Charlie Javice, the founder of the student financial aid startup Frank, is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon. Sources indicate that her representatives are discreetly engaging with individuals connected to the Trump administration to facilitate this request. As of now, her name has not appeared on the official clemency request list at the Department of Justice.
Javice’s conviction stems from her fraudulent inflation of Frank’s customer base, leading to its $175 million acquisition by JPMorgan Chase. In September 2025, she was sentenced to over seven years in prison and is currently appealing the verdict, claiming the proceedings were unjust.
JPMorgan Chase may view this development with concern, especially given its contentious history with President Trump. In early 2021, the bank closed accounts associated with Trump and his businesses following the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump labeled this action as political “debanking” and subsequently filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging political bias—a claim the bank denies.
Javice’s connections could influence her pardon bid. Notably, Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management and an early investor in Frank, testified in her defense during the trial. Rowan has been a significant donor to Trump’s campaigns and has contributed millions to Republican congressional groups since Trump’s reelection.
Historically, President Trump has granted pardons to individuals convicted of white-collar crimes. For instance, in March 2025, he pardoned Trevor Milton, founder of the electric vehicle startup Nikola, who was convicted of fraud. Milton and his wife had donated over $1.8 million to Trump’s reelection campaign shortly before the 2020 election.
As the administration considers issuing approximately 250 pardons this summer to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, numerous white-collar defendants, including Sam Bankman-Fried, are submitting clemency requests. However, Trump has publicly stated he will not pardon Bankman-Fried, indicating a selective approach to such appeals.
Javice’s pursuit of a pardon underscores the complex interplay between political affiliations, financial misconduct, and the exercise of presidential clemency. Observers will be keenly watching to see if her connections and efforts will result in a favorable outcome.
