Let’s correct one error that I have seen numerous times on threads where pardons are discussed: The President can issue a pardon for ‘crimes’ that may have been committed so as to prevent charges being filed for said crimes.
The wording of the Constitution says the President “shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.”
In the definitions I’ve looked at, both Reprieves and Pardons deal with convictions, with the penalty due (reprieve) or imposed (pardon). Despite what Gerry Ford did for Nixon, I question whether a pardon can be issued to avoid charges that haven’t been brought. And could such a “pardon” be challenged?
Of course, any such challenge would require Congress to grow a spine, so that avenue might be moot.
In any event, the Constitutional provision applies only to federal offenses. I forget, where are the Clinton Foundation offices located again?