According to reports, Paul Manafort, who was the 2016 campaign chairman for former President Trump and was jailed for fraud, is in discussions to possibly rejoin Trump's 2024 campaign before the Republican National Convention in July.
The Washington Post first reported that Trump is anticipated to engage Manafort as a campaign consultant this year, based on four individuals familiar with the situation. Trump pardoned his former campaign manager in 2020 after he was found guilty in 2018 on bank fraud and tax charges.
Sources informed The Post that talks about Manafort's potential role have involved the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., and the former adviser taking on a role in fundraising for Trump's campaign. While no final decision has been reached, all four sources told The Post that Manafort's hiring was anticipated.
The New York Times stated that Manafort was in talks to assist with the Republican National Convention this year, based on two individuals with direct knowledge of the situation. CNN also stated that Manafort might come back for the Republican National Convention, as per three sources familiar with the discussions.
Manafort served as Trump’s campaign chair from March to August 2016. He was convicted on bank fraud and tax charges stemming from Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
He was also placed under home confinement in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic before Trump’s pardon of him before leaving the White House.
Manafort authored a book in 2022, titled “Political Prisoner,” that challenges the allegations he faced as a result of the investigation and reaffirms his support for Trump, according to its description.
The Hill has contacted Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee for comment.
