Trump Used Foundation Funds for 2016 Run, Filings Suggest

[highplainsdem]

Source: RealClearPolitics

From 2011 through 2014, Trump harnessed his eponymous foundation to send at least $286,000 to influential conservative or policy groups, a RealClearPolitics review of the foundation’s tax filings found. In many cases, this flow of money corresponded to prime speaking slots or endorsements that aided Trump as he sought to recast himself as a plausible Republican candidate for president.

Although sources familiar with the thinking behind the donations cautioned that Trump did not explicitly ask for favors in return for the money, they said the contributions were part of a deliberate effort by Trump to ingratiate himself with influential conservatives and brighten his political prospects.

-snip-

The lion’s share of those donations came from Trump’s personal funds and went straight to political campaigns or parties. But others, in particular those directed to the nonprofit arms of conservative policy groups, originated with Trump’s foundation.

-snip-

The donations to groups that granted Trump plum speaking slots or otherwise promoted his political aspirations also might run afoul of self-dealing rules for private foundations, which prohibit a foundation’s leadership from using donor money for its own gain.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2016/10/04/trump_used_foundation_funds_for_2016_run_filings_suggest.html

[pnwmom]

1. I'd already noticed that he'd given $100K to the Citizens United Foundation,

just a year before he started running and making speeches about how money was corrupting politics . But he'd just given $100K to the people who won the Supreme Court case allowing unlimited donations.

Good for RCP for laying all this out.

[George II]

8. I don't know how his foundation is set up, but I wonder if it is legally permitted...

...to make political contributions.

[pnwmom]

9. No, and that's what this article is about. n/t

[Stuart G]

2. Perhaps..just perhaps this one will convince 1 to 2 % of undecideds to vote for Hillary.

Even a one percent shift, in addition to other things he has done that will shift the vote for Hillary, could help secure the election for us. We will see..

But the list of reasons why some undecided people would vote for Hillary is getting longer and longer every day. (and will continue to do so)

[Historic NY]

3. Latest Trump financial tips, how to use a slush fund.

[yellowcanine]

4. Oops. If true this could be big legal trouble for trump.

I am actually surprised he could be this stupid.

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. Just optimistic for his success. Trump business model:

1: use foundation money to influence RWers to accept him as candidate
2: get elected before this becomes apparent
3: use delaying tactics in any lawsuits
4: appoint RW Supreme Court judges who will extend the Citizens United ruling to "any use of money for politics is free speech and thus AOK"
5: Profit!!!

[anamandujano]

10. 3b. Refer to any lawsuit as a political hit

[Maeve]

6. He told folks early in the process that he believes in pay-to-play

“When you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do.”

[bucolic_frolic]

7. Does this apply to Enron-style accountants too?

$918 million is a BIG tax loss, after all

[Tom Rinaldo]

11. In other words, Pay for Play, but with other folks $ while pretending to be a charity n/t