Sportello
Well-Known Member
Yes, of course he could have. Ford pardoned Nixon, who had never been charged with a crime.Can you even pardon someone who hasn't been charged or convicted? I have no doubt he will pardon them if he's re elected though.
It's in the Constitution.
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.