How a Round of Golf Preceded One of Trump’s Most Controversial Pardons

President Donald Trump recently issued a pardon for Timothy Leiweke, a real estate developer who had been charged in a federal probe alleging he manipulated the bidding process for a $375 million basketball arena built for the University of Texas.

Unlike many contested pardons that the White House has defended by blaming political opponents, this case is notable because the prosecution was brought by federal officials who served during the Trump administration. The Wall Street Journal reported that Mr. Trump decided to pardon Leiweke after former Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy raised the matter with him following a round of golf on Nov. 16.

What Happened

Leiweke had pleaded not guilty to accusations that he rigged bids for the arena contract. According to reporting, prosecutors working the case obtained immunity agreements for Leiweke's partners so they could focus the investigation on him. The presidential pardon terminated the pending prosecution and meant the case concluded without a conviction.

How The Pardon Came About

The Wall Street Journal's account — which has not been independently verified by all outlets — says Gowdy told the president that Leiweke had been treated unfairly after a Nov. 16 round of golf. In the weeks that followed, Gowdy reportedly urged Justice Department officials to pursue a nonprosecution agreement; the president instead issued a full pardon.

White House Response: About a month ago, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration takes pardons "with the utmost seriousness" and that each clemency decision undergoes a "very thorough review process" by qualified lawyers.

Reaction And Implications

Critics say the episode undercuts the White House's claim that pardons receive rigorous, impartial review. Supporters of the pardon argue it reflects a legitimate exercise of the president's clemency power. Whatever the view, the decision ended what had been described as the only criminal case targeting aspects of how the live-events industry operates.

Note: Reporting on the pardon includes accounts from multiple outlets; some details remain sourced to people familiar with the matter and have not been independently verified by all news organizations.