Donald Trump is preparing for his second term in the Oval Office. Days after he defeated Kamala Harris in the Presidential polls, political observers in the US speculated that Trump would issue pardons for several controversial figures. From January 6 rioters to prominent public figures, these potential pardons seem to be part of Trump’s strategy to galvanise his political base and challenge what he views as a biased legal system. According to the US Department of Justice, “The President’s clemency power is conferred by Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the United States, which provides: ‘The President…shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.’” But pardons do not fully erase a criminal record. Even after a pardon, individuals may still face restrictions, such as being prohibited from voting in certain states. Pardons for January 6 rioters Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, though he remains vague on specifics. “If they’re …