Trumps sued for their shady charity's 'persistently illegal conduct'
Trump used his ‘charity’ for his own private use and to assist his presidential campaign, according to the New York attorney general, and now he and kids are getting sued.
New York’s attorney general has filed suit against Trump, his three oldest children, and the Donald J. Trump Foundation, accusing them of “persistently illegal conduct” in the course of operating their so-called charity.
Attorney General Barbara Underwood is seeking to dissolve the foundation, alleging that the nonprofit was used to pay off Trump’s creditors, decorate his golf clubs, and stage a giveaway for a campaign event.
For years, the Trump family has claimed that its foundation was a source of funds for charities helping poor people and sick children. During the presidential campaign, Trump infamously attacked the Clinton Foundation, despite its track record of helping the less fortunate around the world. Charity Navigator, a watchdog group, gave the Clinton Foundation its highest rating.
In addition to Donald Trump, the lawsuit names Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump, who have all served as board members of the foundation.
The complaint accuses the foundation of “multiple violations of state and federal law.”
Trump responded to news of the suit with a tweet whining about “sleazy New York Democrats” pursuing the legal case.
“I won’t settle this case!” he added.
Trump has often bragged that he does not settle cases, but soon after being sworn in, he settled the lawsuit over Trump University for $25 million.
In that instance, he was again accused of presiding over a massive scam, preying on average citizens with promises of real estate fortunes that never manifested.
In a statement, the attorney general said the foundation engaged in “a pattern of persistent illegal conduct.”
Trump and his children are accused of “extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trump’s personal and business interests, and violations of basic legal obligations for non-profit foundations.”
Underwood is also seeking a 10-year ban for Trump from being the director of a non-profit in New York, as well as a 1-year ban for his children.
Referrals have also been sent to the IRS and the Federal Election Commission, identifying other violations of the law “for further investigation and legal action.”
The attorney general highlights that the foundation “raised in excess of $2.8 million” funds “designed to influence the 2016 presidential election at the direction.”
As evidence, the press release cites an email from then-Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski dictating “the timing, amounts, and recipients of grants by the Foundation to non-profits.”
Trump has presided over multiple scams and scandals during his time in the public eye. Now the justice system has caught up to him and his possible crimes, showing that his presidency continues to be tainted and compromised.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.
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