U.S.: Hours To Leaving White House, Trump Pardons Former Aide, 72 Others
Less than 24 hours to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, President Donald J. Trump has granted full pardon to his former White House’s chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon and 72 other individuals.
A press release by his administration on Wednesday, stated that he also reduced (commuted) the jail term of an “additional 70 individuals.”
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Explaining his decision to pardon Bannon, Trump said that despite his indictment by authorities, the former aide did a good job in promoting his campaign ideals.
“Prosecutors pursued Mr. Bannon with charges related to fraud stemming from his involvement in a political project. Mr. Bannon has been an important leader in the conservative movement and is known for his political acumen,” the statement partly read.
The authority to grant federal pardon is captured in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
Earlier, Trump, while giving his farewell address to the nation, said “I go from this majestic place with a joyful, optimistic spirit and a supreme confidence that as for our country, our children, the best is yet to come.
