A Republican Governor Tried to Heal American Politics. It Almost Broke Him.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox attempted to bridge political divides by suggesting that President Biden pardon Donald Trump to de-escalate national tensions. Despite initial interest from the President, the proposal never materialized, and Cox later shifted his focus to supporting Trump's candidacy following an assassination attempt.
Why it matters
This account provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the extreme polarization of American politics and the failed attempts by moderate officials to mitigate partisan hostility.
Spencer Cox’s very hopeful, very quixotic crusade
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Laura Seitz / The Deseret News / AP. August 27, 2026, 9 AM ET Share Save O n August 9, 2023, Utah’s governor, Spencer Cox, found himself sitting across from Joe Biden in an armored presidential limousine as it idled in downtown Salt Lake City. Working up the nerve to pitch a far-fetched idea, he cleared his throat.
“Mr. President, I know this might sound crazy,” Cox said, “but I think you should pardon Donald Trump.”
Trump was, at the time, facing criminal charges in multiple jurisdictions. He was also the Republican frontrunner for president—a man who had promised to drive “Sleepy Joe” (a.k.a. “Enemy of the State,” a.k.a. “Most Corrupt President We’ve Ever Had,” a.k.a. “Worst President in the History of Our Country”) from the White House and imprison members of the “Biden crime family.”
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