Trump on possible Roger Stone pardon: ‘His prayer may be answered’

President Trump on Thursday said in multiple interviews that he would consider granting a pardon or clemency for longtime confidant Roger Stone.

When asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity whether he is considering a pardon or commutation for Stone, Trump responded, “I am always thinking.”

“You’ll be watching like everyone else in this case,” Trump told Hannity.

Stone was convicted in November 2019 of making false statements, obstructing an official proceeding and witness tampering in a case related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.

Stone on Monday asked an appeals court to delay his 40-month prison sentence amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic in the Georgia facility where he is currently set to serve his term.

Trump also slammed Stone’s treatment by law enforcement in an interview with radio host Howie Carr Thursday. 

“He was framed. He was treated horrible. He was treated so badly,” Trump said. The president has repeatedly defended Stone, previously calling him the “victim of a corrupt and illegal Witch Hunt.” 

Carr cited reports that Stone is “praying” for a commutation of his convictions or a pardon from the president.

“Well if you say he’s praying, his prayer may be answered. Let’s find out what happened,” Trump responded. 

Trump added to reporters Friday morning that he will “be looking at” Stone’s case and criticized former FBI director James Comey, former President Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump has repeatedly accused the previous administration of “spying” on his presidential campaign. 

“I think Roger Stone was very unfairly treated, as were many people, and, in the meantime, Comey and all these guys are walking around, including Biden and Obama, because we caught them spying on my campaign,” Trump told reporters. “Who would have believed that one?”

President Trump: “Roger Stone was very unfairly treated, as were many people. And in the meantime Comey and all these guys are walking around including Biden and Obama.” https://t.co/xzgg6oV9sZ pic.twitter.com/W9vUkpn1qH

— The Hill (@thehill) July 10, 2020

Prosecutors initially asked for seven to nine years in prison for Stone’s sentence, but Attorney General William Barr reduced the recommendation.

In a court filing on Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a court filing Thursday that it supports Stone starting his jail sentence next week.

The DOJ wrote that Stone failed to provide adequate reasoning as to why he should be treated differently from other convicted felons.

Stone is currently due to report to prison on July 14.

Morgan Chalfant contributed to this report which was updated at 10:39 a.m.