President Donald Trump issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for Tim Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, who was indicted earlier this year on charges of rigging the bidding process for an arena at a public university. Leiweke, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faced a potential 10-year prison sentence and a $1 million fine. Leiweke, represented by former Rep. Trey Gowdy, had previously criticized Trump. The pardon comes amidst a series of surprising clemency moves and was announced shortly after OVG named a new permanent CEO following Leiweke’s resignation.
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Senator Mark Kelly has become the first lawmaker to require personal armed guards due to threats made by former President Donald Trump. These threats, which included calls for Kelly’s hanging, followed a video where Kelly reminded military members they can refuse illegal orders. As a result of the attacks, both Kelly and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, have received numerous threats, prompting heightened security. This situation has elevated Kelly’s profile, potentially positioning him for a future presidential run, while also drawing criticism of Trump’s rhetoric from both sides of the aisle.
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The U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent think tank, has been renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the Trump administration, with the president’s name prominently displayed. This rebranding, intended to honor Trump’s dealmaking abilities, has sparked legal battles over the agency’s control. Amidst these disputes, the institute has faced significant funding cuts and staff reductions, with a final court ruling on its future pending. Critics have condemned the renaming as ironic, given the administration’s actions and potential impact on the organization’s mission.
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Former President Donald Trump pardoned Texas Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat facing charges of bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. Trump cited a weaponized justice system and claimed Cuellar was targeted for speaking out against open borders. The Department of Justice had accused Cuellar of accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes. In his announcement, Trump included a letter from Cuellar’s daughters and declared a full pardon for both Cuellar and his wife.
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In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump issued a pardon to Texas Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat facing charges of bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. Trump, in a Truth Social post, cited the charges as a result of a weaponized justice system and argued Cuellar was targeted for speaking out against border policies. The Department of Justice alleged Cuellar accepted significant bribes from foreign entities, a claim that Trump dismissed. Cuellar, known for his conservative stances and support of Republican bills, was scheduled to face trial in 2026.
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On Tuesday, President Trump signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act into law, prompting positive reactions from Taiwan and criticism from China. The new law mandates that the U.S. State Department regularly review and update guidelines for official interactions with Taipei, reflecting the United States’ role as Taiwan’s primary international supporter despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition, reiterating its stance that Taiwan is part of China and a core interest. The legislation follows the earlier lifting of restrictions on U.S.-Taiwanese official contact by the Trump administration in 2021 and is seen by Taiwan as a step toward closer relations.
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Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, sentenced to 45 years in prison for flooding the U.S. with over 400 tons of cocaine, received a pardon. The Justice Department described Hernández as the center of a massive drug-trafficking conspiracy that involved enabling violence, corruption, and murder. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Hernández accepted bribes, including $1 million from “El Chapo,” and allegedly made statements indicating his intent to flood the U.S. with drugs. He also allegedly used drug money to manipulate election results.
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Throughout his career, Donald Trump has always sought the approval of celebrities, a trait stemming from his desire to be liked by those he views as successful. However, as president, Trump has frequently clashed with numerous well-known figures, especially younger women, often leading to public disputes. This pattern extends beyond gender, as Trump has also feuded with male music stars over the use of their music and their political views. This conflict with celebrities may be due to the fact that these individuals break through the echo chamber of sycophants who surround him, providing him the only real contact with how he is seen in the real world.
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The upcoming World Cup draw in Washington D.C. highlights the overshadowing presence of Donald Trump, with the event’s location and symbolism seemingly centered on him. Despite FIFA’s claims of inclusivity, Trump’s past statements and policies create a stark contrast, especially considering the participation of nations on his travel ban list. This situation echoes historical instances where the World Cup was used for political gain, but the current scenario feels more blatant with FIFA seemingly accommodating Trump’s influence. This raises concerns about FIFA’s commitment to political neutrality and the potential for the tournament to be used for self-promotion rather than genuine athletic competition.
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Former President Donald Trump pardoned Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife in a federal bribery and conspiracy case, citing a “weaponized” justice system. Trump claimed Cuellar was targeted for criticizing President Biden’s immigration policies, despite Cuellar and his wife being charged with accepting bribes in exchange for advancing the interests of an energy company and a Mexican bank. While the couple’s trial was scheduled for April, the pardon, which does not erase a criminal record, was announced via social media. Cuellar, who still faces an Ethics Committee investigation, thanked Trump and stated he could move forward, while the Justice Department has not issued a comment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker