"He decided to plunge on with pardons over the department's objections, or where he knew that there would be objections if he had let career prosecutors know what he was doing"

This quote is referring to the actions of a person, likely a political leader, who is making decisions without speaking with individuals who would typically be consulted. He is making choices to issue pardons, regardless of knowing that the people in his department would challenge his choices. This recommends that the person is making choices without thinking about the viewpoints of those who would typically be sought advice from, and is instead making choices based on his own judgement. This might be seen as a sign of arrogance, as the individual is overlooking the viewpoints of those who are more educated in the location. It might also be viewed as a sign of strength, as the individual is willing to make choices without consulting others, and is confident in his own judgement.