Can Trump really pardon himself?

We asked legal experts about the limits of a president’s pardoning power.

Take a look at the US Constitution and you’ll find that the president has fairly broad power to pardon individuals accused, charged or convicted of crimes against the federal government.

President Trump’s use of pardons early in his presidency, some believe, sends signals to his allies that Trump is willing to pardon them if they’re convicted of a crime in one of the several investigations surrounding the 2016 elections. The president has also repeatedly claimed that he could even pardon himself.

So what are the checks to a US president’s pardoning power and what does the Constitution have to say about this sort of self-serving pardoning?

[juandeldiablo]

Just the fact we are having this discussion is troublesome

[leonardchurch]

“I can totally pardon myself from my crimes, but I won’t cause I haven’t committed any crimes. That being said, I can still pardon myself.” What a joke.

[badabingmike]

If he burps loudly at the dinner table then yes.

[TheIMMORTALKAHNHD]

No. Nixon asked this and his lawyers told him no and to tred lightly . He resigned shortly after.

[sasori]

He's totally taking advantage of our system

[nicholasschofield]

The notion of pardoning himself is nothing more than consciousness of guilt . Its evidence and that's all it is.

[cup_check_official]

Me: I am such a sinner.
Also Me: Jesus forgives you, my child.

[Physionic]

He said, “faithfully execute” and that’s enough for him to realize he’s not supposed to pardon himself? I doubt those two words translated to that in his, or many others’ heads.

[Erik]

Trump shouldn't get away with pardoning himself, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does.

[chris]

I can’t wait till we get past this period in time and how history will see these events and what people will say.

[ltariku]

Well well well, this has aged quite well

[qcrew]

If trump pardons Cohen and Flynn there should be calls for impeachment

[aeon]

Ask not what he can but what he doesn’t know that he can’t.

[hp]

Who's watching this after the post-election Trump suggestions of preemptive pardons?

[juice]

*I didn't do anything wrong, but if I did I could pardon myself.*

[bluegrayskies]

Ironic....he could save others but not himself.

[BulletMagnetMan]

Trump: "If I pardon myself it will be the YOOGEST pardon you've ever seen! It will be so YOOOGE you won't be able to see over it. It will be the BEST pardon there has ever been! People say so so it must be true"

[hi-nwqy]

So why are presidents even allowed to pardon in the first place? It doesn't seem like there is much use for it besides bailing out people that the president favorites.

[NightcorEDM]

Pardons of criminals will never be forgotten and will never be forgiven.

[joshskov]

Wow u at Vox called it. He just pardoned Micheal Flynn! SMH