Bharara accuses Trump pardon of violating DOJ guidelines

Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara criticized President Trump’s decision to pardon the controversial former Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Friday, saying on Twitter that it was “contrary” to the Justice Department’s standards for issuing pardons.

“This pardon is contrary to DOJ guidelines, unsurprisingly. Pure politics. Wonder what the pardon attorney’s official recommendation was,” Bharara tweeted.

“Here are the normal standards for pardons under DOJ guidelines. See 1-2.112,” Bharara continued. 

This pardon is contrary to DOJ guidelines, unsurprisingly. Pure politics. Wonder what the pardon attorney’s official recommendation was. https://t.co/jErRZiJnxy

— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) August 26, 2017

Here are the normal standards for pardons under DOJ guidelines. See 1-2.112. https://t.co/VHe4y4T2fQ

— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) August 26, 2017

It is not clear which of the standards Bharara is referring to in his tweet, or if he is accusing Trump of failing to comply with all of the standards.

It is important to note that Trump’s pardon technically falls within legal boundaries, as presidents are constitutionally granted broad pardoning powers.

The Constitution’s pardons clause states the president “shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”

The pardon power also only applies to federal crimes.  

Bharara was fired by the Trump administration refusing to resign after Attorney General Jeff Sessions requested the U.S. attorneys appointed under the Obama administration step down. 

{mosads}The White House announced on Friday the president would pardon Arpaio, who had been found guilty of racially profiing. 

Arpaio was scheduled to be sentenced in October. 

Trump’s decision to spare Arpaio has stirred controversy on both sides of the political aisle. 

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Dianne Feinstein said on Saturday the pardon demonstrates “flagrant disregard for the rule of law in this country.”

Arizona Sen. John McCain (R) also ripped the decision, however he did concede the president had the authority to make the decision. 

“Mr. Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt for continuing to illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status in violation of a judge’s orders,” McCain said in a statement.

“The President has the authority to make this pardon, but doing so at this time undermines his claim for the respect of rule of law as Mr. Arpaio has shown no remorse for his actions.”