If Trump was 'dumb enough' to pardon himself, he'd be impeached within a week, Newt Gingrich says

Newt Gingrich.
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Ever since President Trump claimed on Monday that he had the "absolute right" to grant himself a presidential pardon, politicians have been forced to voice opinions on whether the president is above the law. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) pointed to the Justice Department to denounce the claim, implying Trump might be in hot water if he's thinking about a self-pardon. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was wishy-washy, saying he'd have to "withhold judgment" for now.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who often backs Trump and criticizes the special counsel investigation into his campaign, was more definitive in his response when CBS This Morning asked about Trump's claim. "If a president was dumb enough to pardon himself, that would be such an arrogant statement of power that the House would probably impeach him in a week and the Senate would convict him," Gingrich said.

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Summer Meza, The Week US

Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.