Letters | Biden pardoned his son. Should Trump be pardoned?
Readers discuss the use of presidential pardons as a tool of reconciliation, the challenge of fostering sense of community and Australia’s social media ban
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Public trust in government is fragile. A Pew Research Centre poll shows only about 20 per cent of Americans believe it acts in their best interest.
Historically, pardons have served as tools of reconciliation, but only when placed above personal or political interests. Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon sought to close the wounds of Watergate. Ford believed the nation’s stability depended on moving forward. Similarly, Jimmy Carter’s 1977 pardon of Vietnam war draft evaders helped to heal deep divisions. These decisions were controversial but reflected leadership focused on unity.
Biden’s pardon of his son diverges from this history. While constitutional, it invites public scepticism. Leadership is not only about lawful decisions but also about decisions perceived as just. Without transparency, such acts can deepen mistrust in institutions already struggling to maintain credibility.
Should Donald Trump be pardoned? The answer cannot be driven by equivalence or political manoeuvring. A pardon for Trump, like Ford’s for Nixon, would need to be framed as a step towards national unity, not avoidance. The decision must serve the country’s long-term interests, not any political advantage. While a federal pardon would not absolve Trump of state charges, it could help turn the page on the political turmoil that has consumed the nation.
