MAGA-aligned U.S. Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) is being criticized for saying the U.S. Special Forces soldier involved in the operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro who allegedly pocketed $400,000 by betting on his ouster on Polymarket “should be pardoned.”
Patronis wrote: “I think this guy should be pardoned. If the DOJ isn’t prepared to go after every member of Congress who’s profiting off insider trading, then this feels like selective enforcement, not justice. I don’t support what he did, and he should absolutely have to give back every dollar he made. But holding one person accountable while others get a pass undermines the idea of equal justice under the law.”
Patronis added: “@POTUS should make this decision at his discretion not the DOJ,” and cc’ed Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who agreed. Luna wrote: “Maybe not a popular take but I am calling for this guy to be pardoned.”
I think this guy should be pardoned.
If the DOJ isn’t prepared to go after every member of Congress who’s profiting off insider trading, then this feels like selective enforcement, not justice.
I don’t support what he did, and he should absolutely have to give back every dollar… https://t.co/aJ2CZ4UrmJ
— Congressman Jimmy Patronis (@PatronisFL) April 24, 2026
Democratic candidate Jennifer Jenkins, who is running to unseat Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), replied to Patronis: “Welcome to what happens to everyday people. Washington elite and those in power skirt consequences that no other citizen would get away with. So instead of calling for a pardon ‘unless’ start holding your colleagues and President accountable. Example, FL Ethics Commission found probable cause TWICE that Randy Fine abused his office and power and over the three years since then it has yet to be taken to an administrative judge, Fine has won a State Senate seat and Congress. Be bold or give up your seat.”