President Trump has pardoned 88‑year‑old British billionaire Joe Lewis, who pleaded guilty in January 2024 to securities fraud and conspiracy. Lewis, a former Tottenham Hotspur owner, was sentenced in April 2024 to three years' probation and a $5 million fine. The White House said he sought clemency to receive medical treatment and visit grandchildren and great‑grandchildren in the United States. The decision follows several recent high‑profile pardons and is expected to draw scrutiny.
Trump Pardons 88‑Year‑Old Billionaire Joe Lewis Following Insider‑Trading Guilty Plea
President Trump has pardoned 88‑year‑old British billionaire Joe Lewis, who pleaded guilty in January 2024 to securities fraud and conspiracy. Lewis, a former Tottenham Hotspur owner, was sentenced in April 2024 to three years' probation and a $5 million fine. The White House said he sought clemency to receive medical treatment and visit grandchildren and great‑grandchildren in the United States. The decision follows several recent high‑profile pardons and is expected to draw scrutiny.
11:37 AM, 11/14/2025Politics
Trump Pardons British Billionaire Joe Lewis After Guilty Plea
Nov. 14 (UPI) — President Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to 88‑year‑old British billionaire Joe Lewis, the White House said Thursday. Lewis pleaded guilty in January 2024 to two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.
In April 2024, Lewis — a one‑time owner of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur — was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $5 million fine. Prosecutors said Lewis obtained confidential information in corporate boardrooms and shared it with people in his close circle, including romantic partners, friends and pilots who flew his private plane; that conduct formed the basis of his conviction.
The White House confirmed the pardon in a statement provided to UPI. "Mr. Lewis admitted he made a terrible mistake, did not fight extradition in the case and paid a $5 million fine," a White House official said. "Mr. Lewis is 88 years old and has requested a pardon so that he may receive medical treatment and visit his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren in the United States."
Observers note this move comes amid a stream of high‑profile clemency decisions by President Trump, who has repeatedly used the pardon power for allies, business figures and notable public figures. Earlier this week, the president granted pardons to 77 people who were accused of attempting to subvert the 2020 election.
The pardon removes legal restrictions that could have prevented Lewis from traveling to the United States for medical care and family visits. Given Lewis's admitted guilty plea and the prominence of the individuals involved, the decision is likely to draw scrutiny and debate.