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.

Gingrich defended Trump's choice to make such a claim in the first place, explaining that the president is simply a "storyteller" and "entertainer" who understands that "churning" out many confusing narratives effectively distracts the public. Still, Trump pardoning himself would "be devastating," said Gingrich. Watch the full segment below, via CBS This Morning. Summer Meza

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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.