Pardons and IRS Penalties: The Complexities of Trump's Potential Pardon of Manafort
With ongoing political debates and investigations, the potential for President Trump to pardon Paul Manafort highlights the often murky lines between presidential power and legal ramifications. This article explores the intricacies of pardons and IRS penalties, discussing how Trump's pardoning power could impact Manafort's financial situation. Additionally, it delves into the broader implications of presidential pardons and suggests reforms to better regulate this power.
The Power and Scope of Presidential Pardons
Despite numerous debates about the appropriate use of pardons, President Trump has the constitutional authority to pardon individuals for federal offenses. This power, stemming from Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, has been expanded over several decades, with both Democrats and Republicans supporting the president's ability to govern by fiat. President Trump can pardon any federal offense he deems appropriate, and any attempts to cover up or explain away the pardon will likely fall on deaf ears among his supporters. In an ideal world, Congress should take steps to limit presidential pardoning powers, as both parties have used pardons to reward political backers. However, with party interests often taking precedence over national interests, significant reforms are unlikely.
>The Ins and Outs of IRS Penalties and Pardons
It is important to note that President Trump's pardoning power does not exempt individuals from all legal penalties. If Paul Manafort were to be pardoned, he would no longer face federal financial crimes charges. However, he may still be liable for IRS penalties. Once he is pardoned, the IRS could still attempt to garnish his future earnings. This means that while Manafort may avoid jail time, he would still face financial consequences.
Manafort's Legal Standings and Ongoing Investigations
Currently, Paul Manafort is only being charged with federal crimes, which means that a pardon from President Trump would halt these charges. However, he remains under investigation for state-level charges as well. Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan district attorney, and Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York state attorney general, are pursuing their own investigations into Manafort, focusing on the same activities that were highlighted in the federal indictment. This means Manafort could still face legal troubles at the state level, even if a federal pardon is granted.
The Potential for Pardons and Their Implications
Some have argued that a pardon for Paul Manafort might tarnish the presidency. However, given Trump's history of controversial actions, this argument is unlikely to resonate with his base, both Democrats and Republicans. The pardon would likely be seen as another instance of Trump acting in his perceived self-interest. As such, there is little expectation of significant opposition or outrage.
Reforming Presidential Pardoning Powers
To avoid situations like the Manafort case, it is crucial to reform the process of pardoning. One suggestion is to mandate review by a politically neutral judicial panel, composed of an equal number of retired judges and long-term advocates for the accused. This would ensure that pardons are not solely based on political affiliations. Additionally, automatic brakes should be put into place when one party gains control of all three branches of the government to prevent such abuses of power.
Nonetheless, as long as American voters continue to prioritize political parties over the interests of the nation, significant reforms are unlikely. Until then, it is important to hold both political parties accountable for their actions and continue to advocate for a more balanced and fair system of justice.
As the political landscape remains volatile, the ongoing investigation and potential pardon of Paul Manafort highlight the complex interplay between presidential power and legal accountability. While a pardon might provide some relief for Manafort in terms of federal charges, it does not negate his potential state-level legal troubles or the broader implications for presidential pardoning power.