Pence brother's campaign funneled thousands of dollars to Trump's DC hotel

Republican campaigns and affiliated PACs are pouring thousands of dollars into Trump’s Washington, D.C., hotel ahead of the midterm elections this fall.

Among those who have sent money Trump’s way is Greg Pence, Vice President Mike Pence’s older brother. Pence is the current Republican candidate for his brother’s old congressional seat, Indiana’s 6th Congressional District.

So far, his campaign has spent $15,318 at Trump properties this campaign cycle. Most of that was spent at the D.C. hotel, but Pence also spent for lodging at the Trump International Hotel in New York City.

As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell works on getting Trump’s Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh seated, he is also funneling money to Trump.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC affiliated with McConnell, spent $11,507 on just one catered event at Trump’s D.C. hotel.

Even after Trump took over the presidency, the Trump International Hotel has been a continual source of funds for Trump, thanks to his refusal to follow presidential tradition by divesting from his holdings or putting them in a blind trust.

Instead, money spent at the property goes into Trump’s bank account, and it has become an open avenue for those seeking influence or to curry favor with Trump.

If it weren’t for influence-peddling and corruption, Trump’s D.C. hotel would be hurting for bookings. The property is occupied less often than similar hotels but has made up for the shortcoming by charging more.

Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, are in charge of the Trump Organization, which owns the D.C. hotel. As the figures responsible for the property, they are aware of the murky ties between Trump’s presidency and the financial success of the hotel. The brothers, along with their father, benefit from the unethical alliance.

The network of Republican campaigns and PACs provide a pipeline of money to Trump, and the family of his own vice president is clearly willing to do his part by using his donors’ money on Trump-related expenses.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.