When Bloomberg reported in August 2025 that Matt Argall had attempted to broker a $30 million presidential pardon linked to crypto entrepreneur Roger Ver, the revelations seemed almost too brazen to be true. A failed plan, never reaching Donald Trump’s desk, quickly collapsed under its own weight. Yet the fallout is proving far more expansive. Federal investigators, journalists, and political insiders are now beginning to focus not only on Argall himself but on the web of people who surrounded him in Washington.
For years, Argall has carried a reputation for failed ventures, unpaid debts, and a talent for inserting himself into glamorous or powerful circles. The pardon-for-sale scandal, involving Brock Pierce and Roger Ver, has not only tarnished Argall beyond repair but has also cast a long shadow over those who stood alongside him in the capital. Officials are increasingly asking whether his network of associates played a passive role as bystanders—or whether they were crucial enablers of his access.
Valerie Haney: From Hollywood Assistant to Washington Insider
At the center of this emerging picture is Valerie Haney, Argall’s longtime girlfriend. Haney, who once worked as a personal assistant to actress Leah Remini, first met Argall during her Hollywood years and soon began accompanying him on business pursuits. What began as proximity in Los Angeles eventually translated into her steady presence at meetings in Washington, D.C., where Argall sought to reinvent himself as a player in politics and business.
Leah Remini, Valerie Haney
(Source: Haney/Instagram, June 29, 2024)
Sources confirm that Haney attended several of Argall’s meetings in the capital dating back to 2022, including one with Brock Pierce and representatives of Roger Ver. While her direct involvement remains unproven, her repeated appearances alongside Argall raise questions about what role she played in granting him credibility or facilitating introductions. Washington thrives on networks and the appearance of legitimacy; Haney’s visible presence, even if unofficial, may have helped Argall project seriousness in rooms where his actual track record suggested otherwise.
Investigators now want to understand the mechanics of those meetings: who invited whom, who vouched for Argall, and who may have seen an opportunity for profit in aligning with his schemes.
The Pierce–Ver Axis
Bloomberg’s reporting made clear that Argall sought to exploit his relationship with Brock Pierce, the crypto entrepreneur turned political aspirant. Pierce, in turn, was seen as a bridge to Roger Ver—known as “Bitcoin Jesus”—who faced mounting legal problems overseas and was searching for a way out. A presidential pardon, even the suggestion of one, was immensely valuable.
Argall, ever the opportunist, attempted to insert himself into this high-stakes equation. That Haney was present during key discussions adds a human dimension to what otherwise might look like a cold, transactional maneuver. Her presence did not make the gambit any less reckless, but it complicates the story: this was not simply Argall freelancing in a vacuum but part of a small entourage moving through D.C.’s corridors of power.
Investigators Widen the Lens
Federal authorities remain cautious in their public statements, offering little more than confirmation that the matter is under review. But privately, sources suggest that investigators are taking a broader view. Argall may be the focal point, but the real picture is a constellation of aides, companions, and business associates who together allowed him to project an image of influence.
As one source close to the inquiry explained, “The real question isn’t just what Argall promised. It’s who else was at the table, who else stood to gain, and who else decided that going along was worth the risk.”
The Larger Lesson
The saga underscores a recurring theme in Washington: that power often attracts opportunists, and opportunists rarely travel alone. Argall’s pardon scheme collapsed before reaching Trump’s orbit, but the network that helped him move through the capital remains under scrutiny.
Haney, whether as confidante, partner, or unwitting participant, is now part of that narrative. Her story illustrates how personal relationships and appearances can blur into political theater, raising new questions about influence, legitimacy, and the fragile line between access and exploitation.
Argall’s downfall may be personal, but the reverberations extend outward, into a world where image and association can be nearly as valuable as money or power. For investigators and journalists alike, the unraveling of his circle is just beginning—and the answers may reveal much more than a single failed gambit.
Sources: Bloomberg news
