In a controversial move that has drawn widespread criticism, President Donald Trump has pardoned Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Charles Kushner. All three men were convicted of various crimes related to their involvement in Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
Stone was convicted of seven felonies, including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison but was released on bail pending an appeal. Stone has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has repeatedly claimed that he was innocent of all charges.
Manafort was convicted of eight felonies, including conspiracy against the United States, money laundering, and tax fraud. He was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but was released to home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manafort was Trump's campaign chairman for a period of time in 2016.
Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor. He was convicted of tax fraud, witness tampering, and campaign finance violations in 2005. He served two years in prison and was pardoned by Trump in December 2020.
Trump has defended the pardons, claiming that Stone, Manafort, and Kushner were treated unfairly by the justice system. He has also said that he has the right to pardon anyone he wants.
The pardons of Stone, Manafort, and Kushner are a significant event that has raised important questions about the rule of law and the power of the presidency. It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences of these pardons will be.
| Individual | Convictions | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Stone | Obstruction of justice, witness tampering, lying to Congress | 40 months in prison |
| Paul Manafort | Conspiracy against the United States, money laundering, tax fraud | 7.5 years in prison |
| Charles Kushner | Tax fraud, witness tampering, campaign finance violations | 2 years in prison |