# Will President Pence pardon Donald Trump? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 11, 2017, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340 "2017-05-11T11:38:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ganthet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de0a6/32.png) [@ganthet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ganthet)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/21 "2017-05-11T18:33:18Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > I disagree. Providing it happens soon, of course. As you may recall, a week is a long time in politics, and in 3.5 years, this will all be irrelevant. For relatively minor actions perhaps, but then Benghazi and pre-2013 emails played a significant role in Hillary’s loss in the minds of some Trump voters. Most if not all seem predisposed not liking her already, but these factors provided even more fodder, regardless of their merits. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/22 "2017-05-11T18:36:05Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > The evidence is that Mike Pence was personally involved in the transition process, when all these “secret” meetings and discussions with the Russians were going on. Pence strikes me as a bit of a mushroom. Keep him in the dark and feed him shit. Nixon’s pardon was one thing. His acts almost seem like schoolyard pranks compared to what we’re talking about here. Trump will get impeached on one of two fronts: colluding with a foreign power to change the course of election, likely in return for future favors. Not just any foreign power either, but Russia. Door number 2 is emoluments. Trading on the office of the Presidency to enrich himself and his family. Trademarks in China. Pay for play at Mar-a-lago to get access to the President. Building permits in other countries, and so on. A pardon for emoluments is one thing. A pardon for treason is an entirely different matter. No one should be above a trial for that. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/23 "2017-05-11T18:39:51Z")
My guess is no. For one thing Pence is in a position to learn from Ford’s example; his pardon possibly cost him a close election. Secondly, I think there was a general level of respect for Nixon as a serious leader who went badly astray whereas I suspect Trump is considered a buffoon even by Republicans like Pence. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/24 "2017-05-11T19:16:52Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > Agnew was removed first. And Trump should keep in mind you can’t grow a penis without Spiro Agnew. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/25 "2017-05-11T19:22:52Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > A pardon for emoluments is one thing. A pardon for treason is an entirely different matter. No one should be above a trial for that. It was argued that treason should be excluded when the constitution was being written but some argued against it and it was defeated. > [@](#): > > On May 29, 1787, Charles Pinckney introduced a proposal to give the chief executive the same pardon power as enjoyed by English monarchs, that is, complete power with the exception of impeachment. Some delegates argued that treason should be excluded from the pardon power. George Mason argued that the President’s pardon power “may be sometimes exercised to screen from punishment those whom he had secretly instigated to commit the crime and thereby prevent a discovery of his own guilt.” James Wilson answered that pardons for treason should be available and successfully argued that the power would be best used by the President. Impeachment was available if the President himself was involved in the treason. A proposal for Senate approval of presidential pardons was also defeated. > > SOURCE: [http://www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/articles/2/essays/89/pardon-power](http://www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/articles/2/essays/89/pardon-power) ---
**Author:** ![Great\_White\_Dope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/22d042/32.png) [@Great\_White\_Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_White_Dope)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/26 "2017-05-11T19:34:42Z")
This thread reminds me of my favorite meme from the election . . . [![](https://i.imgur.com/GBI1KOU.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/GBI1KOU.jpg) Just keep saying it. One day, it’ll come true. Maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/27 "2017-05-11T19:35:16Z")
To add to my post above (missed edit window): Of course when this was written the VP was the person who came in second so would likely be from an opposing party and not necessarily have a good opinion of the president or inclined to pardon him. Now that the VP is the president’s running mate he/she is more likely to let his pal off the hook. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/28 "2017-05-11T20:53:01Z")
I don’t think Trump has an ounce of loyalty to Pence and wouldn’t hesitate to throw him under the bus at the slightest hope that it would keep him in the Oval Office for another month or two. So if (a) Pence isn’t complicit in the Russia business–and I’m betting he will be involved in at least an obstruction of justice rap if this all goes south–and (b) he survives Trump feeding him to the wolves of the press and partisans, then Pence won’t have a single reason to pardon Trump. Nixon was a public servant for decades, twice-elected POTUS and a Vice President, Senator, Congressman, and military veteran before that. There was an argument (perhaps unconvincing to some) that the pardon was in part a gesture toward the years he dedicated to his country, even if it ended in a morass of illegal and conspiratorial actions. Trump has no such cover. Pence is scary, deluded, and hypocritical and I can’t stand the guy, but even I’m not convinced he’s that dumb. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/29 "2017-05-11T21:05:22Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > The evidence is that Mike Pence was personally involved in the transition process, when all these “secret” meetings and discussions with the Russians were going on. Wow. Remind me to challenge your sitting on a jury if I am ever in the position to do so. ---
