Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump made use of the pardon power last week. Biden preemptively pardoned several of his own family. He also pardoned political allies including Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the January 6 Committee. He also commuted the sentences of several convicted murderers. Reforming executive pardons isn’t a partisan issue, as critics point out that Trump gave blanket pardons to those who have been charged with trespassing and assaulting law enforcement in the Capitol riot in order to disrupt the presidential confirmation process. State Sen. Chris McDaniel (R- Ryland Heights) raised similar concerns about the abuse of pardons here in Kentucky. He’s proposing a bill that would roll back lame-duck pardons in particular, which is a good start for much needed reform.

Commonwealth Policy Center