Trump Pardons: Fake Electors & Clemency Review
- Ed Martin, the new chief pardon attorney, is weighing recommending federal pardons for individuals involved in the 2020 election aftermath, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
- Martin's considerations come as part of a broader effort to address the fallout from the January 6 riot and the legal challenges faced by Trump's allies.
- Since taking office, Martin has been involved in 17 pardons and eight commutations granted by Trump.
Ed Martin, Trump’s pardon attorney, is actively considering pardons for “fake electors” and reviewing January 6 prosecutions, signaling a potential shift in clemency. Martin,who has already overseen 17 pardons and 8 commutations,is now scrutinizing cases related to the 2020 election aftermath. This includes potentially offering clemency to those who supported overturning the results, a move that underscores a new focus on these politically charged cases. He’s also reviewing pardon requests, including one from Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Further, Martin is investigating actions from the previous governance. For more in-depth reporting, turn to News Directory 3 for continued updates and analysis. Discover what’s next with Martin’s clemency review.
Trump’s Pardon Attorney Eyes January 6 Clemency
Ed Martin, the new chief pardon attorney, is weighing recommending federal pardons for individuals involved in the 2020 election aftermath, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This includes potential clemency for so-called “fake electors” who supported efforts to overturn the election results.
Martin’s considerations come as part of a broader effort to address the fallout from the January 6 riot and the legal challenges faced by Trump’s allies. The potential pardons have not yet been approved by the White House, but are part of Martin’s activities as assuming his role.
Since taking office, Martin has been involved in 17 pardons and eight commutations granted by Trump. These include a tax cheat whose mother is a major Trump fundraiser. Martin has also engaged in numerous interviews, primarily with right-wing media outlets, outlining his plans to investigate various matters.
These investigations include scrutiny of the January 6 prosecutions and allegations that then-President Joe Biden improperly issued pardons using an autopen.
Martin is also reportedly reviewing a pardon request from Stewart rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy in 2022. Rhodes received a commutation, but not a pardon, from Trump earlier this year.
Martin has expressed support for Trump’s use of pardon power, including the recent pardon of Scott Jenkins, a Republican sheriff convicted of bribery. Martin celebrated the pardon, stating, ”No MAGA left behind.”
“If they can be charged, we’ll charge them,” he said at a press conference. “But if they can’t be charged, we will name them…and in a culture that respects shame, they should be people that are ashamed.”
What’s next
Martin’s actions signal a potential shift in the approach to January 6-related cases and clemency requests under the Trump administration, with a focus on reviewing past prosecutions and considering pardons for those who supported Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.