Trump Issues New Pardon

JUPITER, FL — In a bold move that champions common-sense justice and pushes back against federal overreach, President Donald J. Trump has granted full and unconditional pardons to two Florida men who were convicted after freeing 19 sharks and a grouper from what they believed was an illegal longline fishing setup off the Florida coast.

The incident unfolded in August 2020, when Captain John Moore Jr., a well-respected shark-diving charter operator, and his crew member Tanner Mansell, spotted a longline approximately three miles off the Jupiter Inlet. Acting out of what they believed to be civic duty, the pair released the entangled marine life, reported the situation to state wildlife authorities, and brought the line back to shore.

But instead of being recognized as Good Samaritans, the two were prosecuted by federal officials, who claimed the gear belonged to a government-licensed researcher under NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). In 2022, both men were convicted of theft under federal maritime law and ordered to pay $3,343.72 in restitution—despite having no criminal intent and receiving no personal gain.

Worse yet, the federal convictions stripped them of core rights—including the ability to vote in Florida or travel freely overseas.

That all changed last week when President Trump stepped in, issuing full pardons to both men in a strong rebuke of bureaucratic overreach.

“We never stopped fighting, and justice has finally prevailed,” said Marc Seitles, Moore’s attorney. “We are grateful that the Trump administration understood this was an unjust prosecution.”

Ian Goldstein, attorney for Mansell, echoed that sentiment: “These men believed they were protecting wildlife from an illegal operation. This case should never have been filed. Their actions were driven by principle, not profit.”

Why This Matters

This case resonates deeply with everyday Americans who believe in freedom, fairness, and standing up to big government. President Trump’s decision reflects a broader push to protect the rights of citizens who act in good faith—and to rein in unelected federal agencies that sometimes lose sight of common sense.

Key Takeaways:

• President Trump continues to defend hardworking Americans from overregulation and government abuse.
• The case highlights serious concerns about NOAA’s enforcement practices and federal power overreach.
• The pardons restore the rights and reputations of two men who acted with integrity and courage.