Pete Rose Getting Posthumous Presidential Pardon from Trump

President Donald Trump announced on Friday night via social media that he plans to issue a pardon for baseball legend Pete Rose.

While Trump did not specify the details of the pardon, he confirmed that he is actively working on the matter while criticizing Major League Baseball (MLB) for its long-standing ban on Rose.

BREAKING: President Trump to sign a “complete pardon of MLB legend Pete Rose,” says he should have been put in the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/0sl1drm8KY

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) March 1, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

“Over the next few weeks I will be signing a complete pardon of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on his team winning,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Rose, a 17-time All-Star and MLB’s all-time hits leader, was banned from baseball in 1989 after an investigation revealed that he had bet on games while serving as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

The findings led to Rose voluntarily accepting a place on MLB’s permanently ineligible list.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

Two years later, in February 1991, the National Baseball Hall of Fame voted to exclude any player on MLB’s ineligible list from being considered for induction.

This decision formally blocked Rose from the Hall of Fame despite his historic accomplishments on the field.

For years, Rose denied that he had bet on baseball, but in 2004, he admitted that he had placed wagers on games he managed. However, he maintained that he never bet against his own team.

Rose made several appeals to MLB in an effort to be reinstated, but each attempt was denied.

Despite his exclusion from the Hall of Fame, Rose’s impact on the sport remains undeniable. He holds the record for most career hits (4,256), most games played (3,562), and most at-bats (14,053), among other achievements.

Rose passed away at the age of 83 in September 2024 at his home in Las Vegas.

In his announcement, Trump criticized Major League Baseball for failing to recognize Rose’s achievements, arguing that his legacy should not be overshadowed by the gambling scandal.

“Baseball, which is dying all over the place, should get off its fat, lazy ass, and elect Pete Rose, even though it’s far too late, into the Baseball Hall of Fame,” Trump wrote.

BREAKING: President Trump will be signing a complete pardon of baseball legend Pete Rose: pic.twitter.com/PN3BywWHZb

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 1, 2025

Trump has previously voiced support for Rose’s reinstatement, arguing that other players who have been linked to scandals, including performance-enhancing drugs, have been allowed consideration for the Hall of Fame while Rose remains permanently banned.

Trump’s decision to pardon Rose follows other high-profile pardons he issued during his presidency, and it is expected to reignite debate over Rose’s place in baseball history.

While a presidential pardon would not reinstate Rose into the game or place him in the Hall of Fame, it would serve as a symbolic move to clear his name in the eyes of the public.

MLB has yet to respond to Trump’s statement, but the announcement is expected to bring renewed attention to the long-running controversy over Rose’s legacy.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.