The Trump Foundation scandal, a significant controversy during Donald Trump’s presidency, revolved around allegations of illegal campaign contributions, self-dealing, and tax evasion. This timeline details the key events, investigations, and legal actions related to the scandal, offering a comprehensive overview of the controversy that ultimately led to the foundation’s dissolution.
The story began to unfold publicly in March 2016 when Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) uncovered an illegal $25,000 donation from the Trump Foundation to a political group supporting Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. This contribution violated the law prohibiting charitable foundations from engaging in political activities. Adding to the controversy, the donation coincided with Bondi’s office considering legal action against Trump University, raising concerns about a potential quid pro quo.
The Unraveling of the Trump Foundation: A Detailed Timeline
The timeline below details the events leading to the discovery of the illegal donation, the subsequent investigations, and the eventual shutdown of the Trump Foundation.
Early Complaints Against Trump University (2008-2013)
February 2008 – May 2011: The Florida Office of the Attorney General (OAG) receives at least 22 complaints concerning Trump University, the Trump Institute, and related entities. These complaints alleged fraudulent and deceptive practices.
August 2013: New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman files a lawsuit against Donald Trump, the Trump Entrepreneur Institute (also known as Trump University), and its former president. The lawsuit alleges “persistent fraudulent, illegal, and deceptive conduct.”
September 2013: The Orlando Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post report that the Florida OAG is reviewing the allegations in the New York lawsuit.
The Illegal Donation and Subsequent Cover-Up (2013-2014)
September 17, 2013: The Donald J. Trump Foundation donates $25,000 to And Justice for All, a political organization supporting Pam Bondi. This donation is illegal for a 501(c)(3) private foundation. Furthermore, Bondi personally solicited the donation from Trump.
October 15, 2013: The Florida OAG tells reporters there is no investigation into Trump University, downplaying the number of complaints received. This contradicts previous statements and internal communications.
October 17, 2013: The Tampa Bay Times reports that And Justice for All confirms receiving the contribution from the Trump Foundation.
October 18, 2013: Internal emails reveal that Florida OAG employees manipulated records to minimize the number of complaints against Trump University and related entities, reducing the official count to just one.
January 2014: In its 2013 tax filings, the Trump Foundation falsely claims it made no political donations and substitutes And Justice for All with a different, similarly named organization in Kansas to which it could legally donate. This constitutes a deliberate falsification of tax records.
CREW’s Investigation and Legal Actions (2016)
March 21, 2016: CREW files a complaint against the Trump Foundation for the illegal donation to And Justice for All.
March 22, 2016: Trump representatives admit to the illegal donation, attributing it to clerical errors.
May 17, 2016: CREW Executive Director Noah Bookbinder publishes an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times highlighting troubling findings in the Trump Foundation’s 990 tax forms.
June 6, 2016: Bondi’s spokesperson claims Bondi was unaware of the numerous complaints against Trump entities when she solicited the donation.
June 7, 2016: Bondi denies ever investigating Trump or his businesses and denies any wrongdoing.
July 6, 2016: CREW files complaints against Bondi with the Florida Inspector General and the state’s Commission on Ethics for failing to investigate Trump University despite receiving the illegal contribution.
August 8, 2016: CREW files an IRS complaint against the Trump Foundation for allegedly acting as a prop for the Trump campaign, including making payments to groups attending campaign rallies.
September 1, 2016: The Washington Post reports on a $2,500 IRS penalty paid by the Trump Foundation for the illegal Bondi donation, sparking widespread media attention.
September 7, 2016: CREW files a second IRS complaint against Trump and the Trump Foundation, alleging the donation to Bondi was used for personal benefit and constituted prohibited self-dealing.
September 13, 2016: CREW files criminal bribery complaints against Trump and Bondi with the Department of Justice.
September 14, 2016: CREW files a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the New York Attorney General for Trump Foundation tax documents and documents related to the ongoing investigation.
September 21, 2016: CREW files its third IRS complaint against Trump for alleged repeated violations of tax law through self-dealing and using the foundation for personal benefit.
October 19, 2016: CREW’s FOIL request reveals further inconsistencies and errors in the Trump Foundation’s tax filings, raising questions about the foundation’s operations.
The Aftermath and Dissolution (2016)
- December 24, 2016: Amid mounting scrutiny and investigations, Trump announces he will shut down the Trump Foundation.
FAQs about the Trump Foundation Scandal
What was the main issue with the Trump Foundation’s donation to Pam Bondi? The donation was illegal because charitable foundations are prohibited from making political contributions. The timing of the donation, coinciding with Bondi’s office considering an investigation into Trump University, raised significant ethical concerns and suspicions of a quid pro quo.
What role did CREW play in uncovering the scandal? CREW’s investigations and legal actions were instrumental in bringing the Trump Foundation scandal to light. They uncovered the illegal donation, filed numerous complaints with various regulatory bodies, and consistently pushed for greater transparency and accountability.
What was the outcome of the Trump Foundation scandal? The scandal resulted in multiple investigations, substantial media coverage, and ultimately, the dissolution of the Trump Foundation. It also raised serious questions about Trump’s business practices and ethical conduct.
We encourage readers to submit any further questions or share information related to the Trump Foundation scandal. Your contributions can help ensure continued transparency and accountability.
