Barr Says Trump Dangling Pardons Could Be Crime

William Barr, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general, said Trump has the power as president to issue pardons, including for his family members, but that doing so to obstruct justice could be a criminal offense. Barr also said a president could be held accountable politically for such pardons.

“Yes he does have the power to pardon a family member, but he would then have to face the fact that he could then be held accountable for using his power,” said Barr, who as attorney general advocated for pardons for Reagan administration officials involved in the Iran-Contra scandal.

Barr said he also supports Justice Department policy prohibiting the indictment of a president while in office.