VIDEO President Trump Lawyer Dangled Pardons For Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort: NYT | Morning Joe | MSNBC

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President Trump Lawyer Dangled Pardons For Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort: NYT | Morning Joe | MSNBC In a significant report discussed on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," it was revealed that John Dowd, a lawyer for former President Trump, reportedly suggested that presidential pardons could be considered for Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort during pivotal moments of legal scrutiny against them. This conversation reportedly transpired while Special Counsel Robert Mueller was intensively investigating both individuals. According to sources cited by the New York Times, the discussions about potential pardons took place around the time a grand jury was assessing evidence against Flynn, a former national security adviser, and prior to Manafort's indictment. Dowd's conversations with Flynn’s lawyers indicated that a pardon was a possible avenue, reflecting the turbulent legal landscape surrounding the Trump administration at that time. The transparency of these conversations has been called into question. Dowd denied the discussions about pardons occurred; however, others within the administration reportedly shared that these conversations did happen. This raises crucial questions about the scope of presidential pardon powers and whether such discussions could constitute obstruction of justice, particularly if they were perceived as attempts to sway the legal outcomes for Flynn and Manafort. Legal discussions elaborated that while a president has broad powers to issue pardons, doing so with an improper motive could potentially lead to criminal implications. Legal analysts pointed out that it would be difficult to prove any wrongdoing without substantial evidence linking these discussions to obstruction of justice. The issue reflects broader themes of accountability and legality within the highest echelons of government, particularly as the Mueller investigation sought to uncover the intertwined relationships between Trump's associates and the investigations they faced. As the 2024 elections draw closer and the political landscape continues evolving, this investigation remains a pivotal topic worth monitoring. What are your thoughts on the implications of these reports? Do you think discussions of pardons reflect deeper issues within the Trump administration? Let’s hear your perspectives! Additionally, feel free to check out related discussions in our forum on political ethics and the role of legal counsel in high-profile cases.