**Trump’s Return to the White House May Bring Controversial Pardons**

President-elect Donald Trump is poised to wield the formidable presidential pardon power once again, stirring anticipation and debate over his potential use of this authority. This power, one of the strongest held by a president, could have significant implications, particularly for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riots.

Despite being the first convicted felon set to assume the presidency, Trump is not expected to face trial for his own involvement in the January 6th events. However, he has pledged to pardon hundreds of those charged in connection with the insurrection as one of his first actions as president. This promise underscores the unique reach of presidential pardoning which bypasses federal and military judicial systems, as well as Congress.

Trump's pardon power does, however, have its limits. For instance, he will not be able to pardon himself for his New York conviction since the charges are not federal. While campaigning, Trump emphasized his intent to "free" and pardon January 6th participants, a statement that has gained attention given the over 1,400 defendants charged nationwide according to the Justice Department.

The implications of Trump's promises have begun to unfold, with some convicted rioters or their legal representatives beginning to move forward in anticipation of potential pardons, as reported by the New York Times. Additionally, there has been notable interaction between Trump and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, although Adams clarified no direct communication had occurred between them. Trump expressed a degree of solidarity with Adams, referencing shared feelings of persecution during an October event in New York.

Moreover, Trump has hinted at the possibility of pardoning Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, who made history by becoming the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime following his federal gun charge conviction in June. This contrasts with the current White House stance, with officials affirming as recently as Thursday that President Biden would not pardon his son.

In a notable exercise of his pardon power during the concluding hours of his previous term, Trump pardoned 74 individuals and commuted the sentences of 70 others, many of whom were his loyalists. His first presidential pardon in office went to former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona, who was convicted of criminal contempt for defying a 2011 court order.

Trump, set to be sentenced on his 34 felony convictions just three weeks after Election Day, essentially stands to leverage his election victory as a "get-out-of-jail-free card." Special Counsel Jack Smith is reportedly engaged in discussions with Justice Department officials on how to close the two federal criminal cases against Trump, given his status as President-elect.

Trump's unprecedented win, marking him the first convicted felon to secure the White House, spotlights the impending contentious and possibly transformative use of presidential pardon power in the upcoming term.