[Bernard]

So the President could just think up a list and tell somebody to "pardon this person, that person, and the guy in the next room?" Seems contrary to our form-required culture.

If it's not recorded, does it really exist, based on the memory of whoever was within hearing distance at the time, and not distracted by browsing on their phone?

[Sacajaweau]

There’s a procedure for this. A list is submitted to the President...with attached info...and he says fine....verbal is sufficient.

[Sacajaweau]

https://www.justice.gov/pardon/file/898541/dl