Trump’s pardon power, Dean and Ornstein argue, has been turned inside out — from an instrument of mercy into a tool of corruption, patronage, and self-protection. They contend that only a constitutional amendment can restore it to anything like its intended purpose. “Trump’s Corrupt Pardons May Well Be the Most Corrupt Thing About Him” “Of all the corrupt actions taken in chapter 2 of the Trump presidency, none is more shocking than the misuse of the presidential pardon — not just for personal gain but to reward friends, enrich lobbyist buddies, and make clear that anyone who commits a crime to further Mr. Trump’s interests need not fear prosecution.” “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must safeguard our democracy and counteract Mr. Trump’s corruption. And we believe the only way to restore the presidential pardon power to its original, merciful purpose is through a constitutional amendment.” “In Trump’s Washington, there is no place for mercy. Corruption reigns supreme.” Madeleine Dean and Norman J. Ornstein, The New Republic, 02-Apr-2026
🚨🔥 Trump’s pardon power has curdled into a protection racket ⚖️💸 Madeleine Dean and Norman Ornstein argue that clemency now serves fraudsters, loyalists, and fixers —not mercy. Their blunt answer: amend the Constitution and rein it in. #TrumpCorruption #Pardons #RuleOfLaw
