Politics

The White House Considers Granting 250 Pardons for the Nation’s Birthday

The idea has set off a frenzy of appeals for clemency.

First published in The Atlantic on June 29, 2026.

by Sarah Fitzpatrick and Michael Scherer, The Atlantic

July 2, 2026 | reading time: 8 Min.

This story was updated at 9:45 a.m. on June 30, 2026.

Presidents have generally treated their pardon power like an embarrassing secret, closely held among only a few trusted aides and exercised quietly in the final days of an administration. Some have signed clemency warrants just hours before boarding Marine One for their final flight.