Campaign Legal Center Urges Congress to Pass the No Payoffs for Pardons Act

The presidential pardon power exists to correct injustice and provide mercy in extraordinary cases. Some presidents have misused this broad authority in ways that have been questionable or self-serving, but President Trump has taken it further than ever, transforming the federal clemency process into system where loyalty, access, and wealth can seemingly buy a pardon. In this factsheet, Campaign Legal Center explains how the No Payoffs for Pardons Act would address this situation through two key reforms: 1) transparency requirements for pardon seekers who attempt to purchase clemency by supporting the president’s personal, political, or financial interests; and 2) accountability by updating existing law to ensure that corruptly paying for a pardon carries the same legal consequences as any other attempt to bribe federal officials. CLC’s factsheet summarizes the comprehensive details of how this important legislation would work to restore fairness to the federal clemency process and strengthen the rule of law that guards our democracy.