White House lawyers weigh mass pardons for junior Trump administration staff

White House lawyers are reportedly considering mass pardons for junior Trump administration staff ahead of the midterms, as conservative groups warn that a Democratic-led Congress could target rank-and-file appointees.

White House lawyers are weighing mass pardons for junior staff in President Donald Trump's administration amid concerns that a Democratic-controlled Congress could launch investigations after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, the Washington Sun reported Saturday, citing two sources.

According to the report, a blanket pardon covering all junior personnel is considered unlikely. Sweeping pardons tied to specific policy areas, such as deportations, war or trade, are seen as more plausible. No list has been finalized, and the White House has not formally announced any such plan.

Trump: 'Very unfair'

The south facade of the White House

Asked about the report on Saturday, Trump said it would "be very unfair" for junior staffers to face what he called the "corrupt weaponization" of the law under the previous administration. "I certainly don't want to see innocent people go through hell and lose all their money," he said.

Trump had earlier told Time magazine that he would consider such pardons.

Conservative groups push for protection

Conservative organizations including the Heritage Foundation and American Moment have urged the administration to provide either pardons or legal-defense funding for rank-and-file appointees, arguing they could be targeted by congressional probes if Democrats win control.

Legal experts say broad, preemptive pardons covering large parts of an administration would be unprecedented and could place much of the executive branch beyond the reach of federal criminal accountability.

Former President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons in the final hours of his term in January 2025 to several officials and family members, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

White House lawyers weigh mass pardons for junior Trump administration staff