Democratic Representative James Clyburn has expressed support for President Joe Biden potentially pardoning Donald Trump, echoing sentiments from independent Senator Joe Manchin.
In an appearance on Laura Coates Live on CNN, Clyburn stated, “I’m in that category as well. I did see what Manchin had to say. Remember, Trump has not been convicted of anything in the federal realm. Those convictions are state-level. I’m talking about matters that could impede our federal government. I believe Manchin may be onto something there.”
When asked directly if he would back such a pardon, Clyburn replied, “Yes, I could, absolutely. The Supreme Court has made it clear that he is preemptively pardoned for actions taken as president.”
This comes after special counsel Jack Smith filed motions to dismiss two federal cases against Trump following his re-election. Last week, Smith dropped four felony charges related to Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and abandoned an appeal regarding the dismissal of the federal classified documents case. Justice Department policy prohibits criminal prosecution of sitting presidents, though Trump could face charges again after leaving office.
Manchin, speaking on Monday, suggested Biden should pardon Trump, drawing parallels to Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who faced federal convictions for gun and tax offenses. Initially, Biden had vowed not to pardon Hunter but reversed course, sparing him potential prison time.
Manchin told CNN's Manu Raju, “Pardoning Trump could balance the scales. Rather than spending the next four years embroiled in court cases, the president should wipe the slate clean and allow the country to move forward.”
Trump reacted to Hunter Biden’s pardon by suggesting that individuals imprisoned for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot should also be pardoned. “Does the pardon Joe gave to Hunter include the J6 hostages, who have been imprisoned for years?” Trump wrote on Truth Social, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.”
A Trump spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the Justice Department for pursuing Hunter Biden while maintaining investigations into Trump. “The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven the DOJ and radical prosecutors are weaponizing the justice system. President Trump will fix this system and restore due process for all Americans when he returns to the White House,” Cheung told Newsweek.
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