Trump says he would pre-emptively pardon allies if he loses the midterms

I won't even think about it, I'll do it.

— Donald Trump, asked about pardoning those who worked for him

Background

In a podcast interview aired Monday, Trump pointed to the pardons he granted on his first day back in office, in January 2025, to hundreds of supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6, 2021. He also cited the pre-emptive pardons Joe Biden gave people close to him before leaving office.

Asked about a possible arrest of Elon Musk, whom Democrats may investigate if they win Congress, Trump said that "if it came to that, we will have to protect them." Musk is the top donor to the Republican campaign.

What's next

Trump said he would become "Mr. Veto" if Democrats win control of Congress in Tuesday's vote.