U.S. President Donald J. Trump has granted pardons to several individuals linked to efforts challenging the 2020 presidential election results.
The list includes individuals described as “false electors,” who were involved in attempts to contest the certification of electoral votes in several battleground states.
The pardons continue a pattern of Trump extending clemency to allies connected to his post-election actions and claims.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has maintained that the 2020 election was marred with widespread voter fraud, though courts and election officials previously dismissed those claims.
Under the U.S. Constitution, the president holds the authority to pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes, including the power to commute sentences or void convictions. While traditionally used to promote justice or mercy, the pardon power has also sparked debate when exercised in politically charged circumstances.
Those pardoned reportedly include individuals who participated in alternate elector slates in states such as Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These groups attempted to submit pro-Trump electors despite official certifications confirming Joseph Biden’s victory in those states. None of the legal challenges related to those alternate slates succeeded in overturning the results.
The White House has not released full details of the pardons, including the specific charges involved or the criteria used to determine eligibility.