Trump pardons real estate developer indicted by his own DOJ

President Donald Trump has issued a pardon to a real estate executive who faced indictment from a federal grand jury only months ago, marking another instance of his broad use of executive clemency during his second term.

Tim Leiweke, former CEO of a commercial real estate company known for constructing sports arenas and stadiums in both the U.S. and Canada, received the pardon, according to Justice Department records released Wednesday. Leiweke had been charged in July for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to manipulate the bidding process for a University of Texas arena project.

Leiweke expressed his appreciation in a statement following the pardon, saying, "I cannot fully express my deep gratitude to President Trump. This has been a challenging period for my family and me, and the President has provided us a new beginning for which we will remain thankful."

According to the July indictment, Leiweke attempted to influence the bidding process by offering subcontracts to a competing company during the effort to develop a basketball arena at the University of Texas. Ultimately, his firm secured the contract to construct the Moody Center in 2019 and currently manages the venue, home to the university's men's and women's basketball teams.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater commented at the time, stating, "The defendant manipulated the bidding to favor his company, denying a public university and taxpayers the advantages of fair competition."

Since resuming office, Trump has granted a notable number of pardons and clemencies, some of which have drawn public attention. Recently, he pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernndez, sentenced to 45 years for cocaine trafficking, and Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar along with his wife, who had been convicted on bribery and money laundering charges.

Leiweke is widely recognized for developing L.A. Live, the entertainment district around Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena. He previously led the firm owning stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings, and later served as CEO for the company owning the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors. His brother, Tod Leiweke, is a former NFL COO and co-owner of the Seattle Kraken.

Author: Jackson Miller