A new report from House Democrats alleges that Donald Trump overcharged Secret Service agents for rooms at his hotel in Washington while he was president. The report also claims that foreign and domestic officials, including those seeking jobs or pardons, paid for rooms at the Trump International Hotel. The investigation, limited to 11 months of records, suggests that Trump used his presidency to enrich himself at taxpayers’ expense.
The report accuses the Trump Corporation of charging the Secret Service up to 300% more than approved rates for hotel rooms at the property. It also details various officials who stayed at the hotel, including U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, state governors, and cabinet secretaries. The report highlights instances where these officials paid for stays at the hotel, raising ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The report also mentions individuals seeking favors from Trump, such as pardons, staying at the hotel. One such individual was Albert Pirro, convicted on federal charges in 2000, who later received a pardon from Trump. Overall, the report identifies over $300,000 in potentially unconstitutional payments to Trump’s businesses.
While the Constitution’s emoluments clause prohibits the president from receiving compensation from foreign or domestic governments, the report notes a lack of clear penalties for violations. Democrats call for legislation to address these issues and prevent future abuses of power by public officials. Trump has faced several lawsuits regarding emoluments violations, but the courts have not imposed penalties.
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