Even his opponents admit that, when it comes to appearing on camera, the 47th president seems assured. 

Some go further, suggesting there’s a touch of the savant in Donald Trump – or even genius.

When it comes to channelling the voters and their feelings – on stage, under the lights, in the moment – there are few to match him, if any.

It simply doesn’t matter how odd, chaotic or rambling Trump might appear in one instance or another, his instincts are good and have served him very well.

Yet there is one presidential instinct that has been surprisingly constrained in recent months. With the world lit up by bombs and explosions, real and AI-generated, we have seen little of the humane Trump, let alone the squeamish Donald.

When the president suggested 250 pardonings to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Republic, he meant

Yet Trump is genuinely opposed to bloodshed – viscerally so, in fact. His wish to bring the fighting Ukraine to an end was based in no small part on the senseless loss of human life.

It is said that, during Trump’s first term, he authorised the 2020 assassination of leading Iranian general Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad Airport, the president was asked if he would also like to take out Iran’s then supreme leader Ayatollah Khamene’i.

It was a golden opportunity – but one Trump refused when he learned it might involve significant civilian bloodshed. 

Trump’s wish to the ‘peace president’ was greeted with mockery by his critics yet, however outlandish some might find it, the ambition was seriously held.

So, when, earlier this year, the president suggested 250 pardonings to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Republic, he meant it. And, despite the rather evident delay, a big part of him would like to go ahead.

So, why has the plan stalled?

The war with Iran, a departure from Trump’s stated manifesto – and, I would argue, his true nature – has obviously taken precedence, not to say the oxygen from the room. We are in uncharted territory.

The first presidential pardon was issue by George Washington

President Gerald Ford signs a document granting former President Richard Nixon a full pardon in 1974

‘Events’ are not the only sticking point when it comes to the eye-catching plan for a mass pardon. 

There is also opposition from within the white house, where it is feared that leniency for those guilty of financial crimes might throw unwanted light on the complex commercial dealings of the president and his relatives.

Whitehouse chief-of-staff Susie Wiles is said to be urging particular caution.

Even white-collar criminals attract little public sympathy.

Yet when it comes to those pining for their freedom, there are grounds for optimism.

US Pardon Attorney Ed Martin has been in favour of Trump’s plan, for example, and even though he has changed post in recent days, he is understood to be arguing the case behind the scenes.

Much depends on the attitude of the new Attorney General – and seasoned prosecutor – Todd Blanche.

White House chief-of-staff Susie Wiles is said to be cautious about Trump’s proposed mass pardon

Besides, there is nothing Trump likes better than to put himself in the mainstream of the presidential current, which includes a long and colourful history of presidential pardons – from George Washington’s amnesty to those taking part in the Whiskey Rebellion tax protest in 1795, to Gerald Ford’s pre-emptive pardoning of Richard Nixon in 1974, to Biden’s pre-emptive pardoning of his son Hunter and chief Covid adviser Anthony Fauci in 2025.

In a rumbustiously litigious society such as the US, it all makes a certain sort of sense – a point reinformed by the annual White House ‘pardoning’ of a Thanksgiving turkey.

The continuing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine make any legacy of peace seem rather more a matter of hope for Trump than expectation – which is one reason why 250 for 250 remains very much alive.

He has until December 31 to set them free.