Claims
Kim Wehle"[I]t becomes much likelier that, for the first time since the Constitution was ratified in 1789, a president will issue a pardon to himself, or at least try to."
Margaret Love"The answer has to be no."
Mary Lawton"Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case, it would seem that the question should be answered in the negative."
Richard Painter"He [Trump] absolutely cannot pardon himself."
Duncan LevinTrump "would have no ability to pardon himself by law [because his case is not subject to a federal pardon]."Jun 01, 2024
Jeffrey Crouch"He may be able to pardon himself, but there are reasonable arguments on both sides of this question."Jun 22, 2023
Donald Trump"I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong?"Jun 05, 2018
The New York Times"Trump could not give himself clemency for the 34 felonies now on his record in New York State."May 31, 2024
Gregory GermainThere is every indication from Trump that he "more likely will pardon himself."
Richard Blumenthal"[T]he pardon power is virtually unlimited, completely discretionary. So, conceivably, he [Trump] could pardon himself."
Jeffrey CrouchTrump "could very well attempt to self-pardon, but it's entirely unclear how that would turn out."
Donald Trump"The last thing I'd ever do is give myself a pardon."
Jeffrey Crouch"This [J D Vance pardoning him] might be an alternate route for a newly elected President Trump who wants to be pardoned but does not want to have to do it himself."Jun 22, 2023
Laurence Tribe"[T]here is one thing we know that Trump cannot do — without being a first in all of human history. He cannot pardon himself."Apr 08, 2023
Janna Brancolini"[T]here would be little stopping the president from pardoning himself for all of his alleged crimes."
Steve Duffy"The only person who could pardon him would be the governor of New York — who is exceedingly unlikely to do that."Jun 01, 2024
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.2
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.20.2