Trump Announces Intent to Pardon Large Number of Associates Before Leaving Office

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to issue a large number of pardons before the end of his term in January 2029, according to TASS. Trump indicated that this measure could affect aides, advisers, and other administration officials who worked closely with him during his second term.

The American leader shared his plans in an interview with CBS News, published on Sunday. In a joking manner, Trump said he intends to protect anyone who was within a thousand miles of the Oval Office during his second term from potential prosecution by Democrats.

Trump justified his stance by expressing his desire to prevent his associates from facing lengthy legal battles after the current administration leaves office. He recalled his own experience with legal disputes and stated that he did not want his aides to spend years defending themselves against what he considers politically motivated charges.

During the interview, Trump was also asked whether he was considering the possibility of preemptively pardoning himself. The president replied that he did not plan to do so but did not see any illegitimacy in such a decision. When directly asked if the president had the authority to pardon himself, Trump answered affirmatively.

Additionally, the American leader admitted that he was not prepared to forgive some of his most harsh political opponents, even on his deathbed. Among them, he named former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and former FBI Director James Comey.

Trump stated that he felt strong animosity toward certain political adversaries and did not expect his feelings toward them to change over time.