Trump Seriously Abused His Pardon Power. Biden Also Indulged.

The article examines the recent evolution of the presidential pardon power in the United States, highlighting its increasing personalization by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump in politically charged contexts. It traces the constitutional origins and framers' debates on the pardon power, noting concerns by George Mason about potential abuses and James Madison's reliance on impeachment as a check. Alexander Hamilton's defense of pardons as tools for national reconciliation after rebellions is also discussed, with historical examples such as Shays' Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion compared to the January 6 Capitol attack. The article concludes that recent pardons reflect a departure from the rule of law toward a more monarchic exercise of power, influenced by political self-interest on both sides.