Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Calling on the Legislature to Close the Double Jeopardy Loophole

"The conviction of Paul Manafort and the guilty pleas from Michael Cohen send a clear message that nobody is above the law, including the President and his acolytes. But President Trump has shown that he is willing if not eager to abuse his executive authority, including pardon power, to protect himself.

"A loophole in State law currently makes it impossible for New York to punish wrongdoers who receive a presidential pardon for federal crimes, no matter how suspicious or politically dubious the presidential pardon is. This loophole must be closed to ensure that these politically motivated, self-serving actions are not sanctioned under law.

"New York must have the ability to stand up against the abuse of power. I call on the State Legislature to amend current State law to close the double jeopardy loophole and ensure that these wrongdoers cannot escape justice — I will sign it into law the same day."