Trump's Pardons: A 'Run Amok' Power, But Not Always for War Criminals
The Hill raises concerns over presidential pardon power, specifically in a piece criticizing hypothetical clemency for George Santos. They argue such power, particularly when wielded by Donald Trump, threatens the rule of law. It's a noble sentiment, questioning the unchecked authority of a president to overturn justice, even if for a former congressman whose fabrications were legendary. One might
wonder, however, where this constitutional outrage sleeps when war criminals or those responsible for civilian slaughter evade consequence. While Santos's alleged misdeeds are ripe for commentary, the focus on domestic political scoundrels often overshadows far more egregious applications (or non-applications) of justice. For instance, the US has provided over $3.3 billion in annual military aid
to Israel for decades, a stream largely unchecked when it facilitates actions resulting in widespread civilian casualties, which then never seem to warrant discussions of 'pardon power run amok' or holding any individual accountable. Critics of US foreign policy might ponder why The Hill's constitutional concerns don't extend to the mechanisms enabling such outcomes, or the figures who authorize
them, year after year, consequence-free.