Trump’s final pardons warped presidential powers for his own benefit

On his way out of office, Trump distorts the Constitution to serve his ego and personal interests.

President Trump’s last-minute pardons betray what the Constitution’s pardon power is all about. While he has not decided to try to pardon himself (at least, not as far as we know), the pardons he issued during his term taken together serve as a microcosm for his presidency. They take a noble part of our Constitution and warp it in the service of Trump’s ego and future personal interests.

The Founders put the pardon...