Trump Plans Extensive Pardons Before Leaving Office, Says He Cannot Forgive Political Enemies

WASHINGTON–President Donald Trump says he intends to issue a large number of presidential pardons before leaving office, arguing that officials who serve in his administration should be protected from lengthy investigations and legal proceedings that he believes could be politically motivated.

In an interview with Ross Douthat for CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Trump outlined plans to use his presidential pardon authority extensively during his remaining time in office. He also defended his previous pardons of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and acknowledged that he continues to harbor resentment toward several political opponents.

Asked whether he expected to grant numerous pardons before the end of his presidency, Trump responded, “Yes, I do.”

“I intend to issue tremendous numbers of pardons,” Trump said.

The president argued that individuals who work for his administration should not have to spend years defending themselves against investigations or prosecutions after leaving government service.

Trump suggested that such legal proceedings could be pursued by political opponents seeking retaliation against officials associated with his presidency.

During the conversation, Trump also addressed the possibility of granting himself a presidential pardon. Although he asserted that he possessed the constitutional authority to do so, he indicated that he did not anticipate taking that step.

The discussion briefly turned humorous when Douthat asked whether he might also qualify for a pardon because of his proximity to the Oval Office. Trump responded jokingly before returning to his broader criticism of what he considers unfair treatment of his supporters.

The president also defended his decision to pardon people convicted of offenses connected to the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Trump maintained that those involved had been treated unfairly by the justice system, although Douthat questioned his decision to extend clemency to individuals who had assaulted law enforcement officers.

“Well, there — there were some that — there were some that got rough, but, you know, they were rough to them too,” Trump said.

When Douthat pressed him on whether police officers had the right to defend themselves against violent attackers, Trump shifted the discussion to his support among law enforcement organizations.

He claimed to enjoy widespread backing from police officers and asserted that members of the Capitol Police supported him.

The interview also explored Trump’s relationships with political adversaries and his willingness to forgive those he believes have wronged him.

Douthat specifically mentioned former FBI Director James Comey and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while asking whether Trump could find forgiveness for his political opponents.

Trump described the individuals as dishonest and harmful to the United States.

When asked directly whether he could forgive them, the president responded, “The answer is no. I want to be honest: no.”

Douthat continued pressing the issue, questioning whether Trump could set aside his grievances given his personal success and accomplishments.

“I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies and I always will,” Trump said.

The exchange offered a glimpse into Trump’s approach to political conflict as he prepares for the final years of his presidency, particularly his willingness to use executive clemency and his continued criticism of longstanding opponents.

Asked how he hoped his presidency would be remembered, Trump returned to the political message that has defined his campaigns and time in office.

“That I made America great again,” he replied. (Source: IANS)