President Trump
Donald Trump Georgia Senate candidate Ossoff supports Trump’s request for K checks The White House wishes Birx well after she announces retirement Pelosi responds to Trump: Let’s press for K checks ‘this week’ MORE on Wednesday forgiven Roger Stone
Roger Jason StoneTrump forgives accused individuals in the Russian investigation, former Republican Party lawmakers, Barr’s exit gives hints of further turmoil under Trump Barr leaves with a ‘love letter’ to Trump MORE and Paul Manafort
Paul John ManafortRepublican senators ask Trump to avoid forgiveness controversies For those who hate Trump, everything is a crime 3 tips from Michael Flynn’s forgiveness MORE, two associates convicted as part of the former special attorney Robert Mueller
Robert (Bob) MuellerBarr summons a lawyer investigating the origins of the investigation in Russia as CNN’s special lawyer Toobin warns that McCabe is in a “dangerous situation” with Trump’s encouraged anchor.Russian investigation in Russia.
Trump also granted forgiveness to Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner
Jared Corey KushnerWhite House advisers preparing to launch a non-profit organization to promote Trump’s policies: Deutsche Bank report says Trump’s private bankers have resigned Trump faces international bipartisan resistance to recognition of Western Sahara MORE.
It was the second day in a row that Trump forgave allies and those with connections to the White House. The announcement came shortly after Trump landed in Palm Beach, Florida, for his winter vacation.
Stone, a longtime Trump associate, was convicted in November 2019 by a jury in Washington, DC, for lying to Congress in connection with his separate investigation into Russian interference, tampering with witnesses and obstructing an official process.
Trump commuted Stone’s sentence in July days before he was sentenced to prison. The total forgiveness came with a note from press secretary Kayleigh McEnany who said Stone “was treated very unfairly”.
Manafort, who served as president of the Trump campaign in 2016, was convicted in 2018 for bank fraud and tax collection. He was sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Manafort was released for home confinement earlier this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump granted Manafort a “total and complete forgiveness”, with McEnany arguing that his convictions were “based on the Russian collusion hoax”.
The Manhattan public prosecutor is still appealing the case against Manafort.
“This action underscores the urgent need to hold Mr. Manafort responsible for his crimes against the People of New York, as alleged in our indictment, and we will continue to seek our appeals resources,” Danny Frost, communications director for prosecutor Cy Vance, said in a statement.
By forgiving Stone and Manafort, Trump essentially undid the criminal ramifications for his associates that were enmeshed in Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
Trump protested the investigation for much of his first two years in office. He had already forgiven Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the investigation, and on Tuesday he forgave two others involved in the investigation.
The president also pardoned Charles Kushner, 66, who pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges of tax evasion, lying to the Federal Election Commission and retaliating against a federal witness. He served two years in prison before being released.
Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie
Chris ChristieChristie says he does not rule out the possibility of competing with Trump in 2024 Trump must grant as a Christmas gift to the nation. Chris Christie posts video for people who refuse to wear a mask: ‘Learn from my experience’ MORE (R), an informal adviser to the president, sued the case and last year described it as “one of the most disgusting and disgusting crimes I have ever prosecuted”.
But Trump has overwhelmingly used his powers of forgiveness to benefit those who support him or those with connections to the White House, rather than going through the traditional case review process through the Forgiveness Lawyer Office.
The three pardons from close political associates were the headlines among a batch of more than two dozen pardons and three-sentence commutations announced on Wednesday. The president also forgave Margaret Hunter, the wife of the former Rep. Duncan Hunter
Duncan HunterTrump disapproves relief bill, asks Congress to raise stimulus money Trump forgives accused individuals in Russian investigation, former Republican Party legislator Issa defeats Campa-Najjar in the run for the California House MORE (R-Calif.), Whom the president forgave the day before.
Other pardons announced on Wednesday included one for former deputy Mark Siljander (R-Mich.), Who served a year in prison for obstructing justice and was unable to register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act.
He also forgave Topeka Sam on the recommendation of Alice Johnson, an advocate for criminal justice reform who was granted clemency early in Trump’s term. Sam served three years in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge for possession and distribution of cocaine.
Updated 20h