Congress Must Act To Prevent Corrupt Use Of Pardons

I write to express serious concern about the growing abuse of the presidential pardon power and to urge you to act decisively to protect the rule of law. This authority, granted in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, was intended as a limited instrument of justice and mercy. It was never meant to enable political favoritism, financial influence, or immunity for presidential allies. The Pardon Power Has Been Distorted From Its Constitutional Purpose Recent reporting indicates that under President Donald J. Trump, the pardon process has frequently bypassed established Department of Justice procedures. Instead, clemency decisions have often relied on personal relationships, political loyalty, and outside advocacy. The Department of Justice maintains an Office of the Pardon Attorney to provide a structured, merit-based review process, yet this safeguard has been regularly set aside. Legal observers have documented instances in which intermediaries charged substantial fees for access to the president. Such practices create both the appearance and the risk of corruption, while undermining equal justice under law. Political Use of Pardons Undermines the Rule of Law The use of pardons to reward political allies and protect loyal supporters represents a radical departure from historical norms. In some cases, recipients have been connected to efforts that challenged or weakened democratic processes. Legal scholars and former prosecutors warn that this pattern transforms the pardon power into a political shield rather than a corrective tool. Over time, it weakens accountability, reduces deterrence, and erodes public confidence in the justice system. Congressional Oversight and Action Are Required Although the Constitution grants the president broad pardon authority, it does not place that power beyond scrutiny or consequence. As a member of Congress, you have clear authority to investigate potential abuses and to conduct meaningful oversight. You may also advance legislation to promote transparency and establish reasonable guardrails around the clemency process. Where legislative remedies prove inadequate, constitutional reform must be considered. Notably, multiple members of Congress have already proposed amendments to limit abuses of the pardon power, demonstrating that reform is both viable and necessary. Essential Congressional Actions to Protect the Rule of Law I respectfully urge you to speak out clearly and publicly against abuses of the pardon power so the American people understand what is at stake. You should support or initiate investigative and oversight hearings to examine how the clemency process has been used and whether improper influence has occurred. Finally, you should support necessary corrective actions, including legislation and, if required, steps toward meaningful constitutional reform. The pardon power must not be used to obstruct justice, reward loyalty, or shield wrongdoing.