Trump Privately Promises Sweeping Pardons to Aides

President Donald Trump has privately assured senior White House officials that he plans to issue sweeping pardons to them before leaving office, according to multiple people familiar with his remarks. The promises, often delivered in a joking tone during meetings, aim to protect aides from potential federal investigations or prosecutions related to their work in the administration.

In a recent gathering, Trump quipped that he would pardon "everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval" Office, drawing laughs from those present, the sources said. He has repeated variations of the line, including an earlier comment about pardoning anyone within 10 feet, suggesting the scope could broaden. During a conversation with advisers in the dining room adjacent to the Oval Office last year, Trump stated he would hold a formal news conference to announce mass pardons at the end of his term. Those familiar with the discussions emphasized that no specific individuals or acts have been targeted in these assurances.

Trump's remarks have surfaced repeatedly amid aides' concerns over the November elections, where Democrats could regain control of the House of Representatives. Such a shift...