Roger Stone
Roger Jason Stone, born Roger Joseph Stone Jr. on August 27, 1952, is a notable American political consultant, lobbyist, and right-wing activist. Best known for his role as Donald Trump’s longest-serving political adviser, Stone gained significant media attention during the Mueller investigation, which scrutinized his alleged involvement in Russian interference during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Stone's political career began in the 1970s, where he played key roles in several Republican campaigns, including those of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush. He co-founded a lobbying firm with Paul Manafort and Charles R. Black Jr., which evolved into Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly (BMSK) in 1984. The firm became a powerhouse in political lobbying, catering to a range of high-profile clients, from major corporations to foreign governments. Stone is often characterized as a "political fixer" and a "seasoned practitioner of hard-edged politics," known for his aggressive tactics that include a philosophy of "attack, attack, attack—never defend."
Having suggested Trump for a presidential run as early as 1998, Stone's influence on the campaign was substantial. However, his career took a tumultuous turn when he was arrested in January 2019 and later convicted on multiple felony charges related to the Mueller investigation. After a commutation of his sentence by Trump in July 2020 and a full pardon in December of the same year, Stone has continued to remain active in political discourse, currently hosting "The Roger Stone Show" on WABC radio since 2023.