Trump Pardons Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio

President Trump wasn't bluffing: Trump has pardoned former sheriff Joe Arpaio following Arpaio's conviction for intentionally disobeying a judge's order in an immigration case. The White House announced the move Friday night, saying the 85-year-old ex-sheriff of Arizona's Maricopa County was a "worthy candidate" for a presidential pardon, per the AP. Trump had strongly hinted at the move during his Tuesday night rally in Phoenix, telling supporters that Arpaio would be "just fine."

Arpaio, who became linked to Trump during the campaign for their hardline immigration views, was convicted of a misdemeanor for intentionally defying a judge's order to stop his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. In the statement Friday night, the White House said: "Throughout his time as Sheriff, Arpaio continued his life's work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon." (More Joe Arpaio stories.)