Fmr. U.S. Atty: Trump’s last-day pardon is ‘violation of the rule of law’
Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to issue a last-minute pardon to his ally, Steve Bannon, calling it a “violation of the rule of law.”
Bannon, who served as Trump’s chief strategist during his first year in office, was charged with defrauding donors as part of a crowdfunding campaign to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He was scheduled to stand trial in May.
Bharara, who served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2017, took to Twitter to express his dismay over the pardon. “Steve Bannon is getting a pardon from Trump after defrauding Trump’s own supporters into paying for a wall that Trump promised Mexico would pay for,” he tweeted. “And if that all sounds crazy, that’s because it is. Thank you.”
In an interview with CNN, Bharara elaborated on his criticism, stating that Trump’s actions send a message that “if you’re a criminal and a supporter, you may get a pass in a way that other people wouldn’t.”
He also denounced the manner in which Trump issued the pardon, calling it a “corrupt use of the pardon power.” “These pardons seem to be on the surface a payoff,” he said, referring to reports that Bannon had spoken favorably about Trump in recent weeks.
Bharara’s comments reflect a growing concern among legal experts and politicians over Trump’s controversial use of his pardon power in his final days in office. In addition to Bannon, Trump also pardoned his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner, among others.
Critics argue that Trump’s pardons appear to be driven by personal or political considerations, rather than the interests of justice. By granting clemency to his allies and associates, Trump is seen as undermining the rule of law and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
The power of the presidential pardon is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and it is intended to be used as a tool for mercy and forgiveness in cases of injustice. However, Trump’s use of this power has been met with condemnation from those who believe it is being abused for personal gain.
As President Joe Biden takes office, there is hope that he will restore integrity to the pardon process and use the power responsibly. In the meantime, the controversy surrounding Trump’s last-day pardons serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and the principles of justice.
Trump has for his entire life made a mockery of our laws and justice system. Every day he proves that there is a two tiered system, one for the rich and powerful and one for the rest of us. The DOJ won’t even take action when Democracy itself is under attack! Trump and all his elected republican accomplices in the coup attempt would have been immediately arrested and imprisoned in any other country on earth! And yes! That is following the rule of law!
He is getting away with a last minute pardon
They already have decided. Judges are afraid and the judge said that they would have to suspended the trial of him not believeing he had lost to Biden. And the January 6 interaction
MSNBS lives up to its name
The whole democratic party is a violation of the law.Your following the lawless one thats why your lawless.your entire value system is upside down.
OBVIOUSLY, the rule of law and accompanying norms were not built with Drump in mind. The Founding Fathers wrongly assumed that our leaders would be honorable and responsible. Laws need to be tightened up and spelled out, with serious and enforceable consequences. Presidents should not be able to override and bestow security clearances for people who are compromised, like Jared.
It’s what he does as a king in his own head, unfortunately, the law treats xpresidents with little energy. Still talking about criminal defendant 45, and yet he remains free to run for dictator? What a country America has become?
No it isn't
Thanks for playing though
Violations of law don’t mean anything if there are no consequences, and let’s face it, there have been very few consequences. Our constitution never anticipated having an elected president who had no regard for our constitution or the rule of law. We need a few more amendments to keep our democracy a little more up to date.
If trump got a second term there wouldnt be any law to keep him in check. He already plans to terminate the constitution.
This is a violation of pardon process can get pardon without process
Of course it is! He can't do anything by the law!😡
Just forget it all this will be eliminated immediately if he come back in the WH! All the rest of your present Justice system will be eliminated also and will be replaces be replaced by Trump system! Just look at German's history!!! But the thing is that you don't apply your present system like it had to be , so……
Kushner told the J6 committee that he was busy on the last days of the administration dealing with pardons. It’s on tape! How did he have the authority to do this?
White Washington crime bosses have control over everyone
Nope. I hate tfg but the President can Pardon anyone anytime if it's Federal. Doesn't matter what structure or guidelines were set up. This isn't The West Wing. This was the chaotic west.
at a million Bucks a pop Trump made good Money!
What they said! : (