Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Thursday came out in defense of a potential pardon for Roger Stone, who was earlier that day sentenced to 40 months in prison, saying that President Donald Trump has the authority to pardon Stone or reduce his sentence.
“Under our system of justice President Trump has all the legal authority in the world to review this case, in terms of commuting the sentence or pardoning Mr. Stone for the underlying offense,” Graham tweeted on Thursday.
“This presidential power is available to all presidents in all cases brought before our justice system,” the senator continued. “This is the way our legal system is intended to work and provides a brilliant and intricate system of checks and balances we should all honor.”
Previously, Graham noted: “The sentence rendered in the Roger Stone case by Judge Jackson is on the lower end of the recommended sentencing guidelines for offenses of this nature.”
The Senate Judiciary chairman added: “It is important to give both the government and the accused a fair trial free from influence. I believe this has been accomplished in Mr. Stone’s case. Like all Americans, Mr. Stone can appeal the fairness of his trial and the verdict rendered.”
Politico reports that Stone is seeking a new trial, and that Trump commented after the sentencing: "I'm not going to do anything in terms of the great powers bestowed upon a president of the United States. I want the process to play out. I think that is the best thing to do. Because I would love to see Roger exonerated, and I would love to see it happen. Because I personally think that he was treated very unfairly."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.