Influence peddling

Democrats Introduce Bill Targeting White House Ballroom Donations

Responding to President Trump’s solicitation of private funds for a $300 million White House ballroom project, Democrats introduced the “Stop Ballroom Bribery Act.” This bill, sponsored by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Robert Garcia, aims to prevent potential influence peddling and ensure transparency by prohibiting the president from soliciting donations, banning anonymous donors, and establishing a “cooling-off period” for donors lobbying the government. The legislation would also restrict donations from entities with business before the government. Despite facing long odds due to Republican majorities, the bill reflects concerns over potential pay-to-play schemes and seeks to obtain more information about the contributions made to the ballroom project.

Read More

Trump’s Unchecked Corruption: No Ethics, No Consequences

Mounting evidence suggests the Trump family disregards ethical concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from the presidency. This is exemplified by the acceptance of a Qatari plane, despite ongoing business dealings in the country, and a dinner hosted at his golf course for major investors in his cryptocurrency. The family’s dismissal of criticism, coupled with their renewed pursuit of foreign deals despite prior claims to the contrary, indicates a conscious decision to prioritize personal financial gain over ethical considerations. White House denials notwithstanding, experts highlight the lack of blind trust and continued potential for influence-peddling through family businesses.

Read More