Americans Question Presidential Pardons as Trump Grants Record Number This Year

This year, former President Donald Trump pardoned 1,600 people in an unprecedented act. The January 6, 2021 Capitol rioters were pardoned in their hundreds. Recent pardons have raised doubts about the limits and proper use of this authority.

Americans are increasingly concerned about how presidents utilize this power, according to polls. More than half of Americans think the Constitution should limit presidential pardons, according to a new survey. About 20% were reluctant, and 25% backed unrestricted power.

Three out of four Democrats support pardon limitations, so emotions run high. Reform is supported by independents and some Republicans. Trump pardons too often, say 58% of Americans. Only one-third of Republicans support limiting his pardon power, while 88% of Democrats and 61% of independents do.

Politicians and others concerned about government justice and accountability have criticized Trump’s numerous pardons. Surveys found 43% of Americans believed President Joe Biden abused clemency. One-third of respondents approved of Biden’s pardons, while 25% were unsure.

Executive pardon is one of the most exclusive authorities in the Constitution. The president can commute federal sentences or forgive offenders. No formal restrictions on this power have led to repeated proposals for reform, especially when pardoning politically sensitive or controversial cases.

Experts think pardons can advance justice, but excessive or politically motivated use can harm public trust in the presidency and judiciary. Many citizens now accept obvious power limits to maintain fairness and ethics.

Americans care about openness and clemency uniformity and are closely watching the situation. Presidential pardons highlight democratic issues of responsibility, legal fairness, and executive power.

Sources:

2025 Economist/YouGov Poll

YouGov 2024 Presidential Clemency Survey

US Constitution, Article II, President Powers

BOP: Clemency Proceedings