Trump Pardons Tennessee Ex-Lawmaker Convicted of Campaign Finance Violations

Brian Kelsey, two weeks into a 21-month prison sentence, announced the pardon, calling it a response to alleged political targeting by the Biden administration.

Former Tennessee state senator Brian Kelsey received a full and unconditional pardon from President Donald Trump just 15 days into his prison sentence for campaign finance violations.
Kelsey had pleaded guilty in 2022 to illegally funneling $91,000 from his state Senate campaign and a nonprofit to his 2016 congressional campaign, though he later attempted to withdraw his plea.
Kelsey and his supporters, including three GOP Tennessee congressmen, claimed the prosecution was politically motivated by the Biden Department of Justice.
The pardon follows Trump's broader use of clemency powers, including pardons for January 6 defendants and other high-profile cases during his second term.
Critics, including campaign finance watchdogs, argue the pardon undermines accountability for public officials involved in corruption cases.