Poll: Americans are divided on whether a president can pardon himself

The President’s actions in granting pardons divide the country in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, as they so often have during his Administration. Republicans overwhelmingly believe he has used the pardon power appropriately (81%); Democrats disagree (72%).

But Americans see one pardon – one some have suggested might happen – a little differently. By more than two to one (51% vs 19%), Americans reject the possibility of the president pardoning himself. On this question, Republicans are closely divided (34% say he has this power, 30% say he does not).

Only one in three (32%) of those who voted for the president in November believe he has the power to pardon himself.