News analysis

Can Trump pardon himself? A look at the concept of presidential pardon in US

President Donald Trump during the annual presidential turkey pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Nov 24. Throughout his four-year presidency, Mr Trump has repeatedly used his powers to pardon people for political reasons. The
President Donald Trump during the annual presidential turkey pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Nov 24. Throughout his four-year presidency, Mr Trump has repeatedly used his powers to pardon people for political reasons. The biggest unanswerable at this stage is whether the president can also pardon himself. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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Officials close to US President Donald Trump have denied allegations in The New York Times that before leaving the White House next month, he plans to offer pardons to his immediate family members and associates in order to shield them from existing or future prosecution.

"Fake News NYT lies again," tweeted Mr Rudy Giuliani, the President's attorney, in response to the allegations.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 05, 2020, with the headline Can Trump pardon himself? A look at the concept of presidential pardon in US. Subscribe