US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to issue a sweeping wave of pardons before leaving office, saying in a televised interview that people who served his administration deserved protection from what he described as politically motivated investigations and prosecutions. The remarks, made during a sit-down with journalist Ross Douthat on CBS News' 60 Minutes, mark Trump's most explicit public statement yet on the pardon question as his tenure winds down.

The Pardon Pledge

When asked directly whether he planned to issue large numbers of pardons before departing the White House, Trump replied: 'Yes, I do.' He elaborated on his reasoning, arguing that people who had served the country should not be forced to spend years — or the rest of their lives — defending themselves against political opponents. 'I intend to issue tremendous numbers of pardons,' Trump said during the interview.

On the question of a self-pardon, Trump said he did not expect to pardon himself, though he maintained that he had the constitutional power to do so. Legal scholars remain divided on whether a presidential self-pardon would withstand judicial scrutiny, a question that has never been tested before the courts.

Defending January 6 Pardons

Trump also reiterated his defence of the pardons he granted to individuals involved in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, saying he believed those participants had been treated 'exceptionally unfairly.' When Douthat pressed him specifically on those who had attacked police officers, Trump acknowledged that some individuals had become violent but argued that force had also been used against the rioters.

'Well, there — there were some that — there were some that got rough, but, you know, they were rough to them too,' Trump said. When asked whether police had the right to use force against people attacking them, Trump pivoted to his claimed support among law enforcement, asserting that the Capitol Police backed him broadly.

On Forgiveness and Political Enemies

The interview took a more personal turn when Douthat raised the subject of forgiveness, naming former FBI Director James Comey and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as examples. Trump described both as dishonest and harmful to the country. Pressed on whether he could forgive them, he was unequivocal.

'The answer is no. I want to be honest: no,' Trump said. When Douthat pointed to Trump's long and successful life and again asked whether he could find it in himself to forgive, Trump replied: 'I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies and I always will.'

How He Wants to Be Remembered

Asked what legacy he hoped to leave behind, Trump offered a characteristically brief answer: 'That I made America great again.' This comes amid ongoing debate among historians and political analysts about the long-term impact of his two non-consecutive presidential terms on American institutions, foreign policy, and the rule of law.

The 60 Minutes interview is likely to draw renewed scrutiny over the scope and intent of the anticipated pardons, particularly regarding January 6 defendants and former aides who face potential legal jeopardy. How the incoming administration and Congress respond — and whether any pardon actions face legal challenges — will shape the closing chapter of Trump's presidency.