One Thing: Unpacking Trump’s Second Term Pardon Spree - CNN 5 Things - Podcast on CNN Podcasts

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One Thing: Unpacking Trump’s Second Term Pardon Spree
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One Thing: Unpacking Trump’s Second Term Pardon Spree
CNN 5 Things
Nov 16, 2025

President Donald Trump has pardoned more than 1,600 people who played significant roles in matters involving him personally across his two terms, including dozens who worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Presidents always flex pardon power, so what makes these so unusual? We hear from a constitutional law expert who says part of the answer lies in the man in charge of the review process. 

For more: Trump’s pardons aren’t just political; more importantly, they’re transactional 

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Guest: Kim Wehle, former Assistant US Attorney 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin