Former President Donald Trump told the host of the “Pod Force One” podcast, journalist Miranda Devine, that he would be ready to grant a pardon to Elon Musk and other members of his former administration if the Democratic Party wins at least one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming November 3, 2026 elections.

When asked whether he would protect all of his former aides, Trump replied unequivocally, “I would, if necessary. Of course. I wouldn’t even think about it – I’d just do it.” He specifically mentioned Musk, noting that the billionaire “participated in the work of the administration and led the DOGE initiative” and would become a target of investigations if Democrats gain congressional power. Trump dismissed speculation about a possible nationalisation of Musk’s SpaceX, calling such reports “just stories” and insisting that, should the scenario arise, he would still intervene to protect the company.

Trump linked his willingness to grant a pardon to the precedent set by President Joe Biden, who issued a series of pre‑emptive clemencies before leaving office, including for Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley and members of a congressional committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack. After returning to the White House in his own term, Trump said he had pardoned roughly 1,500 individuals connected to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The former president warned that a Democratic win in the House would allow the party to launch investigations, summon officials for hearings and request documents. He cited recent statements by Representative Jamie Raskin, who announced an inquiry into possible corruption, and Senator Elissa Slotkin, who discussed potential prosecutions. Trump clarified that congressional investigations are not criminal prosecutions, and that a presidential pardon does not block congressional inquiries, civil lawsuits, or state‑level prosecutions.

According to data from the polling firm Axio, Musk has spent close to half a billion dollars on political activities aimed at opposing Democrats in this election cycle. Trump’s remarks suggest that, in his view, a pre‑emptive pardon would be a defensive measure against any legal actions that might arise from those expenditures.

The interview, published on November 2, 2026, underscores Trump’s continued focus on protecting his allies and the broader narrative that he can intervene in legal matters through executive clemency. It also highlights the heightened political stakes surrounding the 2026 midterm elections, where control of the House could determine the intensity of investigations into both former administration officials and high‑profile donors such as Musk.

Sources (learn more):

klix.ba — https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/svijet/trump-spreman-na-sve-scenarije-pomilovao-bih-i-zastitio-muska-ako-bi-demokrate-pobijedile-na-izborima/261102263