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Trump Pardons Tennessee Officials in Corruption Scandal

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Glen Casada, former Tennessee House Speaker, and Cade Cothren, former chief of staff, for public corruption in a state mailer kickback scheme.
Casada confirmed the pardon in a text, thanking the president.
Casada was sentenced to three years.
Cothren was sentenced to two and a half years.
The pardons follow ongoing discussions about clemency for former Rep. Robin Smith, who cooperated with prosecutors.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Glen Casada, former Tennessee House Speaker, and Cade Cothren, former chief of staff, for public corruption in a state mailer kickback scheme.
Casada confirmed the pardon in a text, thanking the president.
Casada was sentenced to three years.
Cothren was sentenced to two and a half years.
The pardons follow ongoing discussions about clemency for former Rep. Robin Smith, who cooperated with prosecutors.