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White House

No, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush did not pardon family members

White House

George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter did not pardon their family members

Following President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, AI appears to be the source of some posts that incorrectly claim former presidents also pardoned relatives.
Crime

No, presidential pardons cannot be revoked once finalized

After President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, some VERIFY readers asked if Donald Trump could undo that pardon. Here’s why he can’t.
Crime

Can President Trump revoke Hunter Biden’s pardon?

There’s no legal way to undo a presidential pardon once finalized, meaning Joe Biden’s pardon of his son can’t be revoked.
Government

Yes, a president can pardon someone for crimes they haven’t actually been charged with

The Constitution gives the president the power to pardon someone before they are indicted, convicted or sentenced for a federal offense against the United States.
Government

No, the Department of Government Efficiency is not a new government agency

Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead "DOGE," but it’s not a new federal agency and the two men won't be government employees.
Social Security

No, the president cannot change Social Security

VERIFY readers asked if the president can change Social Security. Its tax rate and benefits are set by law, so it would take an act of Congress to change them.
Social Security

Social Security cannot be changed unilaterally by the president

VERIFY readers asked if the president can change Social Security. Its tax rate and benefits are set by law, so it would take an act of Congress to change them.
Donald Trump

No, a president cannot unilaterally appoint most cabinet members

Donald Trump’s possible cabinet secretary appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Elon Musk, must be approved by the Senate in a simple majority vote.
Donald Trump

What Donald Trump has said about giving police immunity from prosecution

Trump campaigned on giving police officers immunity from prosecution, although he also said such immunity might “depend” on what happened.
Donald Trump

No, Trump cannot pardon himself in New York case

Presidents have broad powers when it comes to pardons for federal crimes. Trump’s conviction was for state crimes.
Elections

No, not all presidential candidates receive Secret Service protection

Here are the factors the Department of Homeland Security considers when assigning security details.