The potential pardon list is growing. And keep in mind these are not pardons for crimes already committed but pre-emotive pardons—a kind of get out of jail free card for crimes not yet charged.
Earlier today, Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani reportedly raised his hand. Now there is word that Trump is considering the highly unusual pre-emptive pardons for his three oldest children, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump as well as his son-in-law Jared Kushner. The New York Times writes:
Mr. Trump has told others that he is concerned that a Biden Justice Department might seek retribution against the president by targeting the oldest three of his five children — Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump — as well as Ms. Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner, a White House senior adviser.
Donald Trump Jr. had been under investigation by Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel, for contacts that the younger Mr. Trump had had with Russians offering damaging information on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign, but he was never charged. Mr. Kushner provided false information to federal authorities about his contacts with foreigners for his security clearance, but was given one anyway by the president.
It’s unclear, according to the Times, why Mr. Trump is concerned about Eric and Ivanka. The Manhattan District Attorney has been investigating tax write-offs that appear to have benefited Ivanka Trump but any charges resulting from that investigation would not be covered by a federal pardon.
Rudy Giuliani is reportedly concerned that his activities in Ukraine could spur federal investigations after Trump is gone.
