Constitutional Limitations on Presidential Pardons

[MineralMan]

8. I suppose so.

However, Nixon was a long time ago, now. He's really not relevant to today's issues. Ford's pardon of him did set a precedent, though, that may be repeated before too long. This time, however, the offences of the current President approach a level not heretofore seen, I believe.

If Trump resigns, it will be only after Pence has already signed a pardon in advance of taking office that will be issued immediately. Lacking that, Trump would probably stick it out and force a full impeachment and removal process.

While part of me would welcome that process, another part thinks it would be very destructive of our political system. On the other hand, Bill Clinton was impeached and the Senate failed to remove him from office. We seem to have survived that OK, so maybe an impeachment and removal of Trump would be salutary for our system. I'm not certain.