Answer :
Final answer:
Critics argue that if President Trump were to pardon himself, it would most likely violate the principle of the rule of law and may also undermine checks and balances, separation of powers, and due process.
Explanation:
Potential Violation of American Government Principles by President Trump Pardoning Himself
According to critics, if President Trump were to issue himself a pardon, he would most likely violate the principle of the rule of law. The rule of law is central to American governance and posits that no individual is above the law, and everyone is subject to the same laws. Therefore, by pardoning himself, Trump would be acting in contradiction to this principle, as it would suggest that the President could be immune from legal consequence, effectively placing him above the law. Critics also assert that such an action might undermine the principle of checks and balances, as the pardon power is one of the few presidential powers that cannot be checked or limited by other branches, constituting an imbalance.
During Trump's presidency, he, along with Attorney General William Barr, supported the unitary executive theory, which claims expansive powers for the President. This theory, and actions such as withholding tax records and issuing pardons to associates, fueled debates about the scope of presidential power and its impact on the separation of powers. Presidential pardons, while constitutionally granted, are typically scrutinized when they appear to serve the personal or political interests of the president rather than the public interest.
Trump's critics argued that potential self-pardoning could also infringe upon the concept of due process as it would prevent the normal judicial process from taking place, and instead, allow the President to unilaterally exempt himself from potential legal consequences.
