.

I am not even sure the SCOTUS would overturn that. The same precedent could be used by the Democrats and once Trump is out of office he isn't of much use politically for the GOP.

Now Trump could step down and Pence could pardon him for all (federal) crimes regardless of if charges have been filed. Case in point: Ford pardoning Nixon.

Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.

Pence should take note that Ford's pardoning of Nixon pretty much killed his political future. He went from about a 70% approval rating and lofty editorials about turning the page for the country and putting Nixon us to less than 50% and pretty widespread condemnation. He never recovered and it is widely believed to be the primary reason he lost re-election.

[Rorey]

6. I hope that leverage is used against Pence to prevent that NT

[CincyDem]

9. Pence's political future is DOA already. n/t

[Statistical]

11. but does Pence know that. Pence thinks he is the hero of his own story.

[Politicalgolfer]

5. Great question because....

......he would assume that even if it is debatable or even unlawful to do so, the Supremes would rule in his favor. Maybe this is the real reason he wants this bobble head on the court!

[Hoyt]

7. Think he'll lay low. Not much chance any jury will convict him of actions in office, maybe not even

out of office.

[dixiechiken1]

10. I absolutely believe he will...

Mostly because it has never been done before. It may not stand, (it shouldn't stand but they've got control of SCOTUS now, sooooo...?), but he will push the envelope because that's what he does. He's going to go scorched earth on his way out, IMO.

[moonscape]

12. Yes. 'What do I have to lose?" n/t

[Dan]

13. Well, I don't know, but from what I have read

He can be forced to testify in Congress after leaving the office, and he cannot take the Fifth - so lots of opportunities to find out things he did, his supporters/enablers did and subsequently charge them. Plus, if he lies under Oath - he can be charged. Now, what is the chances that he will not lie?

[Crunchy Frog]

14. Yes, he must be picked apart in Congressional hearings whatever his pardon status.

It's important for the country to know all the sordid details of everything that he's done, and he would still end up with charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.