Donald Trump has discussed granting "pre-emptive pardons" for his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, as well as his children and son-in-law, the New York Times reported.
The lame duck president is concerned that Joe Biden's justice department might prosecute Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, according to the report.
Pardons that pre-empt criminal charges are not common, but also not unprecedented, with the most famous example being Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixo
Giuliani, a former mayor of New York, has not been convicted of any federal crime. But he has been reported to be under investigation by federal prosecutors, regarding his dealings in Ukraine and possible violations of lobbying law.
Giuliani's own lawyer, Robert Costello, told the Times: "He's not concerned about this investigation, because he didn't do anything wrong and that's been our position from day one."
On Monday, conservative commentator Sean Hannity said on his radio show that Trump "needs to pardon his whole family and himself".
Most observers think a self-pardon would be both unconstitutional and not likely to work. If Trump did try it, it would have no effect on prosecutors in New York state investigating his tax affairs and possible violations of campaign finance law.
Trump reported to have discussed granting 'pre-emptive pardons' for his family
Giuliani tweets denial after New York Times publishes story, as Trump is concerned that his children and son-in-law may be prosecuted
www.theguardian.com