Trump pardons Giuliani and others accused of plot to overturn 2020 election

November 10, 2025

President Donald Trump issued pardons to former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, ex-Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and numerous other associates who faced accusations related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The clemency extended to lawyers who filed unsuccessful legal challenges and individuals identified as false electors who allegedly attempted to interfere with certifying Joe Biden's victory. These pardons hold primarily symbolic value since they apply exclusively to federal offenses, while all the recipients faced charges only at the state level.

Who is affected

Rudy Giuliani (former Trump personal lawyer who faced defamation liability and disbarment)
Mark Meadows (former White House chief of staff)
Trump lawyers Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, John Eastman, and Kenneth Chesebro
So-called "false electors" accused of attempting to hijack the Electoral College certification process
Georgia election workers (who won a $148 million judgment against Giuliani)
State prosecutors in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin who brought charges

What action is being taken

President Trump is issuing "full, complete and unconditional" pardons to Giuliani, Meadows, and dozens of allies accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.

Why it matters

This action represents a significant presidential intervention in election-related prosecutions, though its practical impact is limited since pardons only apply to federal crimes while recipients faced state-level charges. The pardons signal Trump's continued stance that challenges to the 2020 election were legitimate political activity rather than criminal conduct. The move raises broader questions about presidential pardon power, accountability for election interference allegations, and the boundaries between federal and state jurisdiction in prosecuting such cases.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC