Stone was convicted on charges related to obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, lying to Congress, and witness tampering.
Roger Stone is a political strategist, lobbyist, and longtime associate of Donald Trump. Born on August 27, 1952, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Stone has been involved in various Republican political campaigns and has gained notoriety for his provocative and controversial tactics.
Early Career:
- Roger Stone began his political career working for President Richard Nixon’s Committee to Re-elect the President (CRP) during the 1972 election.
- He later worked for other Republican campaigns, including those of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Lobbying and Consulting:
- Stone became a prominent political consultant and lobbyist, founding the lobbying firm Black, Manafort, Stone, and Kelly with Paul Manafort and Charles R. Black Jr.
- His reputation for aggressive campaign strategies and opposition research earned him a controversial but influential role in Republican politics.
Trump’s Presidential Campaign:
- Stone had a decades-long association with Donald Trump, advising him on various occasions since the 1980s.
- During Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Stone served as an informal advisor but officially parted ways with the campaign in August 2015.
Legal Troubles:
- Roger Stone faced legal troubles related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
- Stone was indicted on charges of obstruction, making false statements, and witness tampering in connection to his communications about WikiLeaks’ release of hacked Democratic emails during the campaign.
Conviction and Commutation:
- In November 2019, Stone was convicted on all seven counts brought against him.
- In July 2020, President Trump commuted Stone’s sentence just days before he was set to begin his 40-month prison term. The commutation left the conviction intact but spared Stone from serving time in prison.
Post-Commuted Period:
- After his commutation, Stone remained a vocal supporter of Trump and continued to be involved in conservative politics.
- He was a participant in the “Stop the Steal” movement, which disputed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
Roger Stone’s legal troubles centered around charges related to his actions during the Mueller investigation, particularly his communications regarding WikiLeaks and the release of hacked Democratic emails. His commutation by President Trump was met with both criticism and support, sparking debates about the justice system and political influence.