Reports suggest Donald Trump remains keen to press ahead with a plan to grant 250 pardons or clemency to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, despite the idea having stalled amid other pressing matters. The proposal, first floated earlier this year, is described as a genuine reflection of Trump's stated wish to be seen as a "peace president" and his discomfort with bloodshed, but its progress has been overshadowed by the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine and faces resistance from within his own administration.

Opposition reportedly comes chiefly from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who is said to be wary that leniency towards those convicted of financial crimes could draw scrutiny to the commercial dealings of Trump and his family. By contrast, US Pardon Attorney Ed Martin is said to support the plan and continues to press the case despite recently changing roles, while much now depends on the stance taken by new Attorney General Todd Blanche. The article situates the plan within a long history of presidential pardons, from George Washington's amnesty for Whiskey Rebellion participants to Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon and Joe Biden's pre-emptive pardons of Hunter Biden and Anthony Fauci, noting Trump has until 31 December to act.