US President Donald Trump has indicated he could grant preemptive pardons to members of his administration and political allies if Democrats regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
Titiansloaded reports that Trump made the remarks during an interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her Pod Force One podcast, released on Monday, November 2, ahead of Election Day.
Asked whether he would consider pardoning people who could face investigations or prosecution under a Democratic-led Congress, Trump said he would take the step if necessary.
The discussion followed Devine’s claims that Democrats were considering moves against some of Trump’s allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, as well as individuals who worked with the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump responded that if such threats materialised, his administration would have to protect those involved.
When Devine asked whether he could issue pardons in advance, Trump referred to former President Joe Biden’s use of preemptive pardons before leaving office.
“That’s what Biden did, he gave everybody a pardon,” Trump said.
He also cited his own decision to pardon about 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Trump issued those pardons on the first day of his second term.
The president’s comments come as Democrats discuss possible congressional investigations should they win control of the House or Senate in the midterm elections.
Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, previously said his party could use its subpoena powers to examine issues involving Trump’s family, including alleged “pay-to-play pardons” and claims of fraud.
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin has also suggested that a Democratic majority could pursue significant cases against people she believes enabled Trump’s actions. She said such investigations could serve as a deterrent to people considering working in his administration.
Trump dismissed the Democrats’ remarks during the podcast, describing those involved as “very evil people.”
The 2026 midterm elections are expected to shape the balance of power in Congress and determine the extent of oversight and investigations facing the Trump administration during the remainder of his presidency.
