Trump pledges mass pardons for closest aides as presidency ends

President Donald Trump has reportedly vowed to issue widespread pardons to his inner circle at the conclusion of his second term, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's pardon promise sparks laughter, controversy

In a recent meeting, Trump allegedly quipped that he would pardon anyone who had entered the Oval Office, prompting laughter from the room, the Journal reported. Another source claimed the president had made a similar statement with a smaller radius, saying he would pardon individuals who had come within 10 feet of the White House.

The Journal said Trump has also floated the idea of hosting a news conference at the end of his presidency to announce the mass pardons.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the report, stating,