Trump refuses to disclose donors' names: Who is paying for his transition team?
Posted on 11/25/2024
Donald Trump has become the first US President-elect to sidestep the restrictions that impose strict limits on fundraising, provoking alarm among ethics experts. Trump makes his transition to the White House with controversies.
After picking scandalous candidates for several posts, he is again surrounded by the controversies and this time is for his funding, New York Times reported.Trump refused to sign an agreement with the Biden administration, a requirement laid out in the Presidential Transition Act that places restrictions on the amount of fundraising cash in exchange for more than $7.2 million in federal funds for the “orderly transfer” of power.
By not signing the agreement, Trump can collect unlimited amounts from anonymous donors to cover transition-related expenses.This unprecedented decision to avoid restrictions has raised concerns among ethics specialists. Contributors seeking influence with the incoming administration can now donate directly without public scrutiny of potential conflicts. Additionally, foreign nationals are permitted to contribute to the transition effort.Trump is also hiding all the names of donors who are funding his transition effort, making it impossible to identify interest groups, businesses, or wealthy individuals assisting with his second-term preparations, reported New York Times."When the money isn't disclosed, it's not clear how much everybody is giving, who is giving it and what they are getting in return for their donations," said Heath Brown, a professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who studies presidential transitions.
"It's an area where the vast majority of Americans would agree that they want to know who is paying that bill."The transition team, headed by Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick, has stated its intention to sign the memorandums of understanding with the Biden administration. However, they missed deadlines in September and October, with no apparent progress since the election.On Thursday, Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns in a letter to the Biden administration about this "uncharted territory" that "threatens the American public."
She requested details about the administration's engagement with the Trump transition regarding these agreements."The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act," Brian Hughes, a Trump transition spokesperson, stated in response to queries.The transition team, officially Trump Vance 2025 Transition Inc.,
has not disclosed its fundraising goals, contributors, or expenditures. While structured as a "dark money" nonprofit like previous transitions, it differs by rejecting General Services Administration support and its associated transparency requirements.
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TOI World Desk
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
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After picking scandalous candidates for several posts, he is again surrounded by the controversies and this time is for his funding, New York Times reported.Trump refused to sign an agreement with the Biden administration, a requirement laid out in the Presidential Transition Act that places restrictions on the amount of fundraising cash in exchange for more than $7.2 million in federal funds for the “orderly transfer” of power.
By not signing the agreement, Trump can collect unlimited amounts from anonymous donors to cover transition-related expenses.This unprecedented decision to avoid restrictions has raised concerns among ethics specialists. Contributors seeking influence with the incoming administration can now donate directly without public scrutiny of potential conflicts. Additionally, foreign nationals are permitted to contribute to the transition effort.Trump is also hiding all the names of donors who are funding his transition effort, making it impossible to identify interest groups, businesses, or wealthy individuals assisting with his second-term preparations, reported New York Times."When the money isn't disclosed, it's not clear how much everybody is giving, who is giving it and what they are getting in return for their donations," said Heath Brown, a professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who studies presidential transitions.
"It's an area where the vast majority of Americans would agree that they want to know who is paying that bill."The transition team, headed by Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick, has stated its intention to sign the memorandums of understanding with the Biden administration. However, they missed deadlines in September and October, with no apparent progress since the election.On Thursday, Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns in a letter to the Biden administration about this "uncharted territory" that "threatens the American public."
She requested details about the administration's engagement with the Trump transition regarding these agreements."The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act," Brian Hughes, a Trump transition spokesperson, stated in response to queries.The transition team, officially Trump Vance 2025 Transition Inc.,
has not disclosed its fundraising goals, contributors, or expenditures. While structured as a "dark money" nonprofit like previous transitions, it differs by rejecting General Services Administration support and its associated transparency requirements.
About the Author
TOI World Desk
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
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