Donald Trump issued pardon to former Republican congressman convicted of insider trading

Trump Issues Pardon to Former Republican Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to former Indiana Congressman Stephen Buyer, a Republican who was convicted of insider trading and securities fraud in 2023.

The pardon, announced by the White House on Friday, wipes away the federal conviction that resulted in Buyer serving nearly two years in prison. Trump cited Buyer’s military service and years in Congress as factors supporting the decision, describing his public career as “distinguished and highly productive.” (Reuters)

Buyer represented Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011 before becoming a consultant and lobbyist. Federal prosecutors alleged that he used confidential information obtained through his consulting work to make profitable stock trades tied to major corporate acquisitions, including the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile and the sale of Navigant Consulting. Prosecutors said the trades generated more than $300,000 in illegal gains. (Reuters)

A federal jury found Buyer guilty on four counts of securities fraud in 2023, and he was sentenced to 22 months in prison. He maintained his innocence throughout the case, arguing that the prosecution was unjust and politically motivated. His efforts to overturn the conviction ultimately failed when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal in May 2026. (Reuters)

The White House said Trump’s decision was made after receiving recommendations from dozens of current and former lawmakers who supported clemency for Buyer. The administration noted that more than 50 members of Congress and former congressional colleagues endorsed the pardon request. (Reuters)

The pardon is the latest in a series of high-profile clemency actions taken by Trump during his second term. Supporters argue that Buyer had already paid a significant price for his actions and deserved a second chance, while critics contend that pardoning public officials convicted of corruption-related offenses risks undermining public trust in government accountability. (Reuters)

With the pardon, Buyer is relieved of the legal consequences associated with his federal conviction, marking a dramatic conclusion to a case that drew national attention because of his former role in Congress and his involvement in major political events, including the impeachment proceedings against former President Bill Clinton. (Reuters)