Trump to grant more than 100 pardons before the inauguration: Report

Outgoing US President Donald Trump is underway to issue around 100 commutations and pardons before vacating office on January 20. The list is expected to include high-profile rappers, white-collar criminals and Hollywood celebrities.  However, the clemency batch does not include Trump himself, reported CNN. 

On Sunday, White House officials reportedly conducted a meeting to confirm the list of pardons that will be granted. 

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Before the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, President Trump was occupied with the Electoral College count, which was in an attempt to stop the certification of votes. However, after the violent outbreak was blamed on the President, he retreated with his tasks like finalising the Presidential pardons, reported AFP. 

The original plan of Trump’s administration was to roll out two batches. However, due to the recent turn of events in the American political sphere, officials expect only one batch to be issued. The final batch is predicted to include political allies, reform-minded pardons or members of his family or himself as a last-minute decision. 

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The inflow of recommendations and requests for pardons have significantly increased from the White House advisors, clients, lobbyists and lawyers, reported AFP. 

The expectation among allies is that Trump will issue pardons that he could benefit from post presidency.