Some predict that the president will use his power to pardon anyone at any time for nearly any reason to make the investigation moot. “Trump launched a warning pardon that announced the weaponization of the pardon power,” Yeomans said. Trump insiders who might benefit include Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and anyone else targeted by Mueller. Moreover, Trump could build a case of obstruction of justice against himself if he pardoned close associates who were under investigation. Trump’s ultimate pardon power may rest with a question the nation has not yet confronted: Can a president pardon himself or herself?

Source: Los Angeles Times August 31, 2017 09:56 UTC