Report Reveals Trump Received Millions from Foreign Governments During Presidency

During his presidency, Donald J. Trump’s businesses obtained over $7.8 million from 20 foreign governments, most significantly China, according to a report titled “White House For Sale” produced by House Democrats. These findings indicate that Trump’s interactions with foreign governments profited his personal businesses, including his properties in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and New York.

Despite the Constitution prohibiting a president from accepting money or gifts “of any kind whatever” from foreign governments unless approved by Congress, Trump failed to seek such consent, the report notes.

The Democrats highlight these transactions as they counteract Republicans’ efforts to link President Biden to international business deals by his son Hunter Biden, alleging corruption and influence peddling. The report found that among the countries making payments to Trump’s properties, China was the largest spender with $5.5 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with over $615,000.

Eric Trump, son of the former president, asserts that foreign interests did not influence his father’s presidency and that any associated profits were returned to the federal government. However, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin, argues that such actions do not meet constitutional requirements.

Eric Trump further clarified in an email that the Chinese bank had signed a lease at Trump Tower almost a decade before Trump took office, arguing that the former president’s business incentives did not shape his official actions. House Republicans, on the other hand, dismissed the allegations, criticising Biden’s family business instead.

Despite the limitations acknowledged in the Democrats’ report, key material reveals a series of payments by foreign governments to Trump-owned businesses during his presidency. These payments were made as these governments promoted specific foreign policy goals with the Trump administration.

The report is the culmination of an extensive investigation into Trump’s receipt of payments from foreign entities while in office, initiated in 2016. Congress is urged to consider adopting new disclosure rules to aid in proper oversight, along with a formal process for officials to seek permission when receiving wealth from other countries.