Trump considering preemptive pardons for his children, report says

Son in law and Rudy Giuliani also reportedly among those being considered

President Donald Trump has discussed granting preemptive pardons for his children, his son-in-law and his personal lawyer, according to a report.

The New York Times reported that two people briefed on the matter told the newspaper that Mr Trump fears a Biden Justice Department might seek reprisal against his three oldest children.

According to the newspaper he has discussed pardons for Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Ivanka alongside husband Jared Kushner and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The Times reported that Mr Trump had talked with Mr Giuliani about pardoning him as recently as last week, according to two people briefed on the matter.

The nature of Mr Trump’s concern about any potential criminal culpability of Eric Trump or Ivanka Trump is unclear, the report said.

Donald Trump Jr had been investigated, but was never charged, as part of the Mueller investigation for contacts with Russian figures and seeking information on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election campaign.

Mr Kushner, who works as a senior adviser to the president, provided false information to authorities for high level security clearance but still managed to obtain access to some of the nation’s top secrets, reportedly thanks to an order made by Mr Trump.

Mr Giuliani has become the figurehead of Mr Trump’s baseless campaign of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, having made a number of unusual high-profile appearances representing the president.

The Times report comes following a report from ABC News that various Trump allies and other lawyers have begun a campaign to petition the West Wing in an attempt to secure pardons.

The broadcaster reported that those on the list for a potential pardon ranged from family members to associates.

The Trump administration has been plagued by a number of investigations and criminal prosecutions of people surrounding the president. 

A pardon from the president does not provide protection against state or local crimes.

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment by The Independent.

Christianné L Allen, Mr Giuliani’s spokesperson, told The Times that Mr Giuliani “cannot comment on any discussions that he has with his client.”

When a version of The Times article was published online, the lawyer lashed out at the report on Twitter, saying the claims were false.