By: Kaitwan Jackson

Newly appointed Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, has attempted to lay to rest the rumors of President Trump looking into a pardon. Such pardon would be directly used to avoid charges against all being investigated in the current case to prove collusion in the 2016 presidential election. Pardons are constitutionally permitted, however in his situation concerning issues arise. Specifically, because the pardon would be used toward either President Trump’s family, friends and aids; but most concerning of all, this could lead to the first self-pardon for a United States President.

President Trump, Photo via Fox News — President Trump, Photo via *Fox News*

Pardons were created by the founding fathers to allow the President the authority to protect people from charges. In the constitution pardons are defined broadly, and this has lead to the current hype surrounding President Trump. If President Trump successfully pardons all parties being examined for collusion within the 2016 election, it would be the most publicized use of a pardon, being that previous president's pardon uses have been of low public regard.

Previous presidents have traditionally utilized pardoning toward the end of their terms, because the decision to pardon carries the risk of depleted favor. With no time left in office as president, the risk of depleted favor poses no issue. However, President Trump has just begun his first term, and with an already historically low approval rating, the idea of utilizing a pardon seems suspicious. Is he attempting to forward the ideas of his impeachment? Is he “over” the position as Commander in Chief?

Should President Trump issue a pardon, it will likely produce ammunition to fuel impeachment discussions; a conversation that has already been initiated in the Capitol. The pardon would also prohibit the use of the 5th amendment in future court proceedings, because why withhold speech when you are already exempt of charges. If President Trump and/or his associates stand trial after the pardon has been approved, more information regarding collusion could come forward, and should disclosed information be revealed, impeachment will be imminent. Pardons may only be issued in court cases involving the federal government and District of Columbia, so if any state has valuable evidence to produce against Trump and associates, then the pardon would be ineffective.

The current issue surrounding accusations of pardoning is the self-pardon. President Trump’s ability to dispose of charges against himself goes against the rule of law, that states no one is above the law, not even the nations leader.