2024 Candidates’ Stance on Pardoning Trump

2024 Contenders Weigh in on Pardoning Former President Trump

Last week, former President Trump appeared in a federal courtroom in Miami, facing 37 charges. As the race to replace President Joe Biden heats up, several potential 2024 contenders have been asked about their stance on pardoning Trump.

What the Contenders Have to Say

• Ron DeSantis:

  Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, currently second to Trump in GOP primary polls, plans to be “aggressive” with issuing pardons. He stated that any instance of political bias or weaponization would be considered in the review process.

• Mike Pence:

  Former Vice President Mike Pence believes it is premature to discuss pardoning Trump. He emphasized that presuming Trump’s guilt is unwarranted.

• Tim Scott:

  Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) stated that he would not deal with hypotheticals but emphasized that every American is innocent until proven guilty.

• Chris Christie:

  Former New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie expressed uncertainty about pardoning Trump. He highlighted the importance of a fair trial and the requirement for admitting guilt to accept a pardon.

• Asa Hutchinson:

  Former Arkansas GOP Governor Asa Hutchinson, who called on Trump to drop out of the 2024 race, rejected discussing pardons during the campaign, considering it a misuse of the pardon power.

• Nikki Haley:

  Former South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley indicated that it is premature to make a decision but leaned towards favoring a pardon.

• Vivek Ramaswamy:

  Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy demanded that other 2024 candidates sign a pledge to pardon Trump in the documents case or explain their refusal.

• Larry Elder:

  Conservative talk show host Larry Elder vowed to instruct his attorney general to drop politically motivated charges against Trump. He also advocated for legislation to combat lenient district attorneys nationwide.

• Democratic Party:

  The campaign for Robert Kennedy Jr. declined to comment on any initiatives from Republican primary candidates.

As the 2024 race unfolds, the question of pardoning former President Trump remains a topic of discussion among potential contenders.