Former President Donald Trump is expected to bring Paul Manafort, the controversial former campaign manager he pardoned, back into the political fray as a campaign adviser for his 2024 presidential bid. This move is setting the stage for a revival of discussions about Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and the potential implications for the upcoming campaign.
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Trump is considering Manafort for a role centered around the 2024 Republican convention in Milwaukee, with possible duties in fundraising for the campaign. Despite the lack of a formal decision, the hiring is seen as likely, with Trump determined to reintroduce Manafort into his political circle.
Manafort’s history with Trump dates back to the 2016 election campaign. As a consequence of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election, Manafort was found guilty of bank fraud, tax fraud, failure to disclose a concealed foreign bank account, and conspiracy. He also faced accusations of hiding millions made while consulting for pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians. His sentence was commuted to home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, and ultimately, he received a presidential pardon during the waning days of Trump’s term in office.
The potential rehiring could stir up a hornet’s nest of controversy, as Manafort’s connections to Russia were significant points of contention. Mueller’s report concluded that Russia’s interference was “sweeping and systemic” and noted that Manafort shared internal Trump campaign polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, whom the FBI has assessed to have links to Russian intelligence.
A bipartisan Senate committee described Manafort’s openness to Russian overtures as a “grave counterintelligence threat” and suggested that the 2016 Trump campaign was susceptible to Russian influence. The committee’s findings highlight the risks associated with Manafort’s role in the campaign, particularly in the context of confidential information vulnerability.
Notably, Trump has maintained that the prosecution of Manafort was unjust and has expressed personal loyalty to him due to Manafort’s prison time and subsequent public praise for Trump. Manafort has reciprocated this loyalty, defending Trump in his book “Political Prisoner,” where he attacked the Justice Department and other Trump critics.
While this development underscores Trump’s commitment to loyalty within his inner circle, it also emphasizes the complex strategy behind his 2024 campaign. It has been reported that Trump’s team is proactively working state-by-state to cultivate relationships and influence the delegate selection process for the Republican convention, showing a sophisticated approach to campaign logistics not seen in his previous campaigns.
The reentry of Manafort into Trump’s political strategy signals a bold and potentially divisive strategy by the former president, who is no stranger to making controversial staffing choices.
Relevant articles:
– Trump is eyeing Paul Manafort for 2024 campaign role
– How Josh Dawsey Downplays Paul Manafort’s Ties to Alleged Russian Spies, Emptywheel, Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:59:08 GMT
– Trump works state-by-state to improve chances at Republican convention, The Washington Post, Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT
– Manafort says he doesn’t think Trump would make DeSantis his running mate, The Hill, Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT