Democrats are raising concerns over the potential involvement of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort in the upcoming Republican National Convention. Manafort, who was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after being convicted of financial crimes, is reportedly in talks to assist with the convention in an undisclosed capacity.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is seizing on this development to criticize the GOP, accusing them of embracing individuals with criminal backgrounds. The DNC spokesperson highlighted Manafort's past convictions and labeled him as part of the group of 'election deniers, conspiracy theorists, and absolute weirdos' associated with Trump's influence on the party.
The DNC also pointed out the financial challenges faced by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and questioned the decision to involve Manafort in organizing a high-budget event like the convention.
Furthermore, the DNC referenced attorney Joseph McBride's reported efforts to advocate for pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol protests to have a presence at the convention. McBride's interactions with Trump's legal team and his alleged discussions about the January 6 movement's involvement at the convention have raised additional concerns.
Manafort's history with the Trump campaign, his role in the 2016 election, and subsequent legal troubles stemming from the Mueller investigation were highlighted in the context of his potential participation in the convention. The reports of Manafort's involvement come shortly after Trump secured victories in several primaries, solidifying his position as the presumptive GOP nominee.
Recent leadership changes within the RNC, including the appointment of Michael Whatley as chair and Lara Trump as co-chair, further underscore Trump's continued influence within the party. The article notes that attempts to reach Manafort, the Trump campaign, and the RNC for comments on the matter are ongoing.
