What is a presidential pardon and how has it been used in the US?

The US is somewhat unique in letting its chief executive pardon without having to get signoff – here’s what to know

Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter on Sunday for any federal crimes “he committed or may have committed” between 1 January 2014 and 1 December 2024 has brought renewed focus on the expansive power the US constitution gives the president to grant official clemency.

It’s a power that presidents have deployed since George Washington, who pardoned those involved in the Whiskey Rebellion, to Donald Trump, who pardoned his political allies.

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Tuesday Briefing: A Presidential Pardon

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