Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-New York) signed a bill on Wednesday that enables state prosecutors to bring charges against individuals who have received presidential pardons – including President Donald Trump and his associates.
Current New York law protects individuals, who already stood in a federal trial from state prosecution. The new law, which has immediate effect, closes New York’s broad double jeopardy loophole. It also subjects the president, whose business and campaign are both centered in New York, to potential criminal charges.
SLIDESHOW: TOP DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2020
Attorney General Letitia James (D-New York), who is investigating Trump, pushed the bill. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature passed it in May. “This critical new law closes a gaping loophole that could have allowed any president to abuse the presidential pardon power by unfairly granting a pardon to a family member or close associate and possibly allow that individual to evade justice altogether,” James said in a statement. “No one is above the law, and this common-sense measure will provide a reasonable and necessary check on presidential power today and for all presidents to come.”
Countless Democratic House committees have been investigating Trump’s administration, campaign, and business operations.
