Trump insists he would be 'allowed' to pardon staff as White House lawyers weigh blanket clemency for thousands of aides

Conservative groups including the Heritage Foundation and American Moment are urging the White House counsel's office to draft pardons or fund legal bills for junior aides. The push grew after Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin warned of probes into young Republicans in the administration. One option would cover entire policy areas such as deportations, trade and war. The fear is Democrat-led investigations after next month's midterms.

Trump said facing 'the corrupt weaponization' again 'would be very unfair' to his people.

Article III Project's Mike Davis demanded 'very broad preemptive pardons' for anyone in Trump's orbit.

Trump cites Joe Biden's own pre-emptive pardons for Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley as precedent.