On November 7, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping pardon proclamation for Rudy Giuliani and dozens of others involved in attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

These blanket pardons — announced by his pardon attorney and posted to social media — were granted despite the fact that many of the individuals had not been charged with federal crimes.

This isn’t justice. It’s damage control disguised as forgiveness.

The proclamation shields high-profile political operatives like Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and John Eastman from future accountability for their roles in efforts to undermine a certified election. It also sends a chilling message: that powerful allies of the president can act with impunity — and be protected, even if they are later found to have broken the law.

Presidential pardons were never intended to be used this way. They were meant as a tool of mercy — not a political weapon to erase accountability for one’s inner circle.

We call on Congress, state Attorneys General, and the Department of Justice to:

• Publicly challenge the legality and scope of this blanket pardon, including whether it preemptively immunizes individuals from prosecution in ways the Constitution does not allow.
• Investigate any ongoing or potential state-level crimes by the individuals named, since presidential pardons apply only to federal offenses.
• Introduce legislation or constitutional reforms to prevent future presidents from using the pardon power to shield co-conspirators in efforts to subvert democracy.

Rudy Giuliani was already found in contempt of court for defying accountability in a defamation case brought by Georgia election workers. His pardon is not just symbolic — it’s a threat to the integrity of future elections.

Americans deserve a justice system that serves the people, not the politically powerful. Sign now to demand real oversight and protect the rule of law.

Photo: The Associated Press