Trump Discusses Possibility of Self-Pardon in Exclusive Interview
In an exclusive interview with NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker, former President Donald Trump stated that it is “very unlikely” he would pardon himself if he wins another term in 2024, asserting that he did nothing wrong.
- Trump faces four indictments from efforts to overturn the 2020 election and other charges.
- Interview to air on Sunday on NBC affiliates across the country.
- Trump criticizes the justice system, alleging a bias in favor of President Joe Biden’s allies.
Donald Trump, who is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has faced four indictments in various courts, including federal courts in Washington, D.C. and Florida, and state courts in Georgia and New York. The charges stem from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, retention of classified documents post his defeat, and payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Despite the charges, Trump maintains that he did nothing wrong, questioning, “You mean because I challenge an election, they want to put me in jail?”
The interview, conducted at Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, also touched upon the debate surrounding the question of self-pardon during the end of his first term. Trump recalled that he had the option to pardon himself, with some attorneys suggesting it. However, he chose not to, stating, “The last thing I’d ever do is give myself a pardon.” He criticized the charges against him as “fake” and expressed regret over not availing a pardon to save himself from legal troubles.
Furthermore, Trump did not completely rule out the possibility of a self-pardon in the future, leaving it open-ended. He also discussed the recent indictment of Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, emphasizing a disparity in the justice system, which he perceives as being more lenient towards Biden’s allies. Trump referred to a plea deal Hunter Biden had earlier this year as “the deal of the century.”
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Interviewer | Kristen Welker (NBC “Meet the Press” moderator) |
| Location of Interview | Bedminster golf club, New Jersey |
| Trump’s Stance on Self-Pardon | Very unlikely but not ruled out |
| Indictments Faced by Trump | Four, including efforts to overturn the 2020 election |
| Comments on Hunter Biden’s Case | Criticizes the justice system for alleged bias |
The interview sheds light on Trump’s perspective on the legal challenges he faces and his views on the justice system. It brings to the forefront the contentious issue of self-pardon, a topic that has been a point of discussion since his first term. As Trump remains a significant figure in the political landscape, his statements and decisions continue to hold substantial weight, influencing public discourse and potentially shaping the dynamics of the upcoming 2024 elections.
Source: NBC News