NYT "Trump Discussed Self-Pardon Before Leaving Office with Personal Lawyer"

Discussion on Pardon Plans for Trump and Family Before Retirement
Trump's Personal Lawyer Giuliani Denies Related Facts

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 1st (local time) that U.S. President Donald Trump discussed a plan to pardon himself and his family before leaving office with his close aide and personal lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

On the same day, the NYT cited multiple sources saying that President Trump and former Mayor Giuliani discussed pardons for Trump himself, Giuliani, eldest son Trump Jr., second son Eric, eldest daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Rudy Giuliani, former New York Mayor and lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump [Photo by Yonhap News]

Former Mayor Giuliani is under investigation by the Manhattan federal prosecutors for charges including leading the dismissal of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine related to Trump’s Ukraine scandal. Federal prosecutors are also reportedly examining allegations that Giuliani exerted influence to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate President-elect Joe Biden.

Although no indictment has been made yet, options such as receiving a pardon before President Trump’s term ends are being considered. The NYT reported that Trump discussed this with Giuliani last week and had consulted on this matter previously as well.

In the U.S., it is rare to exercise the pardon power in anticipation of indictment or conviction, but there have been several precedents. For example, Michael Flynn, former White House National Security Advisor indicted in connection with the Russia scandal, was pardoned while still under indictment. Initially, the U.S. Department of Justice sought to dismiss the charges against Flynn, but after the court intervened, the president directly issued a pardon. Following Flynn’s pardon, there has been speculation that President Trump might hold a pardon party.

Meanwhile, former Mayor Giuliani denied the very fact of discussing a pardon. He stated on Twitter, "The NYT lied again," and said, "I did not have that kind of conversation mentioned by anonymous sources."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.