In a decisive act showcasing his commitment to righting legal wrongs, President Donald Trump has issued a pardon to a former New York GOP Congressman.
The pardon, announced this week, restores full rights to the former FBI agent who served seven months in prison for tax fraud related to his restaurant business.
Trump’s latest clemency actions continue his pattern of using presidential powers to right what he sees as wrongs in the American legal system.
The White House announced Michael Grimm’s pardon alongside several other clemency actions, including the controversial commutation of Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover’s federal life sentences.
Grimm, who represented Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn from 2011 to 2015, was forced to resign from Congress after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges related to his Manhattan restaurant, Healthalicious.
Grimm’s fall from grace was particularly notable as a former FBI agent. He admitted to hiding more than $900,000 in sales and wages at his restaurant, underreporting taxable revenue to gain unfair advantages.
After serving his prison term, Grimm attempted political comebacks with unsuccessful primary challenges in 2018 and 2020 before finding a new role as a Newsmax commentator.
Trump’s pardon effectively erases Grimm’s conviction from his record, removing a significant barrier to his potential return to public office.
The former congressman had maintained that his prosecution was politically motivated, a claim that likely resonated with President Trump, who has frequently criticized what he calls “weaponized” justice.
Moreover, Grimm made headlines in 2014 for threatening to throw a NY1 reporter “off this f–king balcony” when asked about a campaign finance investigation.
That probe ultimately led to the tax fraud charges that ended his congressional career.
Despite this controversial past, Trump’s pardon signals his willingness to offer second chances to those he believes have been unfairly targeted.
The pardon comes as part of a broader clemency push in the early months of Trump’s second term.
The President has made extensive use of his pardon powers, citing unfair treatment by what he characterizes as a biased legal system.
Other recipients in this latest round included James and Marlene Kernan, who received probation for employing a felon.
Perhaps the most controversial of Trump’s recent clemency actions is the commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal life sentences.
Hoover, co-founder of the notorious Gangster Disciples street gang, was serving six life sentences for running the criminal enterprise from behind bars.
Rappers Kanye West and Drake had advocated for Hoover’s release, claiming he is a reformed man.
Yet, Hoover will remain incarcerated as he continues to serve a separate life sentence from Illinois for a 1973 murder conviction.
Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes, leaving state convictions untouched.
Trump’s willingness to use his constitutional pardon power extensively sets him apart from many predecessors.
His supporters praise these actions as correcting injustices, while critics question some of his choices.
For Grimm, the pardon represents a clean slate and potential political resurrection after years of carrying the felon label that has limited his opportunities.
