Reps. Levin & Crow Introduce New Legislation to Crack Down on Presidential Abuse of the Pardon Power

Skip to content I Want to Hear from You About Your Health Care Concerns. NEW: Rep. Levin Announces New District Data Map to Showcase Federal Project Funding. Close About Services Federal Project Funding Map Federal Policy Impact Resources Clean Energy Tax Credits Help With A Federal Agency Constituent Success Stories Community Resources List Commendations and Greetings Grants Applicants Tours and Tickets Military Academy Nominations Internships Flags Surplus Books Program Art Competition Constituent of the Month Congressional App Challenge Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Program Member-Designated Transportation Projects Community Project Funding Requests The Congressional Award News Press Releases In The News Op-Eds Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscription Offices Internships Request a Meeting with Rep. Levin Website Problem I Want To Hear From You Español Close Search Site SEARCH About Services Federal Project Funding Map Federal Policy Impact Resources Clean Energy Tax Credits Help With A Federal Agency Constituent Success Stories Community Resources List Commendations and Greetings Grants Applicants Tours and Tickets Military Academy Nominations Internships Flags Surplus Books Program Art Competition Constituent of the Month Congressional App Challenge Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Program Member-Designated Transportation Projects Community Project Funding Requests The Congressional Award News Press Releases In The News Op-Eds Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscription Offices Internships Request a Meeting with Rep. Levin Website Problem I Want To Hear From You MENU Español Search Instagram Icon Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Youtube Icon Bluesky Icon Home News Press Releases November 12, 2026 Reps. Levin & Crow Introduce New Legislation to Crack Down on Presidential Abuse of the Pardon Power The Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act would strengthen oversight, expose conflicts of interest, and prevent corruption in the presidential pardon process. Washington, D.C. —Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Co-Chairs of the End Corruption Caucus, introduced the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act , legislation to crack down on abuses of the presidential pardon power and establish new safeguards against corruption, bribery, and conflicts of interest in the clemency process. The legislation comes amid growing scrutiny of President Trump’s misuse of the pardon power to reward individuals with glaring conflicts of interest. The pardon power was intended to be an instrument of justice, not used to reward wealthy donors, political allies, or business associates. The President’s abuses have created a cash-for-clemency economy, fueled by pardon brokers that advertise special access in exchange for lucrative fees. At the same time, President Trump’s pardons have wiped out nearly $120 million in restitution owed to victims – rightful compensation they will now never get back. "The presidential pardon power was intended to be an instrument of justice and mercy, not a tool for rewarding wealthy donors and political allies,” said Rep. Levin. “But under President Trump, we have seen pardon after pardon involving people with significant financial and personal ties to the President and his family. The abuse of this power has gotten completely out of hand, and it’s clear that we need real reform. No one should ever be able to buy a presidential pardon. That is a fundamental standard we must uphold, regardless of who sits in the oval office and what political party they belong to.” “No President should be able to abuse the pardon power,” said Rep. Crow . “This bill will reform and provide necessary oversight into presidential pardons. We cannot accept a two-tiered system of justice that treats the wealthy and well connected differently than working people.” The Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act would establish critical safeguards to prevent the misuse of the presidential pardon power by: Requiring independent investigations by the Department of Justice Inspector General into pardons involving potential conflicts of interest, including connections to the President, family members, campaign officials, and political appointees. Strengthening transparency and congressional oversight by requiring the Justice Department to turn over relevant prosecution and pardon-related materials to Congress within 30 days of covered pardons. Strengthening federal bribery laws to include the President and Vice President and make it clear that pardons cannot be exchanged for bribes. Prohibiting presidential self-pardons to prevent presidents from attempting to shield themselves from criminal accountability. Requiring financial disclosures from pardon recipients who provide certain gifts or contributions to the President, including contributions to presidential campaigns, presidential libraries, or White House construction projects. The legislation builds on the work of the End Corruption Caucus, founded earlier this year by Reps. Levi