Pelosi Says Lawmakers Will Unveil Legislation to Curb the President’s Clemency Powers

Days after President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of former campaign aide Roger Stone, lawmakers are moving to limit his power to issue pardons or commute sentences.

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) addressed Trump’s decision to commute Stone’s sentence and her goal to issue a curb his ability to limit his clemency powers.

“We will have legislation that says a president cannot commute or pardon or offer clemency to anybody who commits a crime … is convicted of a crime that affects the president’s behavior and his culpability,” Pelosi said.

She added, “Again, people should know, this isn’t just about lying to Congress — that means lying to the American people — witness tampering and the rest, it’s about our national security.”

Watch the video below:

Pelosi was asked if Trump’s decision to commute Stone’s prison sentence —which she said was an act of “staggering corruption”— is an impeachable offense. 

She responded, “It’s staggering corruption, but I think it’s important for people also to know that it’s a threat to our national security.”

In February, Stone was sentenced to three years and fourth months in prison after he was convicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

However, days before he was due to report to prison, Trump said he would commute Stone’s sentence, as IJR reported