Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge Trump to Reject Madigan Pardon Request

This press release from Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL) was published on 2026-04-29 and titled "Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge Trump to Reject Madigan Pardon Request". It focuses on ethics.

Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge Trump to Reject Madigan Pardon Request

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Mike Bost (IL-12) sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reject former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's request for a presidential pardon. The letter from Illinois' U.S. House Republican delegation reads in part: "We write with a unified message as Republican Members of the United States House of Representatives for the State of Illinois to express our concerns regarding a request for a presidential pardon from former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Illinois families and taxpayers have suffered for decades under entrenched corruption, and a pardon in this case would send a dangerous message that public officials can betray the public trust with impunity. "The bribery and corruption scheme involved the misuse of state resources, including directing public utility contracts and payments to benefit private political allies. This was a deliberate, long-running pattern of abuse of public office. "Granting clemency in this case would not only reward a lifetime of unethical behavior but also embolden other public officials to exploit their offices for personal gain. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to deny any request for a presidential pardon from Michael Madigan. Denying his request is the best way to ensure Illinois residents know their leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity." The full letter to President Trump can be read here . ###