The Guardian
James Rosen challenges US presidential pardon power, citing Trump’s pardons
In a commentary, James Rosen argues that the US founders made a serious mistake by granting presidents pardon power, and criticizes Donald Trump’s use of it. He cites pardons Trump issued on the first day of his second term for more than 1,500 people who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Rosen also says voters have not forgotten the events as the midterms approach.
What to know
- 01
James Rosen argues that the US founders should not have granted presidents pardon power.
- 02
According to the commentary, on the first day of his second term, Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people who had stormed the US Capitol.
Why it matters
The commentary uses Trump’s pardons to discuss whether US presidents should hold pardon authority.
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