Trump Warns He Will Mass-Pardon Allies If Republicans Lose Midterms

Donald Trump has confronted his worst midterm nightmare in a stark interview with TIME, admitting that losing power could unleash Democratic investigations against his inner circle unless he grants mass pardons first. He told the magazine directly that he would pardon allies to keep them safe from Capitol Hill probes if Republicans fail to hold onto control next November. When reporters asked if he was thinking about clearing out members of his administration before leaving office, Trump answered immediately and without hesitation that he absolutely would do it. He drew a sharp comparison to former President Joe Biden, noting that the outgoing president pardoned almost everyone in his final days. Democrats on Capitol Hill are already planning serious inquiries into the president, his family, Cabinet secretaries, and top aides should they secure victories in the upcoming election. Current prediction markets show Democrats holding a 91 percent probability of winning the House and a 62 percent chance for the Senate as of Thursday morning according to Kalshi data. The White House chief said he is prepared to fight back if Democrats try to persecute him, stating simply that they will go after him and he will go right back at them. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who would receive subpoena power next year, told Politico that his ideal targets include the president's sons, Trump himself, and the family unit. This interview confirms Trump plans to offer clemency to family members and staff if investigations arise after a GOP defeat in the midterms this year. Lawmakers have openly said they want to probe Cabinet members and relatives should Democrats take over Congress which looks increasingly likely based on current polling trends. Trump pointed out how Biden pardoned officials and family including Hunter Biden as his term ended recently. He expressed interest in hearing directly from many top staff members who might face scrutiny if the political tide turns against them. Susie Wiles, Stephen Miller, David Sacks, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are all listed as prime targets for potential federal investigations next year. Democrats have also signaled they want to look into federal deals linked to Trump family businesses while Witkoff and Kushner negotiated global peace deals without official government titles. They are also eyeing Trump's multi-billion dollar crypto enterprises which could face new legal challenges if the party loses power. The president rejected the idea that he should not offer pardons to friends who might be in danger of prosecution or jail time. He argued with a frustrated tone that Biden gave them away while suggesting others would not allow him to do the same thing. Biden did indeed issue a wide array of pardons as his term wound down during 2024 and 2025. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff remain special interests for Democrats plotting probes for next year even though their roles are unofficial now. Pete Hegseth, who serves as Secretary of War, might be dragged before Democratic investigators regarding the Iran war and US stockpiles if Republicans lose control. TIME asked him directly if he thinks Republicans can win and Trump insisted they will do okay provided he campaigns personally which he intends to do. He added that people do not give him enough credit when he runs a campaign because he gives everyone a lot of energy and attention. The president is traveling to Oklahoma on Thursday for a rally before heading to Alabama on Friday for another stop.