Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley expressed concern about the potential division caused by a convicted Donald Trump serving jail time, stating that it would be detrimental to the country. She rejected the idea of preemptively pardoning Trump but emphasized the need for the legal process to unfold. Haley also positioned herself as a viable alternative to Trump and President Joe Biden, while facing criticism for her recent comments on racism in America.
Donald Trump's last-minute pardon of Jonathan Braun, a convicted drug smuggler with ties to the Kushner family, disrupted a larger investigation by the Justice Department into the predatory lending industry. The DOJ had been working on a deal with Braun to cooperate in their probe, but his pardon eliminated their leverage. Braun, who had been serving a 10-year sentence for money laundering and running a marijuana smuggling ring, was involved in a predatory lending operation while under house arrest. His connection to the Kushner family may have played a role in securing his pardon.
President Joe Biden celebrated his 81st birthday by pardoning two turkeys, Liberty and Bell, as part of the annual White House tradition. The turkeys, hailing from Minnesota, were named after the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Biden joked about his age and thanked the families across America who contribute to the nation's food supply. This marks Biden's third time participating in the turkey pardoning ceremony, continuing a presidential tradition that began in 1947. The turkeys enjoyed a luxurious stay at a hotel in Washington, D.C., and will now live out their days at the University of Minnesota.
Hillary Clinton expressed doubt in former President Donald Trump's claim that he would not pardon himself if convicted in his criminal cases and reelected. Clinton stated that she does not believe anything Trump says and accused him of engaging in projection. She also criticized House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, dismissing it as a "terrible bother" and accusing McCarthy of pandering to his right flank. The White House has denied the allegations against Biden, but GOP lawmakers will hold their first impeachment inquiry hearing this week.
Former Vice President Mike Pence stated that considering a pardon for former President Donald Trump would only be appropriate if Trump is found guilty of a crime. Pence, who is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, emphasized that any pardon should be considered after a conviction. He also promised to "clean house" at the Justice Department if elected president, aiming to restore confidence in the institution. Pence defended his role in the counting of electoral votes on January 6th, stating that he followed the Constitution and had no authority to reject votes.
