Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCopy linkDonald Trump is reportedly considering issuing 250 presidential pardons to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, with potential announcement dates on his birthday, June 14, or on July 4. This initiative follows criticism of Trump's previous pardons, which include a significant number for individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection and those convicted of public fraud and white-collar crimes, despite his campaign vow to end the "politicization" of the Justice Department. The plans are in preliminary stages, and some within Trump's administration have expressed concerns that a high number of pardons could negatively impact Republicans in upcoming midterm elections. Experts like former DOJ Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer criticize Trump for "normalizing public corruption" by liberally pardoning officials who abused their offices for personal gain, leading to a record 16,000 pardon requests last year. High-profile individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried and Ghislaine Maxwell have submitted pardon requests, though Trump has publicly stated he will not pardon Bankman-Fried and has not definitively ruled out a pardon for Maxwell. In fullTrump wants to pardon 250 people for America’s 250th birthday: reportMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in