The Unlikely Odds of Donald Trump Pardoning Edward Snowden

The idea of former U.S. President Donald Trump pardoning Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed government surveillance programs, is a topic of much debate. While some wonder if the pardon could be a political maneuver, others question whether it is even plausible. This article explores the likelihood of such a pardon and its potential implications.

The Context of Trump and Snowden

Donald Trump, known for his unfettered loyalty to those who support him and his disregard for those who do not, is not exactly a fan of whistleblowers, especially when their actions have revealed embarrassing details about the U.S. intelligence community. In a recent statement, it was suggested that Trump might consider pardoning Snowden because of pressure from Vladimir Putin, who would prefer to see Snowden out of the United States. This move, however, raises questions about the motivations behind such an action and whether it would serve the interests of both parties.

The Role of Snowden in the Public Eye

Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who disclosed classified information about U.S. surveillance programs, has been a controversial figure since his revelations. Despite the significant impact of his actions, which have shaken the U.S. government and its international partners, Snowden's predicament remains unresolved. Currently, he is exiled in Russia, a place where he does not seem to be fully happy.

Assange vs. Snowden: Different Outcomes?

It is important to distinguish between Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Assange has not been pardoned and faces multiple charges in the U.S. His case is more about freedom of the press and the right to publish underpinned by journalistic integrity. On the other hand, Snowden's actions were more about exposing surveillance practices, and his case is more about individual threats to national security.

Will Trump Pardoned Snowden?

Many argue that it is highly unlikely that Trump would pardon Snowden. One of the key reasons is that pardoning Snowden would undermine the very purpose of his whistleblowing efforts. Snowden's actions were aimed at exposing the overreach of government functions, particularly in surveillance activities. Pardoning him would send a message that such transparency and accountability are not significant or valued, which is detrimental to American democracy and public trust.

How Pardoning Snowden Would Impact Relations With Russia

While it is true that Russia would prefer rid itself of Snowden, pardoning an American citizen like Snowden might also send a message to the U.S. government and the intelligence community that transparency can be compromised for political gains. This could lead to a slippery slope where the government becomes less transparent, and whistleblowers are discouraged from exposing wrongdoing.

In conclusion, while the idea of Donald Trump pardoning Edward Snowden seems like a quirky possibility, it is highly unlikely due to the political and ethical implications involved. As the world continues to grapple with issues of transparency, privacy, and national security, the fate of Snowden remains a topic of discussion and debate.