Key takeaways:

• Michael Wolff says Epstein warned about Trump’s pardon power.
• Epstein predicted Trump would use pardons in a “childlike” way.
• Recent Trump pardons include Binance founder and a former Honduran president.
• Critics worry these pardons break norms and protect powerful allies.

A former adviser’s warning

Michael Wolff, a longtime Trump chronicler, shared a surprising claim. He said Jeffrey Epstein warned about how Trump would use pardons. Wolff made the comment on his new podcast. He co-hosts it with Joana Coles of The Daily Beast. Before the 2016 election, Epstein joked about Trump’s future power. He warned that Trump would treat pardons like a toy.

How Trump Pardons Show Childlike Power

Wolff explained that Epstein talked about Trump’s love for power. He said Trump would beam with pride when pardoning people. He would act as if nothing could stop him. In his words, Trump would say, “I can pardon anyone. No one can do anything about it.” Indeed, Trump often boasts that pardons give him “absolute power.”

Moreover, Trump pardons have come under fresh scrutiny in his second term. Legal experts describe some pardons as shocking. They say these decisions ignore legal norms and public trust. For example, pardoning political allies raises questions about fairness.

Recent bold pardons

First, Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the Binance founder. Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering charges. He also faced a fine exceeding four billion dollars. His case involved global crypto markets. Critics said the pardon sent the wrong message. It suggested that extreme wealth can buy a second chance.

Next, Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández. He is the former president of Honduras. Hernández received a 45-year sentence in the United States. Prosecutors linked him to a massive cocaine smuggling ring. They said his network flooded American streets with drugs. The pardon surprised many observers. Some saw it as political favoritism.

Then, the president granted clemency to several other allies and supporters. Many of these individuals had little public use of a pardon. Yet Trump insisted on sparing them from punishment. Epstein’s warning rings true. He predicted Trump would use pardons as gifts to friends.

Why legal experts are uneasy

Legal analysts warn that unchecked pardon power can harm justice. They note that the Constitution gives presidents broad clemency authority. However, norms discourage using that power for personal gain. When pardons favor the wealthy or well-connected, trust erodes.

Some scholars argue that these actions could invite future abuses. They worry the next president might mimic this pattern. In turn, trust in the justice system could decline further. For now, many call for clearer rules around presidential pardons.

What this means for the future

Going forward, lawmakers may propose limits on pardon power. They could require more transparency or oversight. Moreover, voters might demand stronger ethics rules in government. In this political climate, power and loyalty often mix. Epstein’s old joke now feels eerily real.

Still, Trump maintains that he did nothing wrong. He portrays his pardons as acts of mercy. He argues they correct unfair prosecutions. Yet critics see a pattern of rewarding allies. For them, that pattern threatens the rule of law.

In the end, Epstein’s warning shows how power can breed showmanship. Trump pardons may feel thrilling to his base. However, they also test the limits of a democratic system. As debates continue, one thing is clear. Presidential pardons carry weight far beyond a single person’s story.

Frequently asked questions

What did Epstein warn about Trump’s pardon power?

Epstein predicted that Trump would treat pardons like toys. He said Trump would enjoy the power in a “childlike” way.

Why do experts call these pardons childlike?

They say Trump pardons focus more on dramatic flair than justice. He seems to enjoy showing off his power.

Could these pardons face legal challenges?

While presidents have broad pardon rights, scholars suggest adding oversight. Future rules might limit abuses and ensure transparency.

How might these actions affect future presidents?

These pardons could set a precedent. Next leaders might follow suit, risking a breakdown in trust.