'He will lurk in shadows': Paul Manafort mocked as he steps back from Republican convention role

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: In a move resonating with echoes of past controversies, Paul Manafort - seasoned Republican strategist and former chairman of Donald Trump's 2016 campaign - relinquished his unpaid advisory role in the planning of the Republican Party's upcoming nominating convention.

The decision, announced on Saturday, May 11, followed mounting questions regarding Manafort's involvement in convention preparations and his ties to foreign entities.

Investigative reports unveil Manafort's activities

The catalyst for Manafort's retreat was twofold, propelled by investigative reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post. The former divulged Manafort's presence at Milwaukee planning meetings for the convention, while the latter suggested his entanglement in endeavors linked to foreign officials and businesses.

In response, Manafort conveyed to The Times, via a statement provided by the Trump campaign, emphasized his commitment to supporting President Trump through alternative avenues.

“As a longtime, staunch supporter of President Trump and given my nearly 50 years experience in managing presidential conventions, I was offering my advice and suggestions to the Trump campaign on the upcoming convention in a volunteer capacity,” Manafort stated.

“However, it is clear that the media wants to use me as a distraction to try and harm President Trump and his campaign by recycling old news,” he said. "And I won’t let the media do that. So, I will stick to the sidelines and support President Trump every other way I can to help defeat President Biden," he added.

Manafort's retreat from the convention marks a notable chapter in his longstanding association with Republican politics. A key figure in Trump's 2016 campaign, Manafort's expertise in navigating conventions was deemed invaluable by party insiders seeking to ensure a seamless event in July.

However, his abrupt departure echoes the tumultuous trajectory of his career, which saw him embroiled in legal battles stemming from his involvement with foreign entities and his subsequent indictment by the special counsel, Robert S Mueller III.

The saga of Manafort's involvement in Republican politics has been punctuated by moments of controversy and intrigue. Despite being ousted from Trump's campaign in 2016 amid allegations of ties to Russian interests, Manafort remained a shadowy figure on the political landscape, offering counsel and guidance to the Trump campaign from the sidelines. He was eventually pardoned by Trump at the culmination of his presidency.

However, Manafort's departure from the convention fray does not signal an end to the scrutiny surrounding his activities. Recent reports from The Washington Post allege his re-engagement with foreign interests, including a Chinese entertainment streaming service.

While Manafort denies direct involvement, his past associations cast a lingering shadow over his actions.

Social media reactions

Social media was inundated with reactions trolling Manafort after he stepped aside from his "volunteer" role advising party officials at the convention.

"It seems like even the unpaid positions are getting too risky for Manafort," one posted on X.

"He will just lurk in the shadows and 'give advice' instead," another wrote.

"Manafort volunteering advice? Like no pay for his work? Wasn't that his pre-prison claim?" a comment read.

"He never does anything for free. There was gobs of money in there somewhere," someone else insisted.

"Only the best people," another quipped, referring to Trump's assertion that he only hires "the best people."

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