The White House Considers Granting 250 Pardons for the Nation’s Birthday
The idea has set off a frenzy of appeals for clemency.
TL;DR
- The White House is discussing a plan to issue 250 presidential pardons as part of the semiquincentennial celebrations on the Fourth of July weekend.
- This initiative, nicknamed "250 pardons for 250 years," would prominently feature the presidential pardon power.
- The prospect of mass pardons has triggered a surge in lobbying and dealmaking, with individuals seeking clemency intensely pursuing avenues for their cases.
- Advisers are reportedly split on the political wisdom of such a move, with some suggesting it could benefit the president and others expressing concern.
- Individuals being considered for pardons reportedly include figures like Low Taek Jho (Jho Low), Pras Michel, and Nicole Daedone.