US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly pardoned Joe Lewis, the British billionaire and former owner of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, over a conviction for insider trading in 2024. The decision, confirmed by the White House on Thursday, is seen as a surprise move that could have significant implications for the Lewis family's business empire.
Lewis, 88, was initially fined $5m (£3.8m) and given three years' probation after pleading guilty to involvement in an insider trading scheme designed to enrich his friends, lovers, and employees. However, prosecutors had agreed to a non-custodial sentence, with the judge at the time ruling that Lewis's circumstances did not warrant incarceration.
Under the new pardon, Lewis will be fully exonerated of all charges, and the fine will not be repaid to him or his company. The White House cited Lewis's request for the pardon, claiming he wanted to receive medical treatment and visit his family in the US.
Lewis's case drew criticism from some quarters, with prosecutors accusing him of passing on share tips based on inside information to his employees, including a young girlfriend at the time. While details of the scheme were documented in a 29-page dossier published by the US attorney for the southern district of New York in 2023, some have questioned whether Lewis's involvement was as extensive as initially thought.
The pardon has sparked debate about Trump's use of his pardoning powers, with many viewing it as an unusual move that could be seen as a favor to a wealthy and influential businessman. The Lewis family's business interests are significant, with Joe Lewis owning the largest stake in Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK's biggest operators of pubs, bars, and restaurants.
The decision has also drawn attention to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, which is now overseen by Lewis's daughter and son-in-law. The club's future ownership structure remains unclear following the transfer of majority ownership interest to a trust in 2022.
Lewis, 88, was initially fined $5m (£3.8m) and given three years' probation after pleading guilty to involvement in an insider trading scheme designed to enrich his friends, lovers, and employees. However, prosecutors had agreed to a non-custodial sentence, with the judge at the time ruling that Lewis's circumstances did not warrant incarceration.
Under the new pardon, Lewis will be fully exonerated of all charges, and the fine will not be repaid to him or his company. The White House cited Lewis's request for the pardon, claiming he wanted to receive medical treatment and visit his family in the US.
Lewis's case drew criticism from some quarters, with prosecutors accusing him of passing on share tips based on inside information to his employees, including a young girlfriend at the time. While details of the scheme were documented in a 29-page dossier published by the US attorney for the southern district of New York in 2023, some have questioned whether Lewis's involvement was as extensive as initially thought.
The pardon has sparked debate about Trump's use of his pardoning powers, with many viewing it as an unusual move that could be seen as a favor to a wealthy and influential businessman. The Lewis family's business interests are significant, with Joe Lewis owning the largest stake in Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK's biggest operators of pubs, bars, and restaurants.
The decision has also drawn attention to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, which is now overseen by Lewis's daughter and son-in-law. The club's future ownership structure remains unclear following the transfer of majority ownership interest to a trust in 2022.
... I'm sure it has nothing to do with his buddies at Mitchells & Butlers wanting a favor and all 
. And wow, $5m fine, just seems like pocket change for someone of Lewis's wealth 
. Still weird that he got off scot-free, though - I guess when you're 88 and have the right connections, some things are just too good to be true 
. Anyways, can't say I'm shocked this went down... Trump's always been one for making headlines... who knows what other surprises he has up his sleeve? 
. But seriously, who knew that pardoning a billionaire football club owner was the key to getting him medical treatment and quality time with his loved ones? 
I mean, can you imagine if Trump tried to pardon himself for, like, being late for work or something? "Sorry boss, but I'm just gonna pard myself from being on time" 
. It's definitely an interesting move, and now we'll have to see how it affects the Lewis family's business empire... which is basically a giant pub chain in the UK 
. Guess you could say Trump just gave them a "pub-lic" service 
.
? So Joe Lewis just gets off scot-free after being convicted of insider trading, which is like stealing from his own company 
. It's all about who you know and how much dough you've got 
.
? and what's up with him saying it's because joe needs medical treatment... newsflash, trump, we've all got grandma health issues 
.
. The whole thing just feels fishy, especially considering how much money is tied up with Lewis's business empire 
.
He was basically accused of passing on secret info to his friends and employees, but it seems like no one's going to hold him accountable anymore... The fact that he gets to fully clear his name without having to pay the $5m fine is crazy rich guys always getting away with stuff 
! JOE LEWIS WAS FOUND GUILTY OF INSIDER TRADING, WHICH IS SUPER BAD NEWS, BUT NOW HE'S SKIPPED ALL THE CONSEQUENCES AND HE GETS TO ENJOY HIS WEALTH WITHOUT ANY BOTHER 
BUT I GUESS YOU COULD SAY THAT TRUMP SHOWED SOME MERCY TO LEWIS AND HIS FAM, SO WHO KNOWS, MAYBE IT'S JUST A GOOD BUSINESS DECISION FOR TRUMP 
!
It's like Trump is trying to make amends or something. 
OMG, can you believe this?! So Joe Lewis, this British billionaire, just got pardoned by Trump for insider trading? Like what even is going on here? 
