Democratic lawmakers are sounding the alarm over President Trump's future presidential library, which has received significant contributions from corporate sponsors. The list of donors includes Paramount Global, Walt Disney Co., and the nation of Qatar, among others.
In response to these concerns, a group of progressive lawmakers, led by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), has introduced the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act. The proposed measure aims to increase transparency and impose restrictions on donations to presidential libraries.
Paramount Global Agrees to Pay $16 Million to Settle Trump's CBS '60 Minutes' Lawsuit
Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump over edits to a CBS "60 Minutes" broadcast. This settlement is just one of several significant contributions made to Trump's future presidential library.
Walt Disney Co. earlier pledged $15 million to Trump's library to resolve a defamation lawsuit over inaccurate statements about Trump by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. Additionally, the nation of Qatar donated a $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jetliner for Trump's use, which will ultimately be registered to his library.
Lawmakers Introduce Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act
The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act, introduced by Sen. Warren and other lawmakers, aims to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as a tool for corruption and bribery. The measure would require transparency and impose restrictions on donations to presidential libraries, including a cap on contributions, prohibition on donations from lobbyists and foreign governments, and delayed fundraising until a president leaves office.
Violators of the proposed measure would risk criminal or civil penalties, which could equal as much as the value of the gift. The bill would also prohibit the conversion of a donation to personal use, as some have feared will happen with the acceptance of the Qatar plane.
The lawmakers argue that the measure is necessary because there are currently no rules that specifically target solicitation of gifts or payments by individuals and companies to try to curry favor with the president.
For now, the lawmakers lack support from Republicans in Congress, but they believe the measure is essential to prevent corruption and ensure transparency in presidential libraries.
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