Roger Stone reveals he urged Trump to seek presidency nearly 40 years ago

Published June 23, 2026 6:04pm ET



Roger Stone recalled urging then-businessman Donald Trump to seek the presidency in 1988, saying he believed the New York businessman possessed the leadership skills and instincts needed to lead the country years before Trump became a political figure.

Stone, who advised Trump during his first campaign, told the story about asking Trump to run before his 2016 White House bid on Sean Hannity’s podcast, Hang Out with Sean Hannity, released on Tuesday.

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