# Trump Pardons Everyone! **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 18, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121 "2020-02-18T19:12:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/81 "2020-02-19T20:47:44Z")
And, really, most convicts in prison are there on state charges, or on a combination of state and federal charges. It’s fairly uncommon for something to be a federal crime but not any state crime. ---
**Author:** ![plankter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ba0ec/32.png) [@plankter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plankter)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/82 "2020-02-19T20:55:15Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > The General, The President, [The King of the Sea](https://youtu.be/MFeJJAQPiK4?t=36)! I remembered it as “King of the Scene”', but your version recalls Emperor Caligula declaring war upon Neptune. The real goal of Trump’s Space Force? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/83 "2020-02-19T22:07:12Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Trump also pardoned Paul Pogue. In what is a huge coincidence and not at all a bribe, Paul Pogue’s family donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump’s campaign. Well that’s just a time honored tradition in politics but presidents usually have the good taste to make those kind of pardons as they are walking out the door. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/84 "2020-02-19T22:10:14Z")
Oh, irony: “… by the time [Blagojevich] was removed from office in early 2009, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board estimated the number of petitions piled up on his desk at more than 3,000 — by far the largest such backlog in the nation.” > **[Column: Rod Blagojevich, Donald Trump and the circle of sleaze](https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-column-trump-blagojevich-prison-zorn-20200218-ieouh52ttzexrelrsi2nxg2z6a-story.html#rt=floating-rail)** > > Our swampy, self-dealing narcissist president Donald Trump has taken care of Illinois' swampy, self-dealing narcissistic former governor. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/85 "2020-02-19T22:30:27Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Blago spent eight years in a small concrete room. Is that not enough? [He shook down the CEO of a children’s hospital for $25,000 in exchange for higher insurance reimbursements for pediatric specialists.](https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2011-06-27-ct-met-blagojevich-verdict-06-20110627-story.html) No, eight years isn’t enough. I hope he enjoys Hell. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/86 "2020-02-19T22:41:06Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > … > Trump is not allowed to have the least little bit of compassion, because, you know, he’s an evil genius and all. … Again, this time with a request for a cite. No one to my knowledge has ever said this about Trump. Evil, sure, that’s an easy one. Genius? It is to laugh. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/87 "2020-02-19T22:51:19Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > No, “Chief Law Enforcement Officer” is not an official title. > > Yes, that should be the attorney general. > > Trump is basically declaring himself the attorney general of the US as well as President and whatever else he’s declared himself to be this week. > [@Akaj](#): > > That’s kind of refreshing. I haven’t seen anything – what kinds of inequity is he talking about? Is this the news conference where he declared himself a “Trumpocrat”? ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/88 "2020-02-19T22:57:03Z")
Also, please cite any prior occasions of Trump demonstrating compassion. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/89 "2020-02-19T23:07:06Z")
There was that time he was forced to give the money he stole from his own military fundraiser, back in 2016. Helluva guy! I can see why I would be proud to support a man like Donald Trump. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/90 "2020-02-19T23:44:18Z")
Part of Trump’s ‘thing’ is to have one side (repubs) gloat over the distress felt by the other (dems). Have people be joyful because of pain suffered by others. It really doesn’t matter how he inflict pain or the damage done to the society or environment, what matters is his base become accustomed and expect the suffering of others. These pardons are just one of many examples. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/91 "2020-02-20T00:53:59Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > If all of those were real titles and not just made up to look like stupid joke titles, then yeah, Trump is the Chief of the Interior Department. > > He is the head of the entire executive branch. All executive power is constitutionally vested in the President. He has the duty to take care that the laws are faithfully executed. Sounds like he is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. If the system has seen fit to hire a subordinate to largely carry out the task, it still doesn’t deprive a president of his power over that subordinate. > > Maybe the founders got it wrong and one person shouldn’t have all that power. But until the Constitution is amended, the president does. If Trump is the chief law enforcement officer then why didn’t he shut down the Flynn and Mueller investigations himself instead of asking Comey and Sessions to do it and then firing them when they didn’t comply? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/92 "2020-02-20T01:08:41Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > Part of Trump’s ‘thing’ is to have one side (repubs) gloat over the distress felt by the other (dems). Have people be joyful because of pain suffered by others. It really doesn’t matter how he inflict pain or the damage done to the society or environment, what matters is his base become accustomed and expect the suffering of others. These pardons are just one of many examples. Yep. Provided the right people suffer. And not’s let forget Trumps compassion in returning monies for the quashed dreams of students of his fake University. Though I think that’s still in the works. