President Trump Issues Full Pardon for Michele Fiore Convicted of Fraud
Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore, convicted last year on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, has received a full and unconditional pardon from President Donald Trump. The pardon comes weeks before Fiore’s scheduled May 14 sentencing, where she faced a potential maximum prison term of up to 140 years. Fiore, a former Nevada assembly member and staunch supporter of President Trump, was found guilty of misappropriating more than $70,000 in charitable donations intended for a memorial statue honoring fallen police officers.
According to prosecutors, Fiore diverted the funds raised from donors, promising the entirety of donations would finance the memorial. Instead, evidence showed the raised money was spent entirely on personal expenses, including plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. Following her conviction, she was suspended from her role as a justice court judge in Nye County, a position she assumed after unsuccessfully running for state treasurer in 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an FBI investigation that began in 2021, including a search of Fiore’s Las Vegas residence and subpoenas for campaign expense reports. Jurors deliberated for two hours in October 2024 before returning the guilty verdict. Fiore consistently maintained her innocence, characterizing the federal prosecution as politically motivated.
The pardon from President Trump came within a week of Fiore losing a bid for acquittal and a new trial. Fiore’s defense claimed inadequate legal representation during her trial and argued procedural errors warranted another hearing.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford described the pardon as “disappointing,” stating, “It is a betrayal to the families and memory of our fallen officers, undermining faith in our legal system.”
Controversy and Reaction Surrounding the Pardon Decision
The timing and circumstances surrounding the pardon have sparked significant debate among Nevada’s political and law enforcement communities. Critics of the decision, including Nevada Democratic Party Executive Director Hilary Barrett, branded it a “reckless decision” and “a slap in the face” to law enforcement officers and their families.
Adding to the controversy, Fiore recently made headlines for a derogatory comment directed towards a journalist seeking confirmation of the pardon. When approached for comment, Fiore reportedly replied, “Vanessa, you need to get on your knees, a little more girl.” The exact context of this statement remains unclear, but it has further intensified criticism of the former councilwoman.
Supporters of Fiore, however, argue that she was unjustly targeted because of her outspoken political views and unapologetic support for conservative causes, notably her vocal backing of rancher Cliven Bundy and President Trump. Her conviction had galvanized supporters who viewed the charges as part of a broader effort to marginalize their political movement.
The appointment of Sigal Chattah as Interim U.S. Attorney for Nevada just days prior to the pardon also became a focal point of criticism, as Chattah is known to have personal ties to Fiore. Although no official wrongdoing has been alleged, critics have suggested that this relationship raises questions about the propriety of the pardon.
Las Vegas political analyst Mark Hutchinson explained, “This pardon will deepen the political divides here in Nevada. It’s more than a story about Michele Fiore—it’s symbolic of ongoing tensions between conservative activists and establishment figures within the state’s political landscape.”
Broader Context and Implications for Nevada Politics
Michele Fiore’s pardon marks another politically charged use of clemency by President Trump, who has previously pardoned other high-profile, controversial political figures. Historically, presidential pardons—while a constitutional prerogative—often stir debate, particularly when beneficiaries are political allies of the sitting president.
Fiore’s name recognition and long-standing involvement in Nevada politics underscore the broader implications of Trump’s pardon decision. Her outspoken style and popularity among certain conservative voters signal her potential return to political engagement following this pardon, including a return to her judicial duties in Nye County, as she has indicated plans to resume her former role.
The conviction and subsequent pardon highlight continuing debates about transparency and accountability in the use of political donations. According to transparency advocates, the case underscores the importance of rigorous oversight to ensure political figures are held accountable for the misuse of funds intended for charitable purposes.
Legislators and ethics organizations are now reevaluating campaign finance and charitable fundraising regulations in Nevada, aiming to bolster safeguards against financial misconduct by public officials. The outcome of these deliberations could produce significantly stricter controls and enhanced transparency measures for political fundraising in the state.
Additionally, Fiore’s case has spotlighted federal oversight of campaign conduct, with advocates urging strengthened federal and state cooperation to prevent future misuse of political and charitable donations. As Nevada prepares for its upcoming elections, discussions surrounding ethics in politics will likely remain prominent.
“This pardon brings renewed attention to the guidelines and oversight mechanisms we currently have in place,” stated Melanie Sloan, a government ethics expert. “We need clearer protocols and more stringent enforcement to prevent similar issues going forward.”