President Trump
Donald Trump Senate candidate Ossoff backs Trump’s call for K-checks The White House wishes Birx well after she announces retirement Pelosi responds to Trump: Let’s aim for K-checks ‘this week’ MORE pardoned on Wednesday Roger Stone
Roger Jason Stone Trump pardons individuals charged in Russia probe, ex-GOP lawmakers Barr exit points to further uproar under Trump Barr goes out with ‘love letter’ to Trump MORE and Paul Manafort
Paul John Manafort Republican Senators Urge Trump To Dodge Pardon Controversies For Trump Haters Everything Is A Crime 3 Takeaways From The Michael Flynn Pardon MORE, two employees convicted as part of a former special counsel Robert Mueller
Robert (Bob) MuellerBarr taps attorney investigating Russia’s origins, while Special Counsel McCabe’s Toobin warns McCabe is in ‘dangerous condition’ with Trump encouraged CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while summoning Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting LAKERussia investigation.
Trump also pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father and senior adviser Jared Kushner
Jared Corey Kushner White House Advisers Prepare To Launch Nonprofits To Promote Trump’s Policies: Deutsche Bank Report Says Trump’s Private Bankers Resigned Trump Faces Bipartisan, International Setback Over Western Sahara Recognition LAKE.
It was the second straight day that Trump pardoned his allies and those with ties to the White House. The announcement came shortly after Trump landed in Palm Beach, Florida for his winter vacation.
Stone, a longtime employee of Trump, was convicted by a jury in Washington DC in November 2019 of lying to Congress in connection with his separate investigation into Russian interference, tampering with witnesses, and obstructing official proceedings.
Trump commuted Stone’s sentence in July before reporting to prison. The full pardon came with a note from press secretary Kayleigh McEnany stating that Stone was being “treated very unfairly.”
Manafort, who chaired Trump’s 2016 campaign, was convicted in 2018 of bank fraud and tax charges. He was sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Manafort was released earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump granted Manafort a “full and complete pardon,” with McEnany claiming that his beliefs were “based on the Russian deception.”
The Manhattan district attorney is still appealing against Manafort.
“This action underscores the urgent need to hold Mr. Manafort accountable for his crimes against the people of New York, as claimed in our indictment, and we will continue our appeals,” said Danny Frost, communications director for District Attorney Cy Vance , said in a statement.
By pardoning Stone and Manafort, Trump essentially reversed the criminal consequences for his associates who became entangled in Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump protested the investigation for most of his first two years in office. He had previously pardoned Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the investigation, and pardoned two others involved in the investigation on Tuesday.
The president also forgave Charles Kushner, 66, who pleaded guilty to allegations of tax evasion in 2004, lying to the Federal Election Commission and retaliation against a federal witness. He served two years in prison before he was released.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
Chris ChristieChristie says he won’t rule out running against Trump in 2024 that Trump must admit as a holiday gift to the nation Chris Christie posts video on people refusing to wear a mask: ‘Learn from my experience’ MORE (R), an informal adviser to the president, continued the case, describing it last year as “one of the most disgusting, disgusting crimes I have prosecuted.”
But Trump has used his pardon powers overwhelmingly to aid those who support him or those with ties to the White House, rather than going through the traditional process of reviewing cases through the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
The three pardons from close political associates headlined a party of more than two dozen pardons and three convictions announced Wednesday. The president also forgave Margaret Hunter, the wife of ex-Rep. Duncan Hunter
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Other pardons announced Wednesday included one for former Rep. Mark Siljander (R-Mich.), Who was in prison for a year for obstruction of justice and did not register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
He also forgave Topeka Sam on the recommendation of Alice Johnson, an advocate of criminal law reform who had received leniency earlier in Trump’s tenure. Sam was in prison for three years after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine.
Updated at 8pm