A federal judge in Pennsylvania appeared receptive Monday to arguments that a pardon from President Donald Trump could shield a man accused of voting twice in the 2020 election.
Matthew Laiss is charged with casting ballots for Trump in both Florida and Pennsylvania. At a federal hearing, his attorneys argued that Trump’s Nov. 7 pardon, which broadly covered allies who attempted to overturn the 2020 election, should extend to Laiss. Although Laiss was not specifically named in the pardon, his lawyers said its language covers any U.S. citizen who voted for a slate of electors in the 2020 election.
Prosecutors countered that the pardon only applies to post-election actions similar to those of the 77 individuals explicitly named, and that Laiss would need to petition the U.S. pardon attorney for relief. Defense attorneys said the pardon’s wording clearly encompasses voting activities, including Election Day, and pointed to prior broad pardons issued by Trump.
Judge Joseph Leeson Jr. questioned whether such an interpretation could theoretically apply to millions of voters if widespread fraud had occurred, but did not indicate when he would rule. Both sides debated the process for determining eligibility, with the judge noting skepticism about the government’s administrative argument.
The hearing highlighted tensions over the scope of presidential pardons, with prosecutors emphasizing limitations on the court’s role and the defense citing examples where the government dropped charges for individuals covered by prior pardons. Leeson said he would take the matter under advisement before issuing a decision.