Former Republican Tennessee state senator

Brian Kelsey

a.k.a. “Two Weeks In”

He pleaded guilty to moving more than $90,000 from his state campaign account into his own congressional run through two political action committees. He got 21 months, reported to prison, and was pardoned about two weeks later.

Rap sheet

Pleaded guilty to: Conspiracy to defraud the United States; aiding and abetting excessive contributions [1]
Court: Middle District of Tennessee [1]
Sentenced: August 11, 2023: 21 months [1]
Granted: Pardon, March 11, 2025 [2]

The receipt

PARDONMAXXING BRIAN KELSEY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wiped off the books

Prison [3] 20½ of 21 months

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Gold is money that was reportedly spent near the President’s orbit. Red is what the grant wiped away. We list what was reported and when. We don’t claim one caused the other. How we count.

Timeline

February 2025 The law Reports to federal prison. [3]
March 11, 2025 The pardon Pardoned about two weeks later. [2][3]

“Like President Trump, I’ve seen how the justice system can be weaponized to target conservatives”

Brian Kelsey, in a statement after his pardon [4]

Detective’s notes

Commentary

He blamed “political weaponization” for his conviction, even though he had pleaded guilty. The grievance outlasted the plea.

Sources

Clemency grants by President Donald J. Trump, 2025–present (archived Sept. 20, 2026) U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney, via the Internet Archive
Signed clemency warrant: Brian Kelsey U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney · March 11, 2025
Trump pardons former Tennessee lawmaker Brian Kelsey Axios Nashville · March 12, 2025
Former Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey gains Trump pardon two weeks after heading to prison Tennessee Lookout