Roger Stone Calls for ‘Execution’ of Senator Mark Kelly Amid Cryptocurrency Controversy
By Rhian Lubin | May 10, 2025
In a shocking display of vitriol, Roger Stone, a prominent Republican strategist and long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, has publicly called for the execution of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. This extreme statement follows Senator Kelly’s criticism of President Trump’s financial dealings involving cryptocurrency from his position in the White House.
The Context of the Controversy
Senator Kelly recently accused Trump of exploiting his presidential power to profit from cryptocurrency, particularly his $TRUMP memecoin, which he referred to as “corruption in broad daylight.” Kelly’s remarks were made as he expressed his support for legislation aimed at prohibiting the president and other high-ranking officials from endorsing or profiting from cryptocurrency assets during their time in office. He cited concerns that Trump’s activities might undermine the integrity of the presidency by creating conflicts of interest.
“Trump is cashing in on his presidency and making millions from his own crypto coins. It’s corruption in broad daylight,” Kelly stated in a message he posted on X (formerly Twitter). The senator is co-sponsoring a bill specifically designed to address these concerns.
Stone’s Response
In response to Kelly’s statement, Stone leveled accusations of treason against the senator. He claimed, without evidence, that Kelly has ties to a "Chinese communist company" known for creating surveillance balloons, suggesting that Kelly’s professional history conflicted with his position as a U.S. senator.
“Senator Mark Kelly is cashing in on his US Senate seat as a partner in a Chinese communist company that makes surveillance balloons. He should be charged with treason and, if convicted, executed, consistent with federal law,” Stone wrote on X. Kelly has previously co-founded World View Enterprises, a high-altitude balloon company, which has received investment from Tencent, a Chinese tech firm, though Kelly’s stock has reportedly been held in a blind trust since 2021. ## A Deepening Political Divide
The exchange has drawn the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with many Democrats and some Republicans expressing concern about Trump’s financial interests in cryptocurrency. Republican Senators Cynthia Lummis and Lisa Murkowski have also voiced their apprehensions, suggesting the president should not be profiting from crypto ventures during his administration. Lummis has called for a "regulatory framework" to address the potential for corruption linked to cryptocurrency.
The $TRUMP memecoin has raised eyebrows particularly due to its criticized structure, with reports revealing that a substantial percentage of its supply is held by the Trump Organization and its affiliates. Moreover, many top investors in the coin have utilized foreign exchanges that are not accessible to U.S. residents, amplifying fears of possible favoritism from the president.
Financial Implications for Trump
Since its introduction, the memecoin has significantly increased in value, driven by the opportunity for investors to gain exclusive access to Trump at a high-priced dinner event akin to a private investment round. The Trump family is estimated to have earned over $320 million from this venture since its launch, raising ethical concerns about profiting off the presidency.
While responding to inquiries about this issue, Trump has denied any wrongdoing. “I’m not profiting from anything,” he told NBC. He continued, “If I own stock in something, and I do a good job, and the stock market goes up, I guess I’m profiting.”
Conclusion
The incendiary remarks from Roger Stone against Senator Mark Kelly illustrate a broader, deeply polarized conversation about the intertwining of politics and personal financial interests in the contemporary American political landscape. As the cryptocurrency controversy develops, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address the implications of profiting from public service and the efforts to regulate such activities.
This ongoing dialogue will likely continue to unfold, revealing the tensions inherent in the evolving relationship between government officials and financial markets.
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