Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. Experts say it looks bad. - eviltoast

Donald Trump’s main 2024 White House campaign fundraising operation sharply increased spending at the former president’s properties in recent months, funneling money into his businesses at a time when he is facing serious legal jeopardy and desperately needs cash.

Trump’s joint fundraising committee wrote three checks in February and one in March to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, totaling $411,287 and another in March to Trump National Doral Miami for $62,337, according to a report filed to the Federal Election Commission this week.

Federal law and FEC regulations allow donor funds to be spent at a candidate’s business so long as the campaign pays fair market value, experts say. Trump has been doing it for years, shifting millions in campaign cash into his sprawling business empire to pay for expenses such as using his personal aircraft for political events, rent at Trump Tower and events at his properties, which has included hotels and private clubs.

  • sbr32@kbin.social
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    7 months ago

    In a normal world it makes some sense.

    If you own a catering business and are running for congress there’s nothing wrong with you hiring your own firm, AT FAIR MARKET VALUE, for an event rather than hiring a competitor.

    The problem is is that Trump has broken everything, and now takes what should be reasonable rules/laws and turns them into more grift.

    • RainfallSonata@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      If you own a catering business and are running for congress there’s nothing wrong with you hiring your own firm, AT FAIR MARKET VALUE,

      Only to those with no ethics.

    • ChapulinColorado@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      It doesn’t. A lot of positions in government specifically prohibit nepotism when hiring as it can quickly lead to inept and unqualified candidates. Why would spending on your own business be any different as a candidate that is trying to get one of those positions?

      This shows you are either failing at managing your business and should not be managing anything in government or that you are in it for yourself and no one else, which again contradicts what you are trying to get at elected to do.

      • PeterLossGeorgeWall@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        7 months ago

        Remember when Kushner solved the middle East crisis. He was hired by his father in law, ignored all the security issues along with the nepotism but the crazy thing is, it worked! Those lads in the middle East are all pals now. There’s been no unrest since! Nepotism is ok sometimes!