Donald Trump intends to issue 100 pardons and commutations on Tuesday, his last full day in office, according to a report from CNN that is sourced to two individuals involved with the discussions, but according to them, Trump will not pardon himself.

It’s traditional for presidents to issue pardons prior to leaving office.  The recipients of these pardons, however, might separate Trump from others in that he may issue a series of preemptive pardons to political allies and members of his family.

The sources told CNN that Trump had intended to issue the clemency orders in two tranches, one last week and one on Tuesday.  However, due to the impeachment and controversy over the storming of the Capitol in a coup attempt. 

The number of clemency orders is not out of the norm.  Barack Obama issued more than 600 commutations in his last few days in office, primarily to people who had been imprisoned on drug possession charges.  Obama only issued two pardons in his last week.

In his last month in office, GW Bush pardoned 19 people and commuted the sentence of three people.

Unlike most previous presidents who have relied on vetting by the US Pardon Attorney at the Justice Department to identify potential clemency recipients, Trump has routinely issued pardons and clemency without a formal review process.

Trump also plans on issuing a slew of executive orders in his last few days in office, and insiders say he plans to declassify information about the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

One reason Trump may not issue a pardon to himself, besides the questionable legality of it, is that by doing so, he is impliciting admitting guilt to a series of crimes, which could open him up to state charges and civil cases.

Thanks to Mark for the tip.