Trump says he has yet to consider possible pardons in wake of Mueller findings

Make sure to let us know what you think... we now have comments turned ON below the article!

For the virtual entirety of the Robert Mueller-led special counsel probe, a running subplot in the media coverage involved speculation about whether President Donald Trump would issue presidential pardons for former associates of his who were targeted by Mueller’s prosecutors.

Now that Mueller’s investigation has concluded, questions about pardons and commutations of prison sentences have been raised once again, but Trump has yet to issue a definitive answer one way or another as he claimed to have not really considered it just yet.

Deliberations yet to come

The Hill reported that the president was asked by a reporter on Monday in the Oval Office whether he planned to issue pardons for any of those who had pleaded guilty or been convicted of crimes during the Mueller probe.

Trump simply replied, “Haven’t thought about it.”

Just the day before, in the wake of the release of a summary of Mueller’s findings that exonerated him of alleged collusion with Russia and obstruction of justice, Trump lamented how “so many people have been so badly hurt” in the process of being swept up in Mueller’s investigation.

No talks held

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders was also asked about potential presidential pardons on Monday, and replied similarly that she was unaware of any discussions in that regard at that point.

“There’s no discussion of that taking place at this point,” Sanders said, and when asked again, repeated, “No discussion that I’m aware of on any pardons at this point.”

Sanders’ remarks were in response to questions pertaining specifically to the possibility of pardons for Paul Manafort and Roger Stone.

Potential beneficiaries

Despite the constant rumble in the media throughout the investigation about the issuance of presidential pardons, it had been made clear by Trump’s legal team that he was repeatedly advised not to make any such grants, or even hint at such action, until after the investigation had concluded, primarily to avoid claims that his acts of clemency impeded or obstructed the investigative process.

Were Trump to eventually issue any pardons related to the Mueller investigation, the most likely candidates to receive them would be former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who was charged with lying to the FBI, as well as longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone, who was also charged with making false statements, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

Though less likely to receive a pardon, but perhaps in line for a commutation of his lengthy prison sentence, is former 2016 campaign manager Paul Manafort, who is facing numerous years behind bars for unrelated convictions on a variety of financial crimes that occurred prior to his involvement with Trump.

There are other individuals who were caught up in Mueller’s probe who could stand to benefit from presidential clemency, but at least as of yet, it is unclear who, if anybody, will receive an executive extension of grace.

1,359 Responses

  1. Thanks for every other informative website. Where else may I get that kind of information written in such a perfect approach? I have a challenge that I am just now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.

  2. This is very interesting, You are an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for more of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  3. Hmm that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wished to say that it is really nice to know that another person else also described this as I had problems acquiring the similar data elsewhere. This was the first location that advised me the remedy. Many thanks.

  4. Nice post. I understand some thing more challenging on distinct blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content off their writers and rehearse a specific thing there. I’d would prefer to apply certain while using content in this little blog whether you do not mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link with your internet weblog. Many thanks sharing.

  5. I’m really inspired along with your writing talents as well as with the format for your weblog. Is this a paid topic or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to look a nice blog like this one today..|

  6. After study a few of the websites for your internet site now, and I genuinely as if your technique for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark internet site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my website likewise and let me know what you think.

  7. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!

  8. This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!|

  9. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. All the best|

  10. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful web site.|

  11. I’m pretty pleased to find this site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every bit of it and i also have you book-marked to see new stuff in your website.|

  12. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  13. I was recommended this blog by means of my cousin. I’m no longer sure whether or not this post is written by way of him as nobody else realize such special approximately my trouble. You are wonderful! Thanks!|

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Popular