Headline RoundupApril 7th, 2021

Gaetz Reportedly Asked Trump White House for Blanket Pardon

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) privately asked the Trump administration for blanket preemptive pardons for himself and congressional allies, sources for multiple outlets said. Gaetz, an ardent Trump ally, was under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking at the time; it is unknown whether Trump or Gaetz knew about the investigation then. Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that “Gaetz never asked me for a pardon.” Sources told ABC News that while Trump was aware of Gaetz’s request, the White House quickly dismissed it. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, alleging that the ongoing investigation was part of an extortion attempt. The New York Times first broke this story. Coverage in right-rated outlets tended to place greater emphasis on Trump’s statement denying that Gaetz asked him for a pardon. Coverage in left-rated outlets was more likely to quote sources and focused on Gaetz’s reported pardon request.

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