President Trump Pardons Former Congressman Stephen Buyer for Insider Trading Conviction
President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Stephen Buyer, a former Republican congressman from Indiana who was convicted of illegal stock trades based on inside information. Buyer served nearly two years in prison for these offenses. Trump cited Buyer's military and congressional career as reasons for the pardon, which was issued in 2025.
Buyer was sentenced to 22 months in prison in 2023 for illegal trades made while working as a consultant and lobbyist. He was also ordered to forfeit over $350,000 and pay a $10,000 fine. Buyer was released from prison in 2025 after serving his sentence.
In a statement, Buyer expressed gratitude for the pardon, stating that it corrected what he believed was a politically motivated prosecution. He maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings and welcomed the pardon as a form of justice.
Trump shared letters on his Truth Social platform in May 2025 requesting a pardon for Buyer. The letters, signed by former and current Republican lawmakers, highlighted Buyer's service in Congress and his involvement in high-profile political events, such as President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial.
Buyer's conviction was related to insider trading activities surrounding major corporate mergers. He was found guilty of trading on non-public information related to the T-Mobile and Sprint merger and other business deals. The pardon does not erase Buyer's criminal record but is considered an act of mercy or justice by the president.
The power to grant pardons for federal crimes is granted to the president by the Constitution. Pardons can be issued as a form of clemency or to correct perceived injustices in the legal system. Trump's decision to pardon Buyer reflects his belief in Buyer's innocence and his contributions to public service.