Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act of 2026

This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding presidential pardons, particularly those involving the President, their relatives, political appointees, or specific offenses. It mandates that the **Department of Justice Inspector General (DOJ IG)** conduct an investigation into any such pardon and requires the Attorney General and the President to submit all relevant materials to the IG. The IG must then report findings and any non-compliance to Congress, ensuring a robust review process for potentially sensitive pardons. Furthermore, the bill strengthens **congressional oversight** by requiring the Attorney General and the President to provide materials related to these pardons directly to appropriate congressional committees. It also clarifies existing **bribery prohibitions** by explicitly stating that they apply to pardons, commutations, and reprieves, and expands the definition of a "public official" to include the President, Vice President, and apparent successful candidates for these offices. A key provision **prohibits presidential self-pardons**, declaring them void and ineffective in conferring immunity. Finally, the bill introduces new **financial disclosure requirements** for individuals granted a pardon for a covered offense. If a pardon recipient gave a gift to the President within 365 days before the pardon, or gives gifts within five years after, they must submit a financial disclosure report to the Office of Government Ethics. These reports, detailing the date, description, and value of the gift, will be published online in a searchable format, increasing public transparency around the circumstances of such pardons.