Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the disgraced blood-testing startup Theranos, has officially petitioned President Donald Trump to commute her prison sentence. This request was revealed via a notice on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
Holmes was previously convicted of defrauding investors through her now-defunct company. At its peak, Theranos was valued at an estimated $9 billion, promising a revolutionary technology that could perform hundreds of medical tests with just a few drops of blood.
Current Status of the Request
The petition is currently being handled by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney. According to the office’s official records, the commutation request was submitted last year and is currently listed as “pending.”
While the notice confirms the application is under review, the White House has not yet issued a formal response or comment regarding the President’s stance on the matter.
Background on the Theranos Case
The downfall of Theranos remains one of the most high-profile corporate fraud cases in Silicon Valley history. After years of claims regarding its proprietary technology, investigations revealed that the company’s blood-testing devices were inaccurate and that much of the testing was performed on traditional machines from other manufacturers.
Key Facts of the Case:
- Company Peak: Valued at $9 billion before its collapse.
- Charges: Holmes was found guilty of multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- Sentence: She is currently serving time in a federal facility following her conviction.
As the Pardon Attorney continues its review, the decision now rests with the executive branch. Historically, commutation requests involve a reduction in the length of a sentence, though they do not overturn the original conviction.
Should Elizabeth Holmes receive a second chance, or should she serve her full sentence? Public opinion on the Theranos case remains deeply divided. Share your thoughts in the comments below—is a commutation justified?
