Trump Grants Pardon to Former GOP Congressman Stephen Buyer

The White House has announced that President Donald Trump granted a “full, complete, and unconditional pardon” to former Indiana Representative Stephen Buyer. This decision was made under the president’s authority from Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

Stephen Buyer had been convicted of insider trading in 2023. His conviction led to a 22-month prison sentence. Buyer, who served as the chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and was part of the prosecution team during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1998, was found guilty of using insider information for personal gain after leaving office.

The White House highlighted Buyer’s “distinguished and highly productive” political career, noting his time as a judge advocate general in the U.S. Army and as a U.S. representative from 1993 to 2011. His pardon was supported by more than 50 current and former lawmakers.

Prominent supporters included Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Roger Wicker, along with former House Speaker John Boehner. Others endorsing the pardon were former Sen. Rick Santorum, former Rep. Louie Gohmert, former Rep. Dan Burton, former Rep. Lamar Smith, and former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was instructed by the proclamation to ensure the immediate issuance of a certificate of pardon for Buyer.

Buyer’s conviction arose from stock purchases based on insider information. He was accused of buying stock in Navigant weeks before his client, Guidehouse, acquired it. Additionally, he faced allegations of purchasing Sprint shares after learning about its unannounced merger with T-Mobile.

During the case, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman criticized Buyer for obstructing justice by providing false explanations for his stock trades. Buyer’s defense team sought sentencing that would include home confinement and community service, arguing that his legal battles had financially drained him.

Despite making up to $2.2 million in a single year, Buyer and his family faced financial challenges. They reportedly sold their home, condo, and cars and his wife returned to work at 65.

Judge Berman sentenced Buyer to 22 months in prison, ordered him to forfeit $354,027 gained from the illegal trades, and imposed a $10,000 fine. Prosecutors also requested Buyer’s payment of $1.4 million to cover legal fees, but the judge denied this demand.