Donald Trump asks helpers and advocates for self-excuse

Donald Trump asks helpers and advocates for self-excuse

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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.

The New York Times reported earlier Thursday that Trump in talks since election day has suggested he wants to forgive himself, citing two people familiar with the discussions.

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.

CNN previously reported that Trump has been asking their assistants about his self-excuse power since 2017 and is “obsessed” with the idea. Recently, Trump allies like Sean Hannity publicly suggested on Fox News that he should do so. Trump also tweeted that he believes he has the power to do so.

“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.

CNN legal analyst Elie Honig noted last year that a self-apology is likely to pose a series of legal challenges that would undo the maneuver.

” 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.

Trump has largely used his vast throne on criminals who are loyal, well-connected or adjacent to his family. He also largely ignored the established government process of reviewing and recommending requests for mercy, but relied on the word of friends, donors and Fox News hosts.

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.

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