Donald Trump Declines Pardon Request for Lindsay Clancy

President Donald Trump declined a request to pardon Lindsay Clancy, a former nurse accused of killing her three children in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023. Trump stated the case is a state situation rather than a federal one, noting that presidential pardon powers are limited to federal crimes.

The decision follows a public plea from defense attorney Kevin Reddington, who requested a pardon during a September 8 interview on Good Morning America. Reddington suggested the president's influence could assist in negotiations with the Plymouth District Attorney. While Trump described the events as a very sad situation and a horrible tragedy, he previously remarked that Clancy must pay the price for her actions.

Clancy's trial ended in a mistrial on September 4, 2026, after a jury deadlocked 11-1. Reports indicate 11 jurors favored an acquittal based on the defense's argument that Clancy suffered from postpartum psychosis. Governor Maura Healey stated she lacks the authority to pardon Clancy because there is no existing conviction.

Clancy is currently held at Tewksbury Hospital. A status hearing is scheduled for September 29 to determine if Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz will pursue a retrial.