Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN) has stirred controversy by calling on Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) to pardon former President Donald Trump following his recent guilty verdict.

Phillips, a vocal critic of Trump, gained attention during his candidacy in the Democratic primary for president, where he challenged incumbent Joe Biden. However, Phillips suspended his campaign in March, fearing he could not defeat Trump.

In a tweet on Saturday, Phillips emphasized Trump's controversial history, labeling him as a "serial liar, cheater, and philanderer," and highlighting his multiple corporate bankruptcies, involvement in the 'so-called' insurrection, and criminal conviction. Phillips argued that a pardon from Gov. Hochul would be beneficial for the country.

Donald Trump is a serial liar, cheater, and philanderer, a six-time declarer of corporate bankruptcy, an instigator of insurrection, and a convicted felon who thrives on portraying himself as a victim.@GovKathyHochul should pardon him for the good of the country.

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) June 1, 2024

The tweet received a barrage of criticism online, with thousands of users expressing their disagreement with Phillips' proposal. Responses ranged from accusations of being delusional to skepticism about Trump naming him as his vice president.

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Attempting to explain his stance, Phillips defended his call for a pardon, stating that not doing so could inadvertently elevate Trump's status and energize his supporters, potentially leading to electoral gains.

You think pardoning is stupid?

Making him a martyr over a payment to a porn star is stupid. (Election charges are entirely different.) It’s energizing his base, generating record sums of campaign cash, and will likely result in an electoral boost. — Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) June 1, 2024

Governor Hochul has a track record of granting clemency to individuals in various cases since taking office in 2021. This includes both commuting sentences and issuing outright pardons. In her most recent acts of clemency in May, Hochul pardoned 11 individuals and commuted two sentences.

Hochul emphasized that the clemency process involves thorough evaluation and consultations with multiple parties, including law enforcement, prosecutors, victims' rights advocates, applicants, and other stakeholders. She underscored her administration's commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the clemency process.

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The debate over the potential pardon for Donald Trump continues to ignite discussions and divisions within political circles, highlighting the complexities of justice and partisanship in America's current political landscape.

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