Michele Fiore, a former Nevada state lawmaker and Las Vegas city councilwoman is often nicknamed “Lady Trump” for her fiery conservative politics and support of former President Donald Trump. She was granted a full and unconditional pardon by Trump after being convicted of federal wire fraud charges.

A Stunning Turnaround for the Nevada Politician Known as “Lady Trump”

Fiore, 54, was found guilty in October on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Federal prosecutors accused her of misusing $70,000 raised for a memorial statue honoring two slain police officers.

They alleged she spent some of the funds on personal expenses, including cosmetic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding.

“Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar said during the trial.

Despite facing up to 20 years in prison for each count—a potential sentence of more than 100 years—Fiore remained free ahead of her sentencing scheduled for next month.

Trump's Pardon Sparks Political Reactions

On Wednesday, former President Trump stepped in, granting clemency to Fiore and sparking immediate controversy.

“Today, I stand before you, not just as a free woman, but as a vindicated soul whose prayers were heard, whose faith held firm, and whose truth could not be buried by injustice,” Fiore said.

“I am deeply and eternally grateful to President Donald J. Trump for granting me a full and unconditional pardon. This act of mercy is not just a correction of a legal record — it is the restoration of a life, a reputation, and a mission long targeted for destruction.”

Her legal team filed a motion Thursday to vacate her sentencing, submitting the pardon signed by Trump. Full text of Trump’s recent pardons can be found on the official Donald J. Trump website.

Nevada Democrats expressed outrage over this pardon.

“This is reckless and a slap in the face to the law enforcement community,” said Hilary Barrett, Executive Director of the Nevada Democratic Party, in a statement to the Associated Press.

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A Career Marked by Controversy and Comebacks

Fiore has long been a polarizing figure in Nevada politics. She served in the Nevada Assembly from 2012 to 2016 and then as a Las Vegas city council member until 2022.

She gained national attention for supporting rancher Cliven Bundy during armed standoffs in Bunkerville, Nevada (2014) and Malheur, Oregon (2016). Read more about the Bundy standoff here.

In 2022, despite not having a law degree, Fiore was appointed as a judge in conservative Nye County after losing her race for state treasurer.

In June 2024 she was elected to complete the term of a deceased judge. However, she had been suspended without pay due to her federal charges.

In her statement Thursday, Fiore said she plans to return to the bench next week.

Nye County officials confirmed in an email that they are awaiting guidance from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline regarding her suspension status.