Controversy Unfolds: ‘Lady Trump’ Alleges Judgeship Suspension Tied to Trump Pardon for Charity Fraud

A suspended Nevada justice of the peace, whose federal fraud convictions were pardoned by former President Donald Trump, is urging the state’s Supreme Court to restore her position, arguing that her suspension was unlawful.

Michele Fiore presented her case to the high court on Thursday, contending that the suspension was unjust as it was based on actions that occurred before she assumed office.

Known as “Lady Trump,” the ex-Las Vegas councilwoman claimed the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline overstepped its authority by suspending her, especially as she campaigns for reelection as a justice of the peace in Pahrump County.

Fiore was convicted of defrauding the community of approximately $70,000. This money, intended for a charity honoring a fallen police officer, was instead used for personal expenses such as rent, cosmetic treatments, and her daughter’s wedding.

At the time of her federal indictment on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Fiore was serving actively as a justice of the peace. As a result, she was suspended from her role without pay.

The failed GOP gubernatorial candidate was found guilty on all seven charges following an eight-day trial in October 2024. Trump subsequently issued her a “full and unconditional pardon” before she could be sentenced. Fiore had been facing 20 years in federal prison for each charge.

Following the pardon, the seven-member judicial commission issued a ruling suspending Fiore with pay pending an investigation of “additional complaints” levied against her.

The conduct that led to her fraud convictions took place before she was elected a justice of the peace.

During Thursday’s hearing, Therese Shanks, an attorney with the commission, argued that Fiore being suspended with pay is merely a mechanism of the body’s investigation into Fiore’s conduct while she was a justice of the peace, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. She reportedly told the justices, in part:

This is only an investigation phase. There is no discipline happening. There are no formal statements of charges that have been filed. Judge Fiore conceded in her opening argument that the fact that she was found guilty by a jury of seven felonies while she was sitting as a justice of the peace is a basis for discipline. She conceded that, but now she argues that the Commission cannot investigate that fact, and she does so on the premise that the judicial discipline code only allows investigation of a violation of the law if there is, quote, unquote, a conviction. Judge Fiore wants the pardon to block out any consideration of the fact that this happened.

Shanks further asserted that the suspension is required to protect the public perception of the judiciary.

“The continuing deceit of charitable donors and unjust enrichment at the expense of the slain police officer statue harms the public’s perception of the judicial system and its confidence in the system’s legitimacy, creates the appearance of impropriety, reflects adversely on respondent’s honesty and character, and undermines her ability to impose justice and to apply the law fairly,” Shanks said.

Fiore was represented by attorney Paola Armeni, who argued that the commission was basing its investigation on the same conduct from before she became a judge that resulted in Fiore’s criminal convictions, Courthouse News reported. Armeni also shrugged off the commission’s claims that it had received multiple complaints about Fiore’s conduct as a justice of the peace, reportedly telling the justices, “They’re just upset about her getting a pardon.”

The Nevada Supreme Court did not immediately issue a ruling on the matter.