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/93 "2020-02-20T09:37:26Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Such “logic” would make him Chief White House Butler of the United States. > And Chief White House Maid of the United States. > And Chief White House Groundskeeper of the United States. Could happen! Buttigieg was asked what would happen if he is elected and Trump refuses to leave. Mayor Pete answered that Trump could stay and do chores. [Pete Buttigieg: If Donald Trump Won’t Leave White House, He Can ‘Do Chores’](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-buttigieg-donald-trump-chores_n_5e4aec31c5b64433c61a6334) ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/94 "2020-02-20T13:47:37Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > The General, The President, [The King of the Sea](https://youtu.be/MFeJJAQPiK4?t=36)! Three people more than enough for a quartet, anyhow. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/95 "2020-02-20T14:11:09Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Charles Manson spent 46 years in prison. Why wasn’t he pardoned after serving eight? He didn’t donate a couple hundred thou to Trump like Pogue did ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/96 "2020-02-21T09:32:48Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > **UltraVires** , in several threads you’ve posited that Trump, as President, is in charge of everything. I don’t see anyone in this thread disputing that he had the Consitutional _authority_ to pardon/commute persons convicted of federal crimes. Now, would you care to discuss whether his decision to do so without consulting the department head who’s charged with that specific task is the _right_ thing to do? Sure. Why not? You admit that the Constitution gives him this power. Why must he give an underling a veto power over it, especially in such subjective cases like these? What boss cedes power to his underlings? Must a restaurant owner follow his head chef’s wishes? Was it not “right” or therefore wrong about the boss taking charge on an issue? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/97 "2020-02-21T10:53:25Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Sure. Why not? You admit that the Constitution gives him this power. Why must he give an underling a veto power over it, especially in such subjective cases like these? What boss cedes power to his underlings? A boss that knows how to delegate? A boss that listens when a subordinate gives him factual information instead of shooting the messenger? Listening to and considering what “underlings” have to say is not giving them veto power or ceding decision making, it’s a means of gathering information about the world. > [@UltraVires](#): > > Must a restaurant owner follow his head chef’s wishes? Nope, but a restaurant owner who never listens to what the head chef has to say is probably stupid and not likely to be in charge long-term - you don’t run a successful business by completely ignoring and/or canning the experts you hire to get something done. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/98 "2020-02-21T20:43:38Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Little known facts about Trump: > > - He invented the hamburger, calling it “double bread with meat”, before settling on it’s correct name, “Hamberder”, which it will now be called under federal law. > > - Trump never needs to use a toilet because his body is so well calibrated he does not need to urinate or defecate. > > - Trump’s birth atop a sacred mountain saw a new star created and winter turn to spring. > > - Trump is beloved around the world and every single country celebrates his birthday. > > - Trump is the best golfer in the world. In his last game, he dominated the 7,700-yard Course. He shot an unimaginable 38-under par, recording no worse than a birdie on each hole. His round included 11 holes-in-one, and the feat was verified by 17 bodyguards who were present. > > - During an intensely creative two year span, Trump composed six operas which are considered to be the world’s best. You forgot to mention that he also has a 12.5 inch wiener. ---
**Author:** ![RedSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/67e7ee/32.png) [@RedSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedSky)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/99 "2020-02-21T22:37:00Z")
> [@dasmoocher](#): > > To be fair, Trump probably thinks he knows more about law enforcement than anybody. > > Just ask him. (And, how long until Trump actually says this aloud?) Trump and his business were involved in 3,500 legal cases even before he became dictator, the evidence is there. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2020, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121/100 "2020-02-22T21:51:01Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Sure. Why not? You admit that the Constitution gives him this power. Why must he give an underling a veto power over it, especially in such subjective cases like these? What boss cedes power to his underlings? Must a restaurant owner follow his head chef’s wishes? Was it not “right” or therefore wrong about the boss taking charge on an issue? Are you serious? Do you not know how organizations work? Do you think Bill Gates was the best programmer at Microsoft in 1992? Do you think he “took charge” of Excel Development because he had an issue with, say, the interface? No, he fired someone and put another in his place and said “make it work”. If you’re running a business, you hire people smarter than you can ever be to take care of those things, provided they are aligned with your vision and direction. You don’t fire the chef and start running the kitchen yourself, nor do you fire the chef and make the matre’d both greet and cook. But Trump does, and that’s why he’s horrible at running organizations. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-everyone/848121.md?page=6)