The possibility of President Trump pardoning Edward Snowden has made the whistleblower’s fate a political issue. This has led to a quick backlash from both parties, who now believe it would be a “terrible mistake” to pardon Snowden.
The opposition centers on a joint statement from Reps. Adam Smith (D-WA) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX) from the House Armed Services Committee, who accused Snowden of having done “enormous harm” with his whistleblowing.
There isn’t strong evidence of “harm” done by Snowden. Rather, his leaks made certain NSA surveillance of the American public common knowledge, sparking debate on reform which is still ongoing. Those embarrassed by the revelation have continued with a very shallow narrative demanding he be punished.
None of this precludes Trump from pardoning Snowden, and the fact that the others are lining up to cash in politically on opposing the pardon may suggest that they really believe this is a possibility.
Now if Obama would come out against the pardon, I think Snowden would be pardoned within minutes after Trump was aware of it. We can only hope.
Snowden did all Americans a great service, but most of Congress is crooked and guided by pure personal self-interest–not what’s good and right for the country.
Snowden infuriated Hillary, personally. He released materials showing what a constant liar she was as Sec of State. He made her lies a real handicap in dealing with the foreign powers about which she lied.
Of course then, the powers that dominate the Democratic Party are unforgiving.
Since Hillary was serving the national security state of the Republican insider machine, they are unforgiving too.
Back when Trump was not a complete blatant loser, his one real promising quality was the likelihood he’d defy all of these people on various topics, like pulling out of the Forever Wars. He disappointed all those hopes. Maybe he will rally this one time to that old promise.
I am confused about term “pardon”. How can Snowden be pardoned if he has not been indicted — unless there is a secret indictment waiting for him. President cannot pardon him for unspecified offenses , as he can still face any number of offenses if he returns. He can forget ever to be employed in his profession.
President should pardon Assange, and end extradition proceedings. After all — Assange never published anything that was not true –
and was the first warrior against deep state before the fight became popularized by Trump.
No indictment or crime is necessary for a president to issue a pardon.
Witness President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. Nixon was never charged with a crime or indicted.
“How can Snowden be pardoned if he has not been indicted”
He was charged by prosecutorial complaint, not by indictment. One count of theft of government property, one count of unauthorized communication of national defense information, and one count of willful communication of classified intelligence information to an unauthorized person.
“President cannot pardon him for unspecified offenses”
In what universe?
“Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.”
Emphasis mine.
Indeed, for a pardon of Snowden to be worth the paper it’s printed on, it would HAVE to be for a generic “all offenses committed prior to [insert date here],” or Snowden still wouldn’t be able to come home without risking new and different charges.
Trump isn’t going to pardon Snowden (or Assange), so the point is moot.