Cortez Masto, Schiff, Blumenthal Fight Presidential Abuse of Pardon Powers

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act to ensure transparency and accountability in the pardon process in cases involving investigations of the President, his relatives, and his political appointees. This legislation also makes clear that abuse of the pardon power can constitute a bribe, and that presidents cannot pardon themselves.

Throughout his second term, President Trump has consistently abused the pardon power to benefit his allies, including in cases where he himself is directly implicated. Upon assuming office in 2025, President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon for all individuals charged or convicted in connection to the January 6^th insurrection. In March of 2025, President Trump pardoned Trevor Milton, a tech executive convicted of defrauding investors, after Milton poured nearly $2 million into pro-Trump political committees during the 2024 presidential campaign.

"Time and time again, Donald Trump has proven he is only interested in using his power to benefit himself," said Senator Cortez Masto. "His abuse of the presidential pardon power to inflame lies about the 2020 election, obstruct investigations into his own misconduct, and enrich himself is unacceptable. I will continue to fight to bring the pardon process out of the dark and ensure no President can hide these corrupt abuses of power."

"President Trump's misuse of the clemency power, including explicit threats to pardon himself of all accountability, is corrupt and dangerous. This legislation, which is included in my Protecting Our Democracy Act package, is designed to deter these type of abuses, and creates a powerful check that is much needed under this administration," said Senator Schiff.

"President Trump's pay-to-play pardon scheme rewards political allies and sells out justice to the highest bidder. When convicted criminals can escape punishment for the right price or by hiring the right people, it corrupts the justice system for everyone. And President Trump's pardons have cost taxpayers and crime victims billions in forfeited restitution and put child predators back into our communities. Basic transparency and accountability are imperative," said Senator Blumenthal.

In the event a President pardons someone in connection with an investigation in which the President, a family member, or one of his political appointees is a target or subject, the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide all records of said investigation to Congress and the DOJ Inspector General. The bill would also require the recipient of a pardon to file a financial disclosure report if they give a gift or donation to the President before or after they are pardoned. These mandatory disclosure requirements would create a powerful disincentive for any president who wishes to use the pardon power to obstruct an ongoing investigation.

Read the full bill here. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) is a cosponsor of the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has consistently pushed back against Trump's abuses of power throughout his second term. Cortez Masto recently joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Congressman Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25) in introducing the No Payoffs for Pardons Act to strengthen transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process. This legislation would require individuals who receive pardons to disclose any significant financial gifts made in connection with their clemency, both at the time it is granted and for four years afterward. It also confirms federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President.

Earlier this year, Cortez Masto demanded the United States Postal Service abandon its proposed rule to implement President Trump's executive order restricting voting by mail. Senators Cortez Masto and Kaine (D-Va.) forced a vote on requiring the Trump Administration to detail Honduras's human rights violations under former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who President Trump gave a "full and complete pardon" in December of 2025. The Senator has consistently fought for guardrails on ICE and Border Patrol's abuses of power.

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