Senate Republicans are warning President Trump
Donald John TrumpTrump denies calling Sessions 'mentally retarded,' 'dumb Southerner' Pressley blasts Trump as 'racist, misogynistic, truly empathy-bankrupt' Capuano falls to Democratic challenger Pressley in Mass. primary MORE that it would be a serious mistake to pardon his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort
Paul John ManafortThe Hill's Morning Report — Sponsored by Better Medicare Alliance — Inside the final legislative push before the midterms Grassley: I pray Trump can be more disciplined in his discourse Spotlight shifts to Kavanaugh ahead of hearings MORE, who was convicted late Tuesday on an array of fraud charges.
“It would be an enormous mistake and misuse of his power to pardon,” Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsCorker: Trump should stop 'whining' about Sessions Planned Parenthood targets Kavanaugh in new ads launched on first day of confirmation hearing 'Settled law' is not enough to protect Roe v. Wade MORE (R-Maine), a prominent moderate, told reporters.
Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn
John CornynChaos reigns on day one of Kavanaugh hearings GOP's reaction to Trump ripping DOJ indictments: Silence
The Hill's 12:30 Report — Wild start to Kavanaugh hearing | Kyl to replace McCain in Senate | Excerpts from Woodward's new book MORE (Texas), the second-ranking Senate GOP leader, said that pardoning Manafort “would be a mistake.”
Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Thune
John Randolph ThuneCorporations have a friend in Judge Kavanaugh GOP eyes another shot at ObamaCare repeal after McCain’s death Renaming Senate office building after McCain sparks GOP backlash MORE (S.D.), the third-ranking member of the GOP leadership, said he is not aware of any mitigating circumstances related to Manafort’s case that would warrant a pardon.
“Pardons should be used sparingly and you have to have some awfully compelling circumstances I would think and I certainly don’t know what those are in this case,” he said. “Pardons need to be earned.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker
Robert (Bob) Phillips CorkerGOP's reaction to Trump ripping DOJ indictments: Silence
Corker: Trump should stop 'whining' about Sessions How Phil Bredesen is trying to win in deep-red Tennessee MORE (R-Tenn.) warned that pardoning Manafort “would be very damaging to the presidency and to his position as president.”
Trump praised Manafort as “brave” shortly after a jury convicted him on five counts of tax fraud, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failing to disclose a foreign bank account.
He suggested that special counsel Robert Mueller
Robert Swan MuellerSasse: US should applaud choice of Mueller to lead Russia probe MORE brought an unfair case against Manafort in order to compel damaging testimony against the president.
“I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. ‘Justice’ took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to 'break' - make up stories in order to get a ‘deal.’ Such respect for a brave man!” Trump tweeted.
Trump’s remarks about Manafort stood in contrast to his comments about Michael Cohen, his former personal attorney who pleaded guilty to tax fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution and campaign finance violations on Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly criticized Cohen, but has offered supportive words for Manafort.
The contrast has raised questions about whether a pardon could be in the offering for Manafort.
Earlier this year, Trump claimed he had “absolute” pardon power — including power to pardon himself — and argued that Mueller’s investigation is unconstitutional.
In June, he pardoned conservative author Dinesh D’Souza and talked about pardons for other prominent convicts.
Sen. Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin GrahamGraham mocks Democrats over abortion: 'What a bastard Donald Trump is' Washington Post releases audio of Trump talking to Woodward about his 'bad book' Live coverage: Trump's court pick presents his case at contentious hearing MORE (R-S.C.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, said he “would not recommend a pardon” for Manafort.
“You’ve got to earn a pardon. I think it would be seen as a bridge too far,” he said.
Graham declined to say what Congress would do if Trump did pardon Manafort.
Democrats warn a pardon of Manafort would create a crisis in Washington.
“If the president tries to pardon these people, there will be a constitutional crisis in our country,” said Sen. Ed Markey
Edward (Ed) John MarkeyLawmakers offer support for McCain after he discontinues cancer treatment GOP on heels after Cohen plea, Manafort conviction Graham says Mueller probe 'not a witch hunt' MORE (D-Mass.). “That looks like a shutdown of the United States House of Representatives and Senate for all other business."
“It looks like an attempt to subvert our country’s constitutional processes as though President Trump is a dictator,” he added. “That is not going to be something that is going to be permitted to happen in this country.”
Molly Hooper contributed.
