Summary of NPR Politics Podcast Episode: "How President Trump's Pardons Are Challenging Political Norms"
Introduction
In the June 3, 2025 episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, hosts Myles Parks, Carrie Johnson, and Mara Liasson delve into the controversial use of presidential pardons by former President Donald Trump. The discussion centers on how Trump's approach to pardoning individuals is reshaping longstanding political norms and the implications for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and American political landscape.
Overview of Trump's Pardons
The episode opens with an examination of President Trump's extensive use of the pardon power, highlighting his issuance of 19 pardons in the previous month alone. Mara Liasson (00:51) emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Trump's assertive use of this executive power:
"Trump has pardoned a lot of white-collar criminals... these pardons are seemingly based on how strongly these people support him" (03:00).
Notable pardons discussed include:
- January 6th Rioters: On his first day back in office, Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol riot, including violent participants who assaulted police officers (01:41).
- Virginia Sheriff: Pardoned Scott Jenkins, convicted of bribery (05:05).
- Tax Fraud Conviction: Pardoned an individual with familial ties to major Trump donors (01:41).
These actions signal a clear message to Trump's base: unwavering support for MAGA supporters, even when criminal activity is involved.
Comparison with Past Presidential Pardons
The hosts compare Trump's pardon strategy to those of previous administrations. Mara Liasson notes that while political pardons are not new—citing Bill Clinton's pardon of Mark Rich and other presidents' pardoning of associates—Trump's approach is markedly more transparent and prolific:
"Trump has done it much more blatantly and transparently... he has made this process very open" (03:53).
Carrie Johnson adds that unlike past presidents who often reserved significant pardons for their final days in office to minimize backlash, Trump has actively employed pardons as a tool to maintain and reinforce his political alliances:
"He has made no secret of the fact that his ears and eyes are open all the time for pardons" (04:20).
Impact on Department of Justice and Political Norms
The episode delves into how Trump's use of pardons affects the DOJ and established political protocols. Carrie Johnson highlights the erosion of traditional DOJ independence under Trump's administration:
"There's minimal separation, if any, between what the DOJ wants and what Donald Trump wants" (09:13).
Mara Liasson underscores the dramatic shift in DOJ operations, noting Trump's direct intervention by pardoning cases initiated during his first term:
"That many, if not all of the pardons we've seen so far from Trump have not used the traditional process" (14:15).
This bypass of standard DOJ procedures, which typically involve thorough review and input from prosecutors, undermines institutional checks and balances.
Public and Political Reactions
Despite widespread public disapproval of pardoning violent January 6th defendants, Trump has faced little to no backlash from his own party. Mara Liasson points out the solid support Trump maintains within the Republican Party:
"No consequences for Trump himself when he was convicted... no political consequences with the majority of Americans opposing his pardons" (06:40).
Carrie Johnson adds that the visibility and frequency of these pardons have spurred a burgeoning "cottage industry" of lawyers and advocates actively seeking pardons through Trump's administration, highlighting a systemic shift in how such appeals are made:
"Everybody and their brother can knock on the door at the White House and try to get a reception from Trump" (14:15).
Conclusion
The podcast concludes by acknowledging the ongoing nature of this pardon trend and its potential to further disrupt traditional political and judicial norms. The hosts agree to continue monitoring the situation as more pardons proceed. The episode underscores the significant and potentially lasting impact of Trump's pardon strategy on American politics and governance.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Mara Liasson (03:00): "Trump has pardoned a lot of white-collar criminals... these pardons are seemingly based on how strongly these people support him."
- Carrie Johnson (04:20): "He has made no secret of the fact that his ears and eyes are open all the time for pardons."
- Mara Liasson (06:40): "No consequences for Trump himself when he was convicted... no political consequences with the majority of Americans opposing his pardons."
- Carrie Johnson (14:15): "Everybody and their brother can knock on the door at the White House and try to get a reception from Trump."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The NPR Politics Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of President Trump's unprecedented use of the pardon power, highlighting its implications for political norms, the DOJ, and broader governance. Through insightful discussions and expert commentary, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the evolving political landscape shaped by these actions.