US President Donald Trump has responded to a public plea from Lindsay Clancy’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, who had asked for the president’s intervention in his client’s case.
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Reddington made the appeal during an appearance on Good Morning America on September 8, asking Trump to pardon Clancy, who is facing charges in connection with the deaths of her three children.
Responding to reporters, Trump acknowledged that he had heard about the request but pointed out that the case is being handled at the state level rather than by the federal government.
Trump said: “It’s a very sad situation……I certainly heard that, but look, it’s very sad. There is no winner there. There’s no win no matter what you do. Three children are dead.”
The president also spoke positively about Reddington’s work as a defense attorney and expressed hope that those involved could reach a resolution.
“He’s a good attorney,” Trump said. “I’ve heard from other people he’s a very good attorney.
“I hope they can work something out,” he continued. “That’s something they have to work out.”
Trump’s comments indicate that he does not have the authority to simply pardon Clancy because her case is a state matter. Presidential pardons generally apply to federal offenses, while state criminal cases are handled through the relevant state’s legal and clemency system.