Unexpected Twist: Trump Issues Controversial Pardon for Tom Sandoval—What’s Really Behind the Decision?

Is it just me, or are we living in the golden age of celebrity pardon season? I mean, I used to think the wildest thing in Washington was a late-night Twitter fit—now we’ve got former presidents rescuing reality TV villains like they’re handing out get-out-of-jail-free cards at a Monopoly tournament . Can you imagine a world where Bravo boyfriends are as newsworthy as presidential legacies? I can, and apparently, we’re all stuck in it! This week, President Trump did what no amount of reunion episodes or public apologies could: He officially pardoned Tom Sandoval, the man at the center of the juiciest love triangle since Cleopatra. As a loyal connoisseur of reality chaos and a battle-hardened SEO queen, I’ll admit, I nearly spit out my coffee when I saw this headline . Is there any scandal too toxic for a presidential pardon—or is forgiveness the new black? If you’re dying to know which Bravo betrayal might be up for clemency next, trust me, you’re not alone . <a href="https://theonion.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TrumpPardonsTom-NIB-PH.jpg”>LEARN MORE

WASHINGTON—As part of a flurry of legal actions in recent days that granted clemency to more than 25 people, President Donald Trump reportedly pardoned disgraced Bravo TV star Tom Sandoval this week. “Thanks to President Trump, Tom Sandoval will finally be indemnified against all the toxic Vanderpump Rules drama,” said publicist Brittany Trumble, adding that the 42-year-old musician and restaurateur was unfairly targeted for cheating on longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix with his co-star Raquel Leviss. “The president understands that following your heart is not a crime, and he was willing to fight for Tom’s right to cheat with ‘Miami Girl’ or to hook up with a bottle service waitress after absconding to Las Vegas. If anything, it’s Team Ariana that should be punished. She was a total bitch and is clearly just using all the free publicity to push her merch.” At press time, Trump had announced plans to make the former site of Sandoval’s failed bar Schwartz & Sandy’s a national monument.