House Democrats Introduce Bill to Curb Trump’s ‘Pardon Economy’
House lawmakers unveil the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act to investigate potential conflicts of interest and ban self-pardons in the White House.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Leaders of the House ‘End Corruption Caucus’ have launched new legislation designed to regulate what they describe as a burgeoning ‘pardon economy’ during President Trump’s second term.
On Wednesday, Representatives Mike Levin and Jason Crow introduced the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act. The bill seeks to address clemency decisions that may involve conflicts of interest or serve as favors for donors and allies of the president.
California Democrat Mike Levin argued that the current use of the power does not reflect the intentions of the Founders, noting that the pardon authority was meant for instances of mercy and justice.
The White House has dismissed these concerns, stating that spending money to lobby for pardons is a waste of resources. Officials maintained that a thorough review process exists involving White House counsel, the Justice Department, and ‘pardon czar’ Alice Johnson, with the president serving as the final authority.
White House Counsel Will Scharf stated that the president performs his constitutional duties ethically, asserting that any claims to the contrary are either malicious or based on poor information.
The proposed legislation would empower the Justice Department’s inspector general to probe pardons linked to potential conflicts of interest. Levin cited several examples, including the pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money-laundering failures.
The bill highlights reports regarding Alina Habba Mildon negotiating with the family of a Venezuelan billionaire who later received a pardon, though Habba Mildon has denied any involvement in that decision.
Furthermore, the act would explicitly state that the president and vice president could face prosecution for exchanging pardons for value. It would also require recipients to disclose any gifts given to projects like the president’s library or the White House ballroom.
The bill includes a ban on self-pardons, a power Trump recently told ’60 Minutes’ he believes he possesses, despite stating he does not intend to use it.
However, legal experts suggest the bill may face constitutional hurdles. Former pardon attorney Samuel Morison noted that the proper remedy for misusing the power is impeachment rather than legislative regulation.
Josh Blackman of South Texas College of Law Houston argued the bill’s ‘conflict of interest’ standard is so broad it could target any controversial pardon, including Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter. He characterized the move as an attempt to criminalize the political process.
Brian Kalt of Michigan State University remarked that the ban on self-pardons is purely symbolic, asserting that if the president holds the power, a statute cannot remove it.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
