Former International Union of Operating Engineers president James Callahan received a full and unconditional pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump just hours before his scheduled sentencing. Callahan, 65, had pleaded guilty in January to concealing over $315,000 in unreported luxury gifts provided by an advertising firm associated with his union.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Callahan received lavish perks including expensive tickets to sports events and concerts, many of which he used personally or distributed to friends and family unaffiliated with the union. Despite earning an annual salary exceeding $500,000 during his tenure, Callahan failed to disclose these benefits, prompting criticism from legal authorities who emphasized that the gifts rightfully belonged to the union.
As part of a plea agreement, Callahan agreed to repay the full value of the gifts to the International Union of Operating Engineers and resign from his position. The union, which represents nearly 400,000 construction and industrial workers across the U.S. and Canada, was considered to have been unknowingly funding Callahan's costly lifestyle.
Following the pardon, Callahan's legal team successfully requested the cancellation of the sentencing hearing scheduled before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes. Requests for comment from both Callahan's attorneys and the Department of Justice’s pardon attorney went unanswered.
Callahan’s pardon is among numerous clemency grants issued by Trump post-presidency, often favoring allies and prominent figures in business and politics.
