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Thanedar backs constitutional amendment to curb presidential pardon powers
Thanedar accused Trump of pardoning his campaign donors, people who have defrauded Americans, and sex predators and violent criminals who assaulted police officers.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Tue, 19, May 2026
- 03:37 EDT
- 20
US Congressman Shri Thanedar / Rep. Shri Thanedar
Indian American U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar is pushing for a constitutional amendment to rein in what he describes as the “abuse of presidential pardon power.”
Co-sponsoring the Pardon Integrity Constitutional Amendment, Thanedar is pushing for congressional oversight in the executive function. The proposed amendment would allow Congress to nullify a pardon with a two-thirds supermajority vote in both chambers.
Backing the amendment, Thanedar said, “From being the first member to file articles of impeachment against President Trump to opposing his efforts to build an ICE detention center in my district, I have made fighting President Trump’s attacks on our democracy a top priority.”
He continued, “The Pardon Integrity Constitutional Amendment would provide needed congressional oversight on the pardon power by requiring the president to notify Congress of the intent to issue a pardon and allowing Congress to veto the pardon by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.”
President Donald Trump has been heavily criticized over the years for his alleged misuse of his pardon powers. Critics argue that he has frequently used his presidential pardon powers to grant clemency to political allies, former aides and individuals involved in high-profile or controversial cases.
Also Read: Rep. Thanedar urges cabinet to force Trump’s removal
His recent pardons tied to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot reignited debate over the limits and political implications of executive clemency in the United States. Additionally, according to recent media reports, Trump is also setting up a compensation fund for alleged victims of former President Joe Biden’s “injustices,” which would also include the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol rioters.
Criticizing Trump’s pardon pattern, Thanedar said, “With President Trump’s extensive history of pardoning those who have donated to his campaign, people who have defrauded Americans, and sex predators and violent criminals who assaulted police officers and tried to overturn the 2020 election, this amendment is especially important to fight back against Trump’s repeated attempts to profit off America’s highest office and assault American democracy.”
He added, “I’m proud to support it and urge my colleagues to pass this critical amendment in order to hold President Trump accountable.”
The Pardon Integrity Constitutional Amendment was first introduced by Rep. Johnny Olszewski late last year. It seeks to place stricter checks on presidential pardon powers, particularly in cases involving personal associates, family members or matters tied to a president’s own interests.
Supporters argue that it would strengthen accountability and prevent potential abuse of executive clemency powers in the United States.
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