Trump’s Pardon Power: Myths vs. Biden’s Actions Exposed

Everything Democrats and corporate media falsely claimed Trump would do with the pardon power to destroy democracy and the rule of law– pardon all his family members and all his political allies — were things Trump didn't do.

They were, however, all things that Biden did:

In a recent tweet, journalist Glenn Greenwald addresses the long-standing narrative surrounding former President Donald Trump’s use of his pardon power, contrasting it with actions taken by President Joe Biden. Greenwald argues that many claims made by Democrats and corporate media suggested that Trump would exploit his pardon authority to undermine democracy and the rule of law. These claims included fears that Trump would grant pardons to his family members and political allies, effectively shielding them from legal consequences. However, Greenwald asserts that Trump did not engage in these activities, highlighting a discrepancy between expectation and reality.

### The Misconceptions About Trump’s Pardoning Power

The narrative that Trump would misuse his pardon power has been a consistent theme among critics, who believed he would prioritize personal interests over the rule of law. This perception was fueled by a politically charged environment where every action was scrutinized through a partisan lens. Greenwald’s tweet serves to dismantle this narrative by pointing out that Trump did not pardon his family or political allies in the way that many had predicted. Instead, he suggests that the real implications of pardoning powers are more reflective of Biden’s actions.

### Biden’s Use of the Pardon Power

Greenwald’s tweet implies that the concerns raised regarding Trump’s potential actions may have inadvertently mirrored Biden’s own use of the pardon power. While the specifics of Biden’s pardons weren’t detailed in the tweet, the suggestion is clear: Biden’s actions might have crossed the lines that critics were so concerned about during Trump’s presidency. This raises important questions about the consistency of political critique across party lines and how the use of presidential powers can be perceived differently depending on who is in office.

### The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

One of the underlying themes in Greenwald’s commentary is the role that corporate media plays in shaping public perception. By focusing on the possible misdeeds of Trump while downplaying or ignoring similar actions from Biden, media narratives can create an imbalanced view of political realities. This raises concerns about the integrity of reporting and the potential for biased coverage to influence public opinion and democratic discourse.

### Conclusion

In summary, Glenn Greenwald’s tweet emphasizes the discrepancies in narratives surrounding the use of presidential pardon powers by Trump and Biden. While Trump was accused of potentially undermining democracy through pardons, Greenwald argues that he did not follow through on those fears. Instead, he suggests that Biden’s approach to pardons may reflect the very concerns that were levied against Trump. This discourse invites a broader examination of how political actions are framed within the media and the implications for democratic accountability. As political landscapes evolve, the conversation surrounding the use of presidential powers continues to be a vital topic for understanding governance and the rule of law in America.

For more insights on this topic, you can follow Glenn Greenwald on Twitter and explore his analyses on media and politics.

Everything Democrats and corporate media falsely claimed Trump would do with the pardon power to destroy democracy and the rule of law– pardon all his family members and all his political allies — were things Trump didn’t do.

They were, however, all things that Biden did: https://t.co/uQeMXGsfDA

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 20, 2025

Everything Democrats and corporate media falsely claimed Trump would do with the pardon power to destroy democracy and the rule of law– pardon all his family members and all his political allies — were things Trump didn’t do.

Many of us remember the heated debates during Trump’s presidency, especially surrounding his use of the pardon power. Democrats and mainstream media often warned that Trump would exploit this power to undermine democracy and the rule of law. They painted a vivid picture of a president who would pardon all his family members and political allies, essentially turning the justice system into a tool for his personal gain. However, as it turned out, these fears were largely unfounded. Trump did not pursue the actions that were predicted. Instead, the situation took a surprising turn with President Biden’s actions in office.

What makes this topic even more intriguing is how the narrative shifted. The very things that were supposedly going to be the hallmark of Trump’s presidency regarding pardons became a reality under Biden. So, let’s unpack this a bit more and explore what exactly happened.

They were, however, all things that Biden did:

When Biden took office, many people were eager to see how he would handle pardons. As it turns out, he made some significant decisions that echoed the concerns once raised about Trump. Pardon power, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, allows the president to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes. This power is meant to be used judiciously, but it can also be politically charged.

Under Biden, we witnessed some controversial pardons that led to debates about fairness and the integrity of the justice system. Critics argued that his decisions favored certain groups, creating a narrative that mirrored the fears surrounding Trump’s potential actions. The irony is palpable; the Democrats who once criticized Trump for allegedly planning to misuse his pardon power found themselves in a similar situation when Biden took office.

Why the Pardon Power Matters

The pardon power is a significant aspect of presidential authority that can have wide-reaching implications for the justice system. It’s meant to serve as a check against potential miscarriages of justice, allowing for redemption and second chances. However, the way this power is executed can raise questions about equity and legality. With great power comes great responsibility, and how a president chooses to use this power can define their legacy.

The concerns voiced by Democrats and mainstream media during Trump’s presidency were not just about the potential for corruption; they were also about the broader implications for democracy. Pardon powers can be wielded as tools of political favoritism, leading to a perceived erosion of justice. This situation underlines the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of such powers.

The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Perception

The media has a profound impact on how we perceive political events. During Trump’s time in office, corporate media was quick to highlight every potential misuse of power, especially regarding pardons. The narrative often focused on the fear that he would pardon his family and allies without regard for the rule of law. This kind of reporting not only shapes public opinion but also sets the stage for how future actions will be interpreted.

In contrast, when Biden exercised his pardon power, the media narrative shifted. Some outlets approached Biden’s decisions with a more lenient lens, often framing them as necessary acts of compassion or justice. This disparity in coverage raises questions about bias in the media and highlights the need for consistent standards in reporting on political actions.

The Impact on Democracy and Rule of Law

The juxtaposition of Trump’s and Biden’s use of the pardon power illustrates a critical point about democracy and the rule of law. Both presidents had the opportunity to frame their legacies through their decisions on clemency, but the public’s reaction can differ significantly based on political affiliation and media portrayal. When Democrats accused Trump of threatening democracy, they may have inadvertently set a precedent for similar accusations against Biden when he exercised his own pardon powers.

This situation calls for reflection on the principles that govern our justice system. How can we ensure that the pardon power is used fairly and without political bias? The conversation must continue, emphasizing accountability for all leaders, regardless of party affiliation. As citizens, we must remain vigilant and critically evaluate how power is exercised at the highest levels.

What This Means for the Future

Looking ahead, how will future presidents approach the pardon power? Will they be more cautious, or will the trend of partisan favoritism continue? The actions of recent administrations serve as a reminder that the power of the presidency is not only about policy decisions but also about the moral and ethical implications of those decisions.

As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency in their actions. Whether it’s Trump, Biden, or any future president, the principles of democracy and the rule of law must remain at the forefront of our political discourse.

In summary, the narrative surrounding the pardon power is intricate and multifaceted. The fears that were once associated with Trump’s presidency have, in many ways, materialized under Biden. As we reflect on the past and consider the future, the lessons learned from these experiences should guide our expectations and demands for accountability in the political sphere. Through this ongoing dialogue, we can work toward a more just and equitable system for all.