Trump’s Actions When Faced with the End

Michael Taylor

On September 8th, 1974, President Ford pardoned Richard Nixon from his crimes during Watergate in proclamation 4311, an action that shook the nation and likely led to Ford losing reelection. Now after recent scandals, including an hour long phone call with Georgia’s secretary of state and on January 6th, as well as the incitement of a riot at the capital. President Trump is having private talks of pardoning himself. 

President Trump has publicly denied the results of the 2020 general election. Creating phrases like “Stop the Steal” and repeatedly calling the Democrats and President-Elect Biden cheaters, Dividing the country instead of urging his people to accept the results on Twitter. Tweets like: “RIGGED ELECTION!“ and even prematurely announcing his victory on November 3rd “Frankly, I think we did win this election.”

After the states had certified the vote and multiple recounts took place. President Trump made a phone call to Georgia’s Secretary of State George Rafensburger in the attempt to change the outcome of the election. Telling Rafensburger that “There’s nothing wrong with saying that you’ve recalculated.” As well as that he just wants them to “find 11,780 votes.” Interfering in the election process of Georgia.

On January 6th, the Vice president gathered with congress to count and certify the electoral votes of the states. However, President Trump was hosting his “Save America” rally, wherein he told his supporters to march on the capitol. Later on when they stormed the building, the president blocked the involvement of the national guard, putting lives at risk. Only after the damage was done Trump told his supporters “I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!” 5 people, including DC Police Officer Brian Sicknick died in the chaos.

All of these recent events have sparked the house of representatives to engage in and pass articles of impeachment, making president trump the only president to be impeached twice. The illegality of what the President has done is unquestionable. The only question now is how will he respond?

According to Michael S. Schmidt and Maggie Haberman of the New York Times. Insiders in the white house with knowledge of Trump’s discussions with his cabinet have reported talks of Trump preemptively pardoning himself and all of his family. An unknown political move which could have fallout for years to come.

President Trump has made numerous pardons after his election defeat, all of whom were for people who’ve hidden his past scandals. Naturally this has Washington lawmakers worried as some consider this to be an outrageous abuse of power. 

No one can be really sure just how far the president can take his powers and whether or not the courts would even accept a pardon of himself. But it’s a dangerous line of thinking and doing so could set a dangerous bar for presidents being above the law.