“The View” co-host Meghan McCain challenged Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) when he suggested President Donald Trump should pardon Roger Stone.
On Thursday, Gaetz appeared on the show prior to the scheduled sentencing announcement. During the discussion, co-host Sunny Hostin asked Gaetz if he thought Stone should be pardoned.
He stated that he did and it didn’t take long for McCain to chime in. Right after Gaetz shared his opinion, McCain responded dismissively saying, “Oh, come on Congressman.”
McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), repeatedly said, “Come on,” as Gaetz continued to stress his point.
McCain continued with a blatantly scathing opinion of Stone without mincing words.
“He’s the swampiest swamp creature,” she said.
Check out the clip below:
Rep. @mattgaetz tells the co-hosts “Roger Stone should be pardoned,” and says “if you look at the original intent of the pardon power, it cannot be limited.” https://t.co/f8u2wbJuik pic.twitter.com/36GAN36V64
— The View (@TheView) February 20, 2020
Despite Gaetz’s defense of Stone, Democratic leaders are upholding the sentence. Earlier today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) with his opinion on Stone’s sentencing.
Schiff tweeted, “Roger Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress and threatening a witness,” adding, “He did it to cover up for Trump.
“His sentence is justified. It should go without saying, but to pardon Stone when his crimes were committed to protect Trump would be a breathtaking act of corruption,” he added.
Roger Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress and threatening a witness.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 20, 2020
He did it to cover up for Trump. His sentence is justified.
It should go without saying, but to pardon Stone when his crimes were committed to protect Trump would be a breathtaking act of corruption.
The latest news follows the announcement of Stone’s 40-month sentence. In November, he was convicted on seven counts of obstruction, witness tampering and making false statements to Congress in connection with charges stemming from the Robert Mueller investigation.
Right now, the possibility of Stone being pardoned remains unclear. However, President Donald Trump’s supporters are confident he will not let Stone serve time. “It’s not a question of if,” said a former senior administration official, according to Politico. “It’s when.”
While Trump hasn’t offered a direct response to the pardon speculations, he has expressed disapproval of the way Stone has been treated. However, with the election right around the corner, Trump is reportedly proceeding with caution.