Trump Pardons Tottenham Ex-Owner Joe Lewis
Above: Joe Lewis leaving Manhattan Federal Court in New York City on July 26, 2023. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Lewis' pardon was an appropriate display of presidential mercy for an elderly man who admitted his mistake and cooperated fully with the authorities. At 88 years old, Lewis did not fight extradition, paid his $5 million fine and sought clemency on humanitarian grounds rather than financial ones to receive medical treatment and visit family.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's pardon spree represents blatant corruption, turning presidential clemency into a pay-to-play scheme that rewards wealthy criminals and Trump’s political allies. While the administration commits to leaving no MAGA or billionaire behind, tens of thousands of pardon petitions by ordinary Americans are left to rot.
