Trump pardons entertainment executive indicted by his own justice department

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump issued a discreet pardon to Tim Leiweke, a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry, who had been charged earlier this year by the federal authorities under Trumps administration. Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, faced an indictment in July for allegedly participating in a scheme to manipulate the bidding process for a university arena project in Austin, Texas.

Leiweke had entered a plea of not guilty to accusations of conspiracy to restrict trade and was scheduled for trial next year. Documents posted on the Department of Justice website on Wednesday confirm that Trump granted him a full and unconditional pardon on Tuesday. This marks the fifth pardon Trump has issued in the past week to influential individuals, without providing public reasoning for halting an active federal corruption case.

In July, Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division highlighted the alleged misconduct, stating, The Defendant manipulated a bidding process to favor his company, denying a public university and taxpayers the benefits of fair competition.

Justin Simmons, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, also commented at the time, Actions like these undermine fair business practices and make it harder for Americans to achieve economic opportunity. Simmons was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for that district in June by Trumps Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Expressing his relief, Leiweke told Sports Business Journal on Wednesday, I am deeply thankful to President Trump. This has been an incredibly challenging time for my family and me. The President has provided us with a fresh start, and we will honor this opportunity responsibly.

Author: Ethan Caldwell