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Report shows Trump milks presidency for badly needed bailout

The article at the provided URL, titled "‘Carnival of Corruption’: Report Shows Trump Milks Presidency for Badly Needed Bailout," is a segment from "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" on MSNBC. The segment focuses on a report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) that details how former President Donald Trump allegedly used his presidency to enrich himself and his family. The report, titled "Carnival of Corruption," outlines various instances where Trump's actions as president directly benefited his personal finances and those of his family members.

The report claims that Trump's presidency was marked by a continuous effort to leverage his position for financial gain. One of the key points highlighted is Trump's refusal to divest from his business interests, which allowed him to profit from foreign governments and domestic entities that patronized his hotels and other properties. The report specifically mentions the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., which became a hotspot for foreign dignitaries and lobbyists seeking to curry favor with the administration.

The CREW report also delves into the Trump family's business dealings, particularly those involving Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. It alleges that both Ivanka and Jared used their positions in the White House to advance their business interests. For instance, Ivanka's fashion brand saw a significant increase in sales and exposure during her father's presidency, despite her claims of stepping away from day-to-day operations. Similarly, Jared Kushner's real estate company, Kushner Companies, reportedly received substantial investments from foreign entities, including a $1.8 billion investment from a Qatari-backed firm shortly after Kushner's visit to the Middle East.

The report further examines Trump's tax returns, which were released by the House Ways and Means Committee. These returns revealed that Trump paid very little in federal income taxes during his presidency, often paying as little as $750 in certain years. The report argues that Trump's tax strategies were designed to minimize his tax liability while maximizing his personal wealth, often at the expense of the American public.

Another significant aspect of the report is Trump's use of his presidential platform to promote his businesses. The report cites numerous instances where Trump mentioned his properties during official events and speeches, effectively turning these occasions into free advertising opportunities. For example, Trump frequently mentioned his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, which saw a surge in membership fees and revenue during his presidency.

The report also discusses Trump's efforts to secure a bailout for his struggling businesses, particularly his golf courses and hotels. It alleges that Trump used his influence to lobby for government assistance, including loans and tax breaks, to keep his businesses afloat. The report points out that these efforts were particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of Trump's properties faced financial difficulties due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.

In addition to the financial aspects, the report touches on the ethical implications of Trump's actions. It argues that Trump's refusal to adhere to traditional ethical standards set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. The report suggests that Trump's behavior normalized a level of corruption and self-dealing that could have long-term consequences for American democracy.

The segment on "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" features commentary from various experts and political analysts who discuss the implications of the CREW report. They emphasize that the report's findings are not just a matter of personal enrichment but also a broader issue of public trust and the integrity of the presidency. The analysts argue that Trump's actions undermined the public's faith in government and highlighted the need for stronger ethical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms.

The segment also includes reactions from political figures and the public. Some Republican lawmakers downplayed the report's findings, arguing that Trump's business dealings were a private matter and not relevant to his performance as president. However, many Democrats and independent observers saw the report as further evidence of Trump's unfitness for office and called for greater accountability and transparency in future administrations.

The CREW report concludes with a series of recommendations for preventing similar abuses of power in the future. These include stricter conflict-of-interest laws, mandatory divestiture of business interests for elected officials, and enhanced oversight and enforcement of ethical standards. The report also calls for greater transparency in financial disclosures and a more robust system for investigating and prosecuting violations of ethical standards.

Overall, the segment on "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" provides a comprehensive overview of the CREW report and its implications for American politics and governance. It underscores the need for vigilance and reform to ensure that future presidents do not exploit their office for personal gain. The report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American democracy and the importance of maintaining the integrity of public office.

In conclusion, the article and the accompanying segment on MSNBC delve deeply into the allegations of corruption and self-dealing during Donald Trump's presidency. The CREW report, titled "Carnival of Corruption," provides a detailed account of how Trump allegedly used his position to enrich himself and his family, highlighting the need for stronger ethical standards and greater accountability in government. The segment features expert analysis and public reactions, emphasizing the broader implications of Trump's actions for American democracy and the importance of preventing similar abuses of power in the future.

Read the Full MSNBC Article at:
[ https://www.msnbc.com/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/-carnival-of-corruption-report-shows-trump-milks-presidency-for-badly-needed-bailout-242697797928 ]