Trump ally Roger Stone condemned for providing lobbying services to Myanmar’s military junta

What Happened

Roger Stone, a longtime ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has accepted a $50,000 monthly contract to lobby on behalf of Myanmar's military junta, according to reports. Stone's role is to work toward rebuilding diplomatic relations between Washington and Myanmar's military-backed government, which seized power in a February 2021 coup and has since faced international isolation. The junta, formally known as the State Administration Council, has been repeatedly accused by international observers and human rights organizations of committing atrocities that may constitute war crimes, including widespread violence against civilians and suppression of pro-democracy movements. Stone's decision to represent the junta has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates and political observers, given the regime's record and ongoing conflict with ethnic armed organizations and resistance forces across Myanmar.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Stone's lobbying contract represents the junta's most prominent effort to date to leverage connections within the incoming Trump administration to break its diplomatic isolation and potentially secure sanctions relief or recognition. Since the 2021 coup, the US and its allies have imposed targeted sanctions on junta leaders and military-linked enterprises, while the regime has faced armed resistance from ethnic organizations and the People's Defense Force, with the military losing control of significant territory. Stone's proximity to Trump raises concerns among human rights groups that the incoming administration may soften the US stance on Myanmar despite ongoing atrocities, potentially undermining regional efforts to pressure the junta and embolden military regimes elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The contract also signals the junta's calculation that Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy may offer an opening that did not exist under the Biden administration.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Trump administration, upon taking office in January 2025, signals any shift in US policy toward Myanmar, including potential easing of sanctions, changes in diplomatic engagement, or statements on the junta's legitimacy. Watch for reactions from ASEAN member states, particularly Thailand and Indonesia, which have led regional diplomatic efforts on Myanmar and may recalibrate their approach if Washington softens its stance. Track whether Stone registers under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), as required for lobbying on behalf of foreign governments, and whether congressional Democrats or human rights organizations launch investigations or public campaigns against the contract. Finally, observe whether the junta escalates military operations or makes conciliatory gestures toward resistance forces in anticipation of a potential diplomatic breakthrough with Washington.