Vice President Kamala Harris declined to comment on Tuesday during an interview when asked if she would consider pardoning former President Donald Trump if she were to be elected president. When questioned about the possibility of pardoning Trump if he is convicted in his pending federal cases, Harris stated, 'I’m not going to get into those hypotheticals.'
The question posed by the source holds historical significance. In 1974, then-President Gerald Ford granted his predecessor, Richard Nixon, a full preemptive pardon for any potential crimes Nixon may have committed during his presidency. Unlike Nixon, Trump has faced convictions earlier this year for multiple felonies related to payments made to a porn star who alleged an affair with him. Trump is currently facing pending cases concerning alleged misconduct following the 2020 election and accusations of mishandling classified documents. Two of these cases are being tried in federal court, and if elected president, Harris would have the authority to pardon Trump in those instances.
When asked about the possibility of pardoning Trump to help the country move on from his legal issues, Harris emphasized her focus on the upcoming 14 days. She stated, 'Let me tell you what’s going to help us move on – I get elected president of the United States.'
Regarding a potential Cabinet appointment for Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, who has endorsed Harris, the vice president replied, 'I’ll keep you posted.' Harris has previously expressed her commitment to including a Republican in her Cabinet.
