My guess: Donald Trump resigns on Friday and Mike Pence pardons him. I assume that was the topic of their meeting yesterday. He knows a self-pardon would be void.

He knows preemptive pardons, including ones concerning sedition and insurrection, are unlikely to stand. But add a self-pardon into the equation and it is destined to fail. That is why he must rely on Mike Pence.

I assume this week he is confidentially signing pardons for his family members and accomplices like Rudy Giuliani.

As for Pence, he is well aware that he will never be elected POTUS. If he plays his part, he will be the 46th POTUS - for a handful of days. But he will retain the title forever. That may be enough of an incentive for him to play ball.

And to those who find the notion that Donald Trump would resign impossible, I say this: avoidance of indictment is by far his top priority right now. That will be the only thing driving his decision-making process as his time in power ticks down.

Finally, POTUS cannot pardon state crimes. So Donald Trump still has significant New York and Georgia criminal exposure. But he will want to minimize the risk. The Cohen proceeding (Individual No. 1), the Mueller report, the Ukraine impeachment pose immense criminal liability.

... And as I mentioned at the beginning, sedition and insurrection against the United States government is at the top of the federal crimes list.