Gabrielle WareNew York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman wants his state to have the power to criminally charge people, even if they've been granted a presidential pardon.
Schneiderman said in a statement Wednesday: "We are disturbed by reports that the president is considering pardons of individuals who may have committed serious federal financial, tax, and other crimes — acts that may also violate New York law."
In a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other lawmakers he wrote that historically, pardons have been used sparingly and with caution, but "recent reports indicate that the President may be considering issuing pardons that may impede criminal investigations."
If the requested amendment to New York law is approved, any pardoned Trump aides could still face legal action outside of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
President Donald Trump's lawyer reportedly discussed pardoning former advisers Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.
Last week, Trump pardoned Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, Scooter Libby. Libby was convicted of lying to the FBI.
