Presidential pardons were designed to offer mercy in exceptional cases, but over the years, this power has been abused, often to benefit the rich and powerful. From corporate executives to political donors, the wealthy have repeatedly used presidential pardons to escape the consequences of their actions, while ordinary people face harsher penalties for far less severe offenses.

Take, for example, the case of Michael Milken, the infamous "junk bond king" who was convicted of securities fraud in the 1990s. Despite causing massive financial harm to ordinary Americans, Milken received a pardon from President Donald Trump in 2020. Or consider the case of financier Bernie Madoff's associates, whose financial crimes ruined countless lives, yet some received pardons or commutations in recent years. These are just a few of the many instances where the powerful, backed by wealth and influence, have been granted pardons—allowing them to avoid true justice.

In a time when economic inequality is at an all-time high, it's unacceptable that the 1% can rely on their wealth and influence to escape accountability. This petition calls for the abolition of presidential pardons, arguing that they undermine fairness, perpetuate systemic inequality, and further entrench a justice system that works primarily for the elite.

It's time to level the playing field. No one—regardless of wealth or status—should be above the law. By signing this petition, we demand that the power of the presidential pardon be removed to ensure true accountability and justice for all.