**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:** [May 11, 2017, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/30 "2017-05-11T21:06:25Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > On the other hand, if he got a pardon that would be as damaging to Republicans as Ford’s pardon of Nixon. Kept them out of the WH for four whole years! ---
**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:** [May 11, 2017, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/31 "2017-05-11T21:09:04Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > You may recall that Ford lost his presidential election approximately 3.5 years after pardoning Nixon. Not many people think the pardon was irrelevant. 2 years. 9-8-74 to 11-2-76. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/32 "2017-05-11T21:15:56Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I don’t know what to root for. On one hand, it would be tremendously gratifying to see Cheeto die **in solitary in a maximum security prison along with the rest of his family.** What exactly has Trump and his family done that would put all of them behind bars - maximum security, no less - for life? I’m hardly saying he’s a clean/non-corrupt person, but you have to provide something here. Even Al Capone was sentenced to “only” 20 years. What’s Ivanka done? Melania? Donald Jr.? Barron? ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/33 "2017-05-12T00:30:11Z")
> [@Great\_White\_Dope](#): > > This thread reminds me of my favorite meme from the election . . . > > [Imgur: The magic of the Internet](http://i.imgur.com/GBI1KOU.jpg) > > Just keep saying it. One day, it’ll come true. Maybe. This is a warning for trolling. I suggest you focus on substantive commentary going forward, for as long as that may be. [/moderating] ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/34 "2017-05-12T00:32:55Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > What exactly has Trump and his family done that would put all of them behind bars - maximum security, no less - for life? I’m hardly saying he’s a clean/non-corrupt person, but you have to provide something here. Even Al Capone was sentenced to “only” 20 years. What’s Ivanka done? Melania? Donald Jr.? Barron? Barron cheated on that Math test last week, _and everyone knows it_!!! ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/35 "2017-05-12T03:44:09Z")
> [@MovieMogul](#): > > I don’t think Trump has an ounce of loyalty to Pence and wouldn’t hesitate to throw him under the bus at the slightest hope that it would keep him in the Oval Office for another month or two. > > So if (a) Pence isn’t complicit in the Russia business–and I’m betting he will be involved in at least an obstruction of justice rap if this all goes south–and (b) he survives Trump feeding him to the wolves of the press and partisans, then Pence won’t have a single reason to pardon Trump. I agree there is no particular love or loyalty between the two and doubtless Trump will sacrifice anyone to cover his own ass and protect his own ego. Pence would not pardon Trump for any other reason than to protect the Republican party. There’d be huge pressure from the party to do so. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/36 "2017-05-12T11:10:40Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > What about President Ryan? Or President Hatch? I’m kinda hoping for the Heart Attack Fairy to decide that Pennsylvania Avenue is lovely this time of year. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/37 "2017-05-12T14:47:42Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I guess I’m getting ahead of myself here so let me restate: Assuming Mike Pence is still Vice President when Donald Trump resigns to avoid impeachment will President Pence pardon Donald Trump? Damn. I’ve read some increasingly unhinged political posts on the Dope since the election, but this is right up there at the top. What makes you think he’s going to be impeached in the first place? Or is this just the new talking point for liberals to squawk repeatedly like parrots on crack, along with the one about “special prosecutor” because Trump fired Comey like the liberals were demanding be done six months ago? Let’s have some specifics, please. ---
**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:** [May 12, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/38 "2017-05-12T15:10:02Z")
… yawn. You bore us, kid. Go away. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/39 "2017-05-12T15:29:02Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Damn. I’ve read some increasingly unhinged political posts on the Dope since the election, but this is right up there at the top. > > What makes you think he’s going to be impeached in the first place? Or is this just the new talking point for liberals to squawk repeatedly like parrots on crack, along with the one about “special prosecutor” because Trump fired Comey like the liberals were demanding be done six months ago? Let’s have some specifics, please. Don’t threadshit. A hypothetical as a thought exercise is perfect fodder for discussion. > [@JohnT](#): > > … yawn. > > You bore us, kid. Go away. Don’t be a jerk. If you have nothing but derision to add, I suggest you exercise restraint. [/moderating] ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340/40 "2017-05-12T15:44:07Z")
The GOP might be able to mitigate the damage of Pence pardoning Trump by not having Pence run for president in 2020, nominating an anti-Trump Republican instead. Ford was hurt by the pardon because he was the candidate in 1976. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-president-pence-pardon-donald-trump/786340.md?page=3)