While the involvement of Schneiderman could produce nothing and is in an early stage, the news sends an important message to President Trump: his pardon power does not extend to state crimes. Trump pointedly tweeted in July that he has “complete power to pardon” aides, family members and possibly even himself. His pardon Friday of former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio was a seen by some as strong message that he is willing to use the pardon power liberally. “So much for strategic use of pardon power with Manafort,” tweeted Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe. Aug. 30, 2017 President Trump takes the stage to speak about tax reform at the Loren Cook Company in Springfield, Mo.

Source: Washington Post August 31, 2017 09:11 UTC