Media dismisses dual conflict of interest in Trump's call with Argentine President

The story of President-elect Donald Trump’s congratulatory phone call with Argentina President Mauricio Macri made quite a splash online Monday when Talking Points Memo picked it up, accusing Trump of “cashing in” by demanding President Macri help him get approval for the forthcoming Trump Tower Buenos Aires.

But the story was quickly denied by both the Trump and Macri camps, and it subsequently failed to get further traction.

It is inexplicable why the press would take these denials at face value, especially given the dots connected by Susan Simpson in an excellent tweetstorm:

Earlier today it was reported that Trump spoke to Argentine Pres. Macri, & during call asked about approval for a TrumpTower in Buenos Aires

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Which, I hope to god I'm wrong about, that this story isn't just being forgotten, because Trump's Argentina deal has all kinds of red flags.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

In addition to the denials from Trump and Macri, part of the reason the story has been dropped is that the initial report itself is based on statements by Argentinian television journalists who did not attribute the information to any sources. As Simpson goes on to explain, however, this should not be an issue:

The partners also had future plans to make a Trump Tower in Buenos Aires (TTBA), but knew they'd have trouble getting lots, imports, etc.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Trump's Argentina partners include Yaryura & Yellati. They were in "the bunker" on the night of the election, and chilled with Eric Trump. pic.twitter.com/E3k4Zop1q9

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

But let's get back to Trump Tower Buenos Aires. Around February 2016, YY had submitted plans to Buenos Aires seeking approval for plans.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Relevant side note: approval comes from Horacio Rodríguez Larreta. He's super close bros with President Macri.https://t.co/DtU910CS2B

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

President Macri is like, "o shit, this is awkward," because, TL;DR, he and Trump have a history together that's worthy of a soap opera.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

"[T]he Argentine government was very worried and occupied in establishing an urgent link with the tycoon."https://t.co/MGW3bf9751

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Then they find a solution. Someone remembers that Yaryura, developer behind TTBA, has a direct line to Eric Trump.https://t.co/v4BD0nucoY

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Malcorra & Eric have a "cordial" chat but Macri doesn't get to speak to Trump yet. Eric tells Macri he has to wait. https://t.co/wBSFTRo61O

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

On Nov 14, Trump's schedule clears, and he & Macri have chat to catch up on old times. About golf games, Miami/NY business deals, I assume.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

So the day after this phone call between Trump & Macri, arranged by Yaryura, Trump Tower moves ahead as if all approvals have been obtained

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

No biggie. Despite no permit filings, let alone approvals, YY insists everything is in order for Trump Tower Buenos Aires, full speed ahead!

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

“Macri called him[,] Trump asked for them to authorize a building he’s constructing in Buenos Aires."https://t.co/LHscqKXBLx

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Then media says,oh nevermind! That was just another example of "the easy spread of thinly sourced or even fake news."https://t.co/ah8aRWB0Lt

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

A foreign pres used a US president's business partner to contact him,&that business partner was in need of gov approval on pending project.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

(3) Pres Macri goes "oh shit this is bad, someone please get me PEOTUS on the phone now!" (4) Someone goes, "Hey, Yaryura from that Trump

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

is so busy right now, but we'll get back to you." (7) Three days later, Macri and Trump speak on the phone, make polite chit chat.

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

Last thing: Yaryura doesn't deny he was the conduit. https://t.co/B2gTzxAML0

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

"'The perception I have is that Argentina will always do well if it is close to the United States, more than if it is far away.'" /end

— Susan Simpson (@TheViewFromLL2) November 22, 2016

A major concern that this episode raises is that if it is possible for Trump to use his influence as president to make things go his way business-wise, which is troublesome enough, then the reverse is also true — his businesses in other countries can be used to compromise his decision-making as president. And that is one more reason why Trump is simply unfit to hold the office.