Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) called for reforms to the presidential pardon process, saying it “cries out for reform” during an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday. Her comments followed President Joe Biden’s record-breaking 1,500 commutations in one day, which have drawn bipartisan criticism.
Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed unease with some of the pardons granted. She specifically criticized the pardon of Hunter Biden, President Biden’s son, and noted her disagreement with several clemency decisions made by former President Donald Trump. Highlighting the lack of oversight, she argued, “This whole process cries out for reform, because otherwise, you undermine the justice system.”
While Klobuchar acknowledged that the Constitution grants the president the power to issue pardons, she proposed creating an independent review board to evaluate clemency petitions. She pointed to systems used by state governors, many of whom rely on boards to make recommendations before granting pardons or commutations. “Governors have the ability to give mercy to people after years have gone by, but a lot of them have boards that make recommendations and other things,” she explained.
The senator also criticized the White House’s approach of granting commutations to a broad group instead of evaluating cases individually. “I have no doubt there were some righteous pardons in this group,” Klobuchar said, “but there were a number that I think make no sense at all.” She argued that a case-by-case review would ensure a more just and transparent clemency process.
Klobuchar’s comments underscore growing bipartisan concerns over the use of presidential clemency powers, with increasing calls for reforms to ensure accountability and fairness in future decisions.
