Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Michele Fiore, the former Las Vegas councilwoman and political firebrand often called “Lady Trump.”
Fiore was recently convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy after misappropriating over $70,000 raised for a fallen police officer’s memorial. Federal prosecutors revealed that while Fiore promised donors their contributions would fund a statue for Officer Alyn Beck, the statue was ultimately financed by a private development company, not with any of the donated funds. Instead, Fiore used the money for rent, plastic surgeries, and her daughter’s wedding.
The pardon comes shortly after a federal judge denied Fiore’s request for a new trial and just weeks after Trump appointed Fiore’s close ally, Sigal Chattah, as the interim U.S. Attorney for Nevada.
Facing up to 20 years in prison for each of her seven convictions, Fiore’s sentencing was set for next month. However, her legal team quickly filed to vacate the sentencing following the clemency order.
A White House spokesperson defended the pardon, claiming Fiore was unfairly targeted due to her outspoken conservative politics. Fiore, who once served as the first female Republican Majority Leader in the Nevada State Assembly, has long been a loyal Trump supporter and an influential figure in Nevada’s Republican circles.
