The pardon power was never meant to shield corruption.
It was meant to correct injustice and show mercy -- not to reward political cronies, excuse attacks on our democracy, or erase accountability for insurrectionists and fraudsters.
But that’s exactly what we’re seeing. And the damage to our democracy could be permanent if we don’t act.
I know how serious this step is, and how difficult it will be. But letting any one person wield unchecked authority to pardon political allies or themselves goes against every principle of a functioning democracy.