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Jeffrey Toobin
Biden, Trump Pardons Show True Colors
Published February 12, 2025 2:20 PM PST
Jeffrey Toobin has expressed his belief that Joe Biden has diminished his presidential legacy through the recent pardon of his son, while Donald Trump has further solidified criticisms of his leadership with a series of controversial pardons. Toobin, a well-known lawyer and legal analyst, shared these insights during his appearance on “TMZ Live” and discussed how the act of granting pardons often reveals the underlying character of presidents.
In his latest publication, “The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy,” Toobin argues that the presidential pardon is a unique power that operates without the usual checks and balances of governance. This characteristic makes the decisions surrounding pardons particularly telling about the individuals who wield this authority.
Toobin pointed out that Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter illustrates a prioritization of family over public expectations. He emphasized that Biden’s reversal on a prior commitment not to pardon his son has significant implications for his historical reputation. According to Toobin, this move reflects a personal agenda that may overshadow broader political principles.
In contrast, Trump’s approach to pardons during his final term was characterized by a voluminous distribution akin to handing out candy. Many of these pardons were granted to individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, which Toobin interprets as indicative of Trump’s transactional nature and his penchant for surrounding himself with allies over accountability.
The comprehensive interview with Toobin will be broadcasted in detail on “TMZ Live” later tonight.
Source
www.tmz.com