In America, we have equal justice for all, except those people who are wealthy, powerful, or connected.
The specter of another controversial presidential pardon looms over Washington as sources indicate Donald Trump is weighing clemency for convicted felon and former Senator Bob Menendez—a move that has ignited fierce condemnation from progressive activist Lisa McCormick, the New Jersey Democrat who stunned the political establishment by winning nearly 40% of the vote against Menendez in 2018’s Democratic primary.
McCormick, whose insurgent campaign was largely ignored by corporate media despite its remarkable grassroots support, blasted the potential pardon as “the latest proof of America’s corrupt political machinery.”
Menendez, found guilty of accepting bribes from foreign governments and acting as an unregistered agent of Egypt and Qatar, had reportedly sought clemency from Trump—an irony not lost on critics, given Menendez’s previous denunciations of the former president.
“Trump has already pardoned January 6 terrorists, crooked politicians, and even a Nevada con artist who stole money meant for a slain police officer’s memorial,” McCormick said, referencing Wednesday’s pardon of Michele Fiore, a Republican ex-lawmaker convicted of siphoning $70,000 in donations for cosmetic surgery and personal expenses.
“Now he’s poised to reward one of the most corrupt Democrats in modern history. It’s not just hypocrisy—it’s a full-blown conspiracy between the political elite to protect their own,” McCormick said.
The backlash comes amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s pardons, which have overwhelmingly benefited allies, convicted fraudsters, and violent insurrectionists.
Fiore, a Trump supporter, was facing decades in prison before her abrupt reprieve—a pattern McCormick argues exposes the rot at the heart of both parties.
“Menendez and Trump are two sides of the same coin,” she said. “One sells out to foreign dictators, the other pardons criminals who kiss his ring. Meanwhile, the working class pays the price.”
Menendez’s downfall was years in the making. His first corruption trial in 2017 ended in a hung jury after Democratic heavyweights, including Senator Cory Booker, testified as character witnesses—a display of establishment solidarity that McCormick’s campaign directly challenged.
Despite being outspent and marginalized, she mobilized nearly 160,000 voters in her primary bid, a rebuke to what she calls “the oligarchy’s grip on our democracy.”
Legal experts warn that a Menendez pardon would further erode public trust.
“This isn’t about mercy—it’s about reinforcing impunity,” said a former federal prosecutor. “When you pardon a senator caught with gold bars from foreign agents, you’re telling every corrupt official they can act without consequences.”
The White House has not confirmed whether Trump will grant Menendez’s request, but the mere possibility has reignited fury among progressives.
“The system isn’t broken—it’s rigged,” McCormick declared. “Until we tear down this culture of legalized bribery, nothing will change.”
As Trump weighs his decision, one thing is clear: the backlash will be fierce, and McCormick—once dismissed by the political class—is emerging as a vocal prophet of the revolt against America’s corrupt elite.
McCormick has proposed capping personal fortunes at $100 million for the reasons described in Huey Long’s Share Our Wealth plan and called on Democrats to unite behind an agenda to outlaw bribery and reverse Reaganomics.
McCormick said Menendez prevailed on Trump to pardon his co-conspirator in the initial indictment issued during the Obama administration.
At the request of Menendez, Trump pardoned Dr. Salomon Melgen, who was convicted in a separate prosecution of the biggest Medicare fraud case in history.
The disgraced former US Senator openly appealed to Trump in messages posted on social media, and his wife was recently found guilty on all counts for her role in the scandal.