1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

It is deeply troubling that key figures in the Republican Party—most notably Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson—continue to claim ignorance on matters where knowledge and accountability are not optional, but essential. When the general public appears more informed about critical issues than those in positions of national power, something has gone seriously wrong. Donald Trump should be fully aware of the individuals he chooses to pardon, and the implications of those decisions. The act of granting clemency is not a casual gesture; it is an exercise of immense authority that carries moral and political weight. Claiming a lack of awareness is inexcusable. Similarly, Speaker Mike Johnson cannot credibly lead the House of Representatives while turning a blind eye to Trump’s actions. Leadership demands awareness, integrity, and a willingness to confront hard truths, not partisan deflection or strategic silence. The American people deserve leaders who are informed, transparent, and accountable—not those who plead ignorance when it suits their interests. The bar for public service must be higher than this.