John,
When Donald Trump was president, he turned his properties—especially the Trump Hotel in DC and Mar-a-Lago in Florida—into places where Republican elected officials and candidates could curry favor, line his pockets and seek out his endorsement.
That deeply corrupt arrangement hasn’t stopped since he left office a year ago.
Public officials and candidates for office have made at least 235 visits and held 51 events at Trump properties in the last year. That’s 235 opportunities for Trump to corruptly enrich himself based on his political power and former office, 235 times bolstering Trump’s vision of himself as kingmaker, 235 occasions to continue advancing Trump’s lies about the election.
Read CREW’s new report here—and then share on Facebook, Twitter, or by forwarding this email.
Many of these visits by candidates and officials were to attend lavish fundraising events put on by political groups. In fact, the rate of political fundraisers at Trump properties has grown since Trump left office—51 in just one year, compared to 104 events during the four years of his presidency. While the spotlight may have shifted, the grift hasn’t slowed down.
But Republican members of Congress and candidates visiting Trump’s businesses aren’t just enriching him—although they’re certainly doing that. They’re helping to bolster and build his image of himself as a kingmaker, lining up a new group of candidates to advance his agenda, and reinforcing that the Republican party has become his own personal fiefdom. Given his ongoing attacks on our democracy and attempts to overturn the last election, this arrangement isn’t just corrupt—it’s dangerous.
Help us spread the word about Trump’s continuing corruption—share our new report on Facebook, Twitter, or by forwarding this email.
Thank you,
Noah Bookbinder
President, CREW
