(ConservativeInsider.org) – Former President Trump is again in the spotlight as recent reports suggest discussions are underway to potentially reintegrate Paul Manafort, his former 2016 campaign chair, into his 2024 campaign team. Manafort, previously convicted of fraud charges, is reportedly in talks to return as a campaign adviser ahead of the Republican National Convention in July.
Sources familiar with the matter, cited by The Washington Post, indicate that Trump intends to tap into Manafort’s expertise for his upcoming campaign efforts. Trump pardoned Manafort in 2020 after Manafort’s conviction in 2018 on charges including bank fraud and tax offenses.
Discussions about Manafort’s potential role in the campaign reportedly encompass considerations for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and participation in fundraising activities. While no final decision has been confirmed, sources anticipate Manafort’s hiring, with Trump eager to reintegrate him into the campaign team.
Additional reports from The New York Times and CNN support the discussions of Manafort’s potential return to the Republican National Convention. Manafort previously served as Trump’s campaign chair from March to August 2016 before being convicted in connection with Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Manafort, who also spent time under home confinement in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic before being pardoned by Trump, authored a book in 2022 titled “Political Prisoner.” The book challenges the allegations he faced during the investigation and reaffirms his support for Trump.
The publication The Hill has contacted both Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee for comments on the reported discussions but has yet to receive a response.
Bringing Manafort back into the campaign fold will likely reignite discussions about Russia’s involvement in the 2016 elections. Manafort’s past interactions, including sharing internal polling data with individuals linked to Russian intelligence, have faced scrutiny.
Despite his previous convictions and controversies, Manafort’s loyalty to Trump has remained steadfast, with the former president reportedly reciprocating loyalty to him. Manafort’s career spans decades in Republican politics, including working with notable figures such as President Gerald Ford and presidential nominees Ronald Reagan and Bob Dole.
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