Donald Trump Pardoning Republicans Sentenced to Prison Sparks Fury

Source: Newsweek

Nov 07, 2025 at 06:44 AM EST


President Donald Trump pardoning the former Tennessee House speaker and his former top aide just weeks after they were sentenced to prison on public corruption charges has sparked a backlash.

Former Republican state Rep. Glen Casada was sentenced in September to three years in prison, while his former chief of staff, Cade Cothren, was also convicted and received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The case had centered on their actions after both were ousted from their leadership roles and were accused of running a scheme to win taxpayer-funded mail business from lawmakers.

A White House official told the Associated Press and USA Today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Trump’s Democratic predecessor Joe Biden had “significantly over-prosecuted” both for a minor issue. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via an email sent outside regular business hours. On social media, many slammed the pardons with some saying that it demonstrates how Republican politicians can act with impunity under Trump.

Why It Matters

The pardons continue a pattern of Trump using his second term to bestow pardons on political allies, prominent public figures and others convicted of defrauding the public. They have reignited debate about presidential pardon power and accountability for public officials convicted of serious crimes.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-pardoning-republicans-sentenced-prison-11009204