The proposal, which could be announced around the Fourth of July, has divided advisers, with some seeing it as a way to promote an image of “Trump the merciful”, while others fear it could further damage his approval ratings.

Trump has already issued a large number of pardons since returning to office, including clemency for nearly 1,600 people convicted over the January 6 Capitol riot, as well as white-collar criminals and political allies.

The Atlantic reported that the administration has moved away from the traditional Justice Department pardon process, with informal intermediaries helping advance requests.

The prospect of hundreds of pardons has led to a surge in demand from lobbyists and lawyers seeking to secure clemency for clients. Some attorneys claimed large fees were being charged to pursue pardons.