The Perilous Legacy of Presidential Pardons: A Look at Trump's Misuse

Understanding the Pardon Power

The United States has always grappled with the incredible power granted to its president—a power that can absolve individuals, rectify injustices, and at times, intensify the very issues it intends to resolve. At its core, the presidential pardon is meant to serve justice, to provide a second chance when it's warranted. However, this power has often teetered on the edge of misuse, especially under Donald Trump's administration.

Trump's Pardon Abuse: A Historical Lens

Throughout history, structurally flawed presidencies have wielded the pardon in ways that echo the fears of the Founding Fathers. As noted by the antifederalists, the fear that a president could exploit such powers for self-serving interests has been painfully highlighted with Trump's administration. Recent abuses, particularly the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection and other politically motivated acts, raise profound questions about the integrity of our democratic institutions.

The antifederalists warned against the dangers of a president with unchecked powers, particularly the pardon. Today, their fears seem prescient—especially as Trump's actions often align with the worst fears of those early thinkers.

A Closer Examination of Specific Cases

In December 2025, I penned an article detailing Trump's extensive corruption, uncovering how his family profits from the presidency while undermining faith in governance. The blatant use of the pardon extends beyond political operatives to encompass corporate wrongdoers and criminals.

Key Examples of Misuse

• **Pardons for Insurrectionists**: Trump's pardons of January 6 rioters challenge the rule of law, effectively endorsing attempts to dismantle constitutional government.
• **Corporate Crimes**: The pardoning of individuals like the founders of a crypto exchange involved in money laundering raises alarms about the intertwining of political and financial interests.
• **Personal Connections**: Pardons granted to individuals like Rod Blagojevich signify not just favoritism, but a corruption of the very essence of justice.

Is Reform Necessary?

The growing list of pardons executed under Trump, many with questionable motivations, ignites an urgent need for reform. While past presidents have certainly issued contentious pardons, the sheer scale and nature of Trump's decisions present an unprecedented challenge to the norms of American democracy. The current situation begs the question: should we consider amending the Constitution to more tightly regulate this power?

The Case for Constitutional Amendment

Amending the Constitution to limit the president's pardon powers might seem extreme, yet it appears increasingly necessary. The founding principles of checks and balances were devised for a reason, to prevent abuses of power. Current interpretations allow an incumbent president to evade accountability by granting clemency for crimes committed on their behalf. Would we support a future administration that engages in criminal conspiracies, only to receive absolution via presidential pardon?

Conclusion: The Ideals of Civic Responsibility

Ultimately, the best defense against the misuse of pardon power lies not solely in institutional checks but in the civic virtues of the electorate. We must critically engage with our leaders, ensuring that individuals capable of wielding power with integrity are the ones we elect. Trump's presidency forces us to reflect deeply on the mechanics of our system and consider whether the safeguards against abuses of power are adequate. The fight for democracy requires persistent vigilance, and as long as such a power exists unchecked, we must remain alert.