The pardon of Michele Fiore by former President Donald Trump has sparked significant debate and controversy. Fiore, a former Las Vegas councilwoman, was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy. She had raised over $70,000 for a statue to honor a police officer killed in the line of duty, but the funds were allegedly misused for personal expenses.
Trump’s pardon of Fiore was considered unusual by experts, as she had not yet been sentenced, and there was no indication of remorse for her actions. The pardon effectively absolved her from the obligation to pay restitution to those she defrauded.
This move is part of a broader pattern noted by legal experts, indicating that Trump has been more inclined to issue pardons preemptively, even before restitution is settled. Such pardons have reportedly resulted in significant debt relief for individuals and companies, with estimates suggesting over $1 billion in fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture absolved.
The Justice Department’s former Pardon Attorney, Liz Oyer, has highlighted the impact of Trump’s pardons, arguing that they have relieved significant financial obligations for those pardoned. However, her comments and the circumstances of her departure from the Justice Department have been disputed by a department spokesperson.
The issue of restitution was a significant factor in Fiore’s case, with legal experts suggesting that, under normal circumstances, she would have been ordered to repay the defrauded donors. However, the pardon removes any legal obligation for her to do so. Opinions among donors vary, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of restitution, while others are less concerned.
The broader implications of Trump’s pardons, particularly their potential impact on accountability and restitution, continue to be a subject of debate among legal professionals and the public.
Lilly
June 8, 2025 at 11:59 pmTrump is a crook and so is Fiore. He likes crooks and anyone who breaks the laws and found guilty he will pardon to relieve them of what a jury of their peers and/or a judge determined is due for their crimes. He got away with his therefore anyone else willing to bow down on bended knee and kiss hiss ring will get the golden pass. He doesn’t care what your crime is as long as your willing to kiss his ring. She’s a crook a Felon just like him regardless of his cheap paper pardon. She knows it, the victims families knows it and the state knows it. She can’t show her painted face anywhere without people knowing that she’s the the one that stole monies from the dead officers fund to use for herself. She is a Felon and by no means suitable to be a judge when she should be in prison herself.
Nick Bonsanto • Post Author •
June 10, 2025 at 8:05 pmI believe she should not be on the bench and that all of those donations for the fallen officer should and must be returned.
June
June 9, 2025 at 5:27 pmCriminals look out for each other
Nick Bonsanto • Post Author •
June 10, 2025 at 8:06 pmSeems that way doesn’t it.