The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for March 17, 2025
On the heels of dropped charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams under suspicious circumstances, President Donald Trump has pardoned a former Kentucky state senator serving time for federal campaign finance fraud. Trump is also reportedly preparing to restructure and downsize DOJ’s public integrity units.
Former Kentucky state senator and 2016 Congressional candidate Brian Kelsey was sentenced to 21 months in 2023 for coordinating $80,000 in advertising with a national political organization, benefitting his campaign. Additionally, he concealed the movement $91,000 from his state campaign fund and a nonprofit legal advocacy group, defrauding the Federal Election Commission. Kelsey lost his appeals in the 6th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused the case. Trump pardoned Kelsey, who pleaded guilty in 2022, after a mere two weeks in prison.
The New York Times is reporting that the president is also preparing to restructure and downsize the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Integrity section, which QUOTE “oversees the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials, election crimes, and other related offenses.” The Times reports that executive orders are expected in the coming weeks.
Trump has repeatedly claimed he is the victim of a “weaponized” Justice Department, after he was charged with mishandling classified documents and his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
We posted our resources at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
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Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Department of Justice – Former Tennessee State Senator and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Campaign Finance Scheme
Tennessee Bar Association – U.S. Supreme Court Denies Kelsey’s Appeal of Campaign Fraud Conviction
New York Times – (Paywall) – Trump Pardons Ex-Tennessee State Senator Imprisoned for Campaign Fraud
New York Times – (Paywall) – Justice Dept. Moving to Downsize Units Investigating Fraud and Corruption
CNN – Donald Trump’s criminal cases, in one place
Roll Call – Speech: Donald Trump Addresses the Staff at the Department of Justice – March 14, 2025
U.S. Department of Justice – Public Integrity Section
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Public Citizen
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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