In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump did not dismiss the idea of pardoning himself or former staff members ahead of the conclusion of his term in office. During the discussion, Trump reiterated his belief that he had not committed any wrongdoing, suggesting that the possibility of self-pardon may still be on the table as he approaches a significant political juncture.
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Speaking with Newsmax on 15 October, Trump stated, “I don’t think about it because I did nothing wrong,” in response to a question regarding self-pardoning. He added that he had the option to grant himself clemency at the end of his first term, but he never anticipated facing the level of scrutiny he experienced. Trump’s assertion was paired with a commentary on the legal troubles faced by his associates and aides, which he described as an unnecessary burden.
The former president expressed a desire to shield his staff from what he termed “years of nonsense,” indicating he would prefer to spare them from the “hiring of lawyers and the extensive legal battles for nothing.” This statement illustrates Trump’s empathy towards those who worked under him, as well as a willingness to consider options that might alleviate their potential distress.
When further pressed about the potential of issuing pardons, Trump confirmed his right to undertake a self-pardon, stating that such an act has never been challenged legally. He cited the power of the presidential pardon as validated by current President Joe Biden, who has utilised his own authority in various high-profile cases, including that of family members.
In January 2025, as he exited the presidency, Biden had issued pardons to several individuals, including his siblings and their spouses. He referenced “unrelenting attacks” from Trump and his supporters as the motivation for these decisions, adding, “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing.” These pardons have sparked discussions around the purposes and implications of executive clemency.
Among those pardoned by Biden were notable figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, and retired General Mark Milley, both of whom had not faced criminal charges. Additionally, Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun-related offences, despite prior assurances that he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters.
Trump’s assertions come amidst a backdrop of ongoing legal challenges. Before the 2024 presidential election, two significant federal criminal cases were filed against him related to classified documents and alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, both cases were dismissed following the election and a Supreme Court ruling, which addressed presidential immunity.
In reflecting on his first term, Trump mentioned that he had exercised his pardon power, citing the case of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. This highlights the former president’s historical approach to the pardon function, one that has been scrutinised in the context of personal connections and political alliances.
As speculation continues regarding potential pardons, it remains unclear what path Trump will ultimately take. His preference to avoid legal entanglements for his associates aligns with his broader narrative of perceived victimhood amidst political persecution. Whether these pronouncements translate into action before the end of his term remains to be seen.
Regardless of the ongoing discussions surrounding self-pardons, the landscape in which these decisions are made continues to evolve, with legal and ethical implications scrutinised by lawmakers and the public alike. Trump’s commentary is indicative of both his ongoing influence and the complexities surrounding legal pardons within the realm of American politics.