Reports that President Trump intends to void presidential pardons issued by former President Joe Biden have sparked a wave of legal debate. Although such a move might appeal to Trump’s political instincts and base, it is simply not within the realm of legal possibility.

To put it in legalese, it ain’t gonna happen.

But just the fact that Trump brought this up is profoundly troubling, because it evinces either an even a more profound lack of understanding of the law or a far more sinister intention.

The presidential pardon power, as enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, is one of the most sweeping and unassailable powers granted to the executive branch. It is final, absolute and beyond the reach of any future president or administration to undo. Any attempt by Trump or any other president to revoke a duly issued pardon would not only be unconstitutional, it would also undermine the very principles of executive authority and legal finality that have governed the nation since its founding.

Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution grants the president the power to issue pardons for federal offenses, with the sole exception of cases of impeachment. The text is unambiguous: “The President shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” This language has been interpreted by courts and legal scholars alike to mean that once a pardon is granted, it is final. The power does not come with........

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