Roger Stone, the longtime friend and former campaign adviser to President Donald Trump, was sentenced to 40 months in prison Thursday at federal court in Washington amid speculation that Trump could potentially pardon him.

President Donald Trump delivers the commencement address at the "Hope for Prisoners" graduation ceremony, TFeb. 20, 2020, in Las Vegas.

President Donald Trump delivers the commencement address at the "Hope for Prisoners" graduation ceremony, TFeb. 20, 2020, in Las Vegas.Evan Vucci/AP

A few hours later, speaking at a "Hope for Prisoners" graduation ceremony in Las Vegas, Trump talked about the Stone case, saying, "I'm following this very closely and I want to see it play out to its fullest because Roger has a very good chance of exoneration in my opinion."

"I'd love to see it happen," he said, going on to suggest the Stone jury foreperson was "totally tainted," calling her an "anti-Trump activist" without providing specific evidence.

But he added, "I'm not going to do anything in terms of the great powers bestowed upon a president of the United States. I want the process to play out. I think that's the best thing to do," apparently suggesting a pardon was still possible, but not mentioning the word "pardon" or making any specific promises.