And they were right.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik were among those who advised Trump to avoid granting Stone clemency before the election, worrying it could be bad politics for Republicans, Stone said during an appearance on a podcast hosted by fellow Trump supporter Charlie Kirk.
[...]
"I know that Matt Gaetz was standing tall, both privately and in public, on my behalf."
A source familiar with the exchange confirmed that McCarthy and Stefanik were among a group of GOP lawmakers who shared a ride on Air Force One in late May, as Trump traveled to observe the launch of a SpaceX rocket in Florida. When Trump joined lawmakers, the subject of Stone arose. According to the source, Trump revealed quickly that he intended to grant clemency to Stone, his longtime confidant and political adviser, but wanted counsel on timing.
Gaetz indicated the president should give Stone an immediate reprieve while McCarthy and Stefanik advised him to consider waiting until after the election, the source said.
Politico
I fully expect it. No telling how many crminals will be pardoned this winter.The commutation left Stone's convictions standing, and he has vowed to keep fighting them on appeal, though Trump could always pardon him fully at a later date.
Also, it's no surprise Matt Gaetz was on Stone's side.
...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.
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