White House reportedly weighing mass pardons for junior staffers

The White House is reportedly evaluating mass pardons for junior staffers, according to Mediaite, which cited a Saturday report by The Washington Sun. The outlet cited two sources, though one quickly cast doubt on the idea.

A pardon for all junior administration personnel is viewed as unlikely, one source told the Sun, but the president could issue blanket pardons for employees involved in particular policy areas, such as deportations, war or trade. The discussions would apply to far more White House staff than previously reported.

Trump has issued numerous pardons since returning to office. President Donald Trump told Time earlier this month he would consider such pardons. “Yeah, sure I’d do that,” he said, pointing to former President Joe Biden’s pre-emptive pardons. “Well, Sleepy Joe Biden, he gave pardons to everyone,” Trump said. Biden issued pardons before leaving office, including to Anthony Fauci and retired Gen. Mark Milley. The White House did not immediately respond to Mediaite’s request for comment.