New York Attorney General sues Trump and Trump Foundation
The newly-appointed Attorney General of the New York state has sued US President Donald Trump and the Trump Foundation for a pattern of "illegal conduct" and "unlawful political coordination", seeking to completely dissolve the President's namesake foundation. The lawsuit also names Trump's three children. However, as expected, President Trump has rubbished the lawsuit's allegations in a quintessential Trump fashion. Here's more.
Trump responds to the lawsuit by "sleazy New York Democrats"
The lawsuit has not one, but several allegations
The lawsuit points out not one, but several startling details. It has alleged that the Trump Foundation used its money to promote Trump's candidacy in the run-up to the US Presidential Elections. It has also alleged that the Trump Foundation had given out political donations, promoted Trump's real estate business, paid for lawsuits against Trump, and had major issues pertaining to its governance.
Evidence points towards the foundation's influence in Trump's Presidential campaign
The lawsuit alleged that the Trump Foundation had been "co-opted" by Trump's Presidential campaign, in violation of state and federal laws. Investigations revealed that the foundation had donated around $3mn to veterans' groups to promote Trump's candidacy. Additionally, evidence points towards Trump's campaign manager having used the foundation's funds for the Iowa caucus - the first nominating contest of the 2016 Presidential election cycle.
Did the Trump Foundation misrepresent political donations?
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the Trump Foundation blurred the line between the foundation and political agendas. In 2013, the foundation contributed $25,000 to a political group called "Justice for All" to support the re-election of Florida's Attorney General. Interestingly, the foundation allegedly misrepresented this contribution by listing it as a donation to an eligible, non-political organization of the same name.
Trump Foundation accused of multiple instances of self-serving activities
Investigations also uncovered evidence of multiple instances when Trump used the foundation's funds to pay for lawsuits and promote business. For instance, evidence showed that Trump had personally asked the foundation for $100,000 to settle a 2006 lawsuit involving the town of Palm Beach, Florida. The foundation also paid $5,000 to the DC Preservation League in 2013 to promote Trump's hotels during the gala.
Lawsuit alleges Trump Foundation had a ghost board
Finally, the lawsuit alleges oddities regarding the Trump Foundation's board. It alleged that the board "existed in name only" and failed to fulfill its responsibility of overseeing the charity. The allegations came on the back of findings that indicated that the foundation's board hadn't met since 1999, which is quite bizarre considering that Trump's children were admitted to the board in 2006.
Attorney General Office's plans for Trump and co
New York's Attorney General, Barbara Underwood, is not only seeking to dissolve the Trump Foundation, but is also looking to bar Donald Trump from serving in non-profit organizations for 10 years. It has also called for a one-year ban on Trump's three children - Don Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Additionally, the Attorney General's Office wants $2.8mn in restitution, along with additional penalties.
