By Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick privately raised the possibility of a presidential pardon at a White House holiday gathering last year, according to a report by The HIll.
That disclosure comes as the House Ethics Committee convened a rare public hearing Thursday to examine federal fraud charges tied to Cherfilus-McCormick, placing Democratic leadership in a politically fraught position as the party campaigns on anti-corruption themes ahead of the November midterms.
Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, faces accusations that she and others diverted roughly $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief funds to her family’s company, with some of the money allegedly used to support her 2021 congressional campaign and for personal expenses. She has denied the allegations and characterized the case as politically motivated.
According to the source, her mention of a potential pardon occurred during a White House Christmas party, before her indictment. The remark has drawn attention as lawmakers weigh how to respond to the case publicly and institutionally.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has emphasized procedural fairness, stating that she “is entitled to the presumption of innocence like every other American.” Other Democrats, however, have acknowledged the political and ethical tension created by the case.
“How do you maintain your integrity and objectivity — you’re sitting as a judge now — so how do you maintain that credibility if you’re going to treat Democrats better than Republicans?” asked Rep. Stephen Lynch. “That’s tough to explain.”
The Ethics Committee’s adjudicatory subcommittee is overseeing the proceedings, marking the first public hearing of its kind since 2010, when lawmakers examined violations by former Rep. Charlie Rangel. That case resulted in a House censure.
Democratic leaders have so far adopted a measured approach. Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said Cherfilus-McCormick “has an opportunity to defend herself both from the allegations here under the dome as well as those in a courtroom. After the conclusion of those, we will see what happens.”
The posture contrasts with the party’s response to former Rep. George Santos, whom nearly all House Democrats voted to expel in 2023 over campaign finance violations before a criminal conviction.
Some Democrats indicated they would apply a similar standard if warranted. “She’s in a very similar situation,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. “And if it turns out to be egregious, and the facts speak for themselves, I don’t see why — I wouldn’t treat her any differently than I did Santos.”
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November alongside three co-defendants, including her brother, on charges tied to the alleged misuse of federal funds. Prosecutors say the money was routed through the family business and used for campaign and personal benefit, including what appeared to be a yellow diamond ring visible in her official congressional portrait. She pleaded not guilty in February.
In a statement this week, Cherfilus-McCormick criticized the committee for declining her request to delay the hearing.
“That raises serious concerns about due process and the fundamental rights every American is entitled to under our Constitution,” she said. “While I am limited in what I can address due to an ongoing federal matter, I have cooperated fully within those constraints. I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight and challenge these inaccuracies, when I am legally able to do so.”
She also urged the panel to follow past precedent by deferring action while criminal proceedings are ongoing and to avoid allowing political considerations to shape the process.
The Ethics Committee had already been investigating the matter prior to the indictment, releasing a 59-page report in January outlining alleged violations.
The congresswoman is charged with 15 counts and if she gets convicted of all charges, she could face 53 years in prison.
Because the Ethics Committee is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, any formal recommendation would require bipartisan support, leaving the outcome uncertain as the case proceeds.
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