Trump jokes about 'full pardon' for Clay Fuller's daughter after she missed school to hear him speak

Congressional candidate Clay Fuller mentioned that his daughter, Tallulah, had received detention for missing school to attend the rally
PUBLISHED FEB 20, 2026
President Donald Trump delivered remarks at a campaign event in Rome, Georgia on February 19, where he playfully granted a 'full pardon' to the daughter of congressional candidate Clay Fuller (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivered remarks at a campaign event in Rome, Georgia on February 19, where he playfully granted a 'full pardon' to the daughter of congressional candidate Clay Fuller (Getty Images)


ROME, GEORGIA: President Trump on Thursday, February 19, playfully granted a "full pardon" to the daughter of congressional candidate Clay Fuller during his campaign stop in Rome, Georgia.

The student had missed school to attend the rally and faced detention for her absence, leading her father to ask the president for a special favor on her behalf.

Donald Trump grants playful pardon to student

During a speech at the Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, congressional candidate Clay Fuller spoke alongside President Trump. 

As Fuller concluded his remarks about the campaign, he took a moment to mention his daughter, Tallulah, who was watching from the crowd and had received detention for missing school to see the president. 

Fuller asked Trump, "But I was wondering if you could do me one more favor, my beautiful daughter is here. Tallulah. She got detention to come and see you today. Could you pardon her? Please?" 

Trump immediately said, "Yes!" to the cheers of the audience. 

After asking for her name and spotting her, Trump addressed her directly from the podium, saying, "Tallulah, you are fully pardoned. Don't worry. Just tell the teacher I said it's fine."

ROME, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 19: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler, Republican congressional candidate, Clay Fuller, former member of the Georgia State Senate Brandon Beach, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) and Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) listen as President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia. Trump delivered remarks on the economy and affordability as the state has started voting to replace the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler, Republican congressional candidate, Clay Fuller, former member of the Georgia State Senate Brandon Beach, Rep Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) and Rep Mike Collins (R-GA) listen as President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Clay Fuller calls endorsement the ‘honor of a lifetime’

This event was a big deal for Fuller, who is running against 17 other people for a seat in Congress.

During his speech, Fuller said he was very honored by Trump endorsement, noting, “Beside me is the greatest president in our country's history. Mr President, I know you like a winner and that's what we're going to do on March 10th, we're going to win this, we're going to capitol hill and be a warrior for Northwest Georgia. We will never stop fighting for the maga movement and President Donald Trump," adding, “Sir, the endorsement was the honor of my lifetime.”

Furthermore, Trump also shared his thoughts on the candidate, saying, "He’s an incredible young guy. I think he’s going to be a total winner. That is what we want."

ROME, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia. Trump delivered remarks on the economy and affordability as the state has started voting to replace the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump highlights economic wins in Georgia visit

Besides the jokes and endorsements, Trump spent a lot of time talking about the economy and his trade policies. 

He pointed to the steel factory as a success story, saying, "It’s great to see a place like this. As you know, about a year and a half ago it wasn’t so vibrant. I’m looking at all this brand-new steel and equipment that just went up because of our tariffs." 

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