Some of the talks have taken place over the past few weeks, says one of the sources. It is unclear whether this has arisen since Wednesday’s chaos at the Capitol building, fueled by the president’s rhetoric, or after his recent controversial call with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. According to the source, Trump asked close to Trump about the legal and political consequences of an apology.
He also sought legal advice on whether he had the power to issue a self-pardon, and he was also informed of the possible political consequences. This person said that it was not yet clear whether the president would forgive himself.
Another person said that it is not currently working in the White House Advocate’s office, but that does not mean that it will not happen, or that the Department of Justice’s office is not currently reviewing the case.
“As many jurists have said, I have the absolute right to forgive myself, but why would I do it if I did nothing wrong?” said the president in 2018.
Yet a presidential self-forgiveness is not tested and experts are divided over its constitutionality. According to a legal note from the Department of Justice, the president cannot forgive himself, but he can step down and ask his vice president to take over and forgive him. However, the memo is not binding.
” A prosecutor will have to charge Trump first, regardless of the apology. Then the case will be heard in the courts, probably to the Supreme Court. Given the weight of constitutional and historical authority (including the advice of the Department of Justice and the stated intent of the Framers), a self-excuse would probably not exist; but there is almost no harm to Trump in giving it at least a chance and seeing if it gets stuck, ‘Honig wrote in July.
“A slim shield is better than none at all,” he said.
Last month, he announced a spate of high-profile pardons, including longtime ally Roger Stone, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and White House father, senior adviser Jared Kushner, Charles.
While all presidents issue controversial pardons at the end of their term, Trump has moved at a faster pace than his predecessors, showing little restraint in rewarding his friends and allies with the help of one of the most unlimited powers of his office.
This story was updated Thursday with additional information.