former President Donald Trump Has reportedly asked oil industry executives to contribute $1 billion to his campaign for the White House. According to industry experts, this request, while controversial, is probably legal.
What happened: Trump made the request last month during a meeting with industry executives at his Palm Beach, Florida home, Politico informed ofCiting three people familiar with the negotiations.
The executives present represented companies such as exxon mobil XOM, beam cvx, ConocoPhillips COP, continental resources, EQT EQTAnd Cheniere Energy lngsimultaneously American Petroleum Instituteaccording to the report.
That said, Trump’s request is seen as a reflection of issues with current campaign finance laws. Erin KlopakSenior Campaign Finance Director at Watchdog Group Campaign Legal Center,
Although the request is considered “shocking”, it is unlikely to violate bribery laws, according to the Supreme Court’s current interpretation. meredith mcgeeAn independent expert on government ethics and campaign finance.
“The state of law and enforcement is extremely poor,” McGee said in an interview. “But it’s a scam, and the notion that our government works where candidates go into industry and promise government action in exchange for large amounts of money is an indictment of the system.”
why it matters: Trump’s request for campaign financing from oil executives comes amid a flurry of political activity. his son-in-law, jared kushneris reportedly Actively campaigning for his potential re-election And reaching out to donors to support the former president’s 2024 campaign.
Trump has also been resorting to legal troubles opportunity to raise money, After being fined $9,000 for violating a gag order at his criminal trial, Trump asked supporters for financial help.
Trump’s request for campaign funding from oil executives also comes after publicly supported cryptocurrency As an important election issue, as opposed to presidential Joe BidenExperience unfamiliarity with the crypto world.
Trump’s request for campaign funding from oil executives also comes after a meeting Elon Musk in Florida, where former President reportedly spent most of the conversation, When Musk was asked if Trump asked him for money, he said, “I’m not paying his legal bills.”
Read further: Roasting Biden, Trump said Carter was ‘not a great president.’
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