politics and politicians
See other politics and politicians Articles
Title: Donald Trump rewarding million-dollar donors with plum postings
Source:
From The Trenches
URL Source: http://fromthetrenchesworldreport.c ... nors-with-plum-postings/178467
Published: Dec 22, 2016
Author: Michael Beckel
Post Date: 2016-12-23 10:33:26 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 7666
Comments: 39
Donald Trump routinely blasts his political foes for “pay-to-play” politics and “crony capitalism and corruption.” But Trump is now rewarding some of his biggest campaign bankrollers with unparalleled access, influence, prestige and power in his presidential administration-in-waiting, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of new campaign finance disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission. In all, 18 ultra-wealthy Americans — the majority are billionaires whose fortunes are greatly affected by government decisions — contributed at least $1 million to the Republican’s presidential campaign and political efforts supporting Trump’s bid, the Center for Public Integrity’s analysis shows. At least one person on this list, former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon, is slated to serve in Trump’s Cabinet: Trump this week tapped McMahon to lead the federal government’s Small Business Administration. In addition to spending $6.2 million to support Trump’s presidential effort, she and husband Vince McMahon have together donated millions of dollars to Trump’s scandal-plagued charitable foundation. Trump is also nominating six-figure contributors to cabinet-level positions: billionaire philanthropist Betsy DeVos as education secretary, restaurant mogul Andy Puzder as labor secretary and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as commerce secretary. And four days before Election Day, Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary nominee Ben Carson’s old presidential campaign committee likewise gave a pro-Trump super PAC $100,000. Another top backer, hedge fund manager Robert Mercer, gave $2 million to a pro-Trump super PAC he helped establish with his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, called “Make America Number 1.” The father-daughter duo helped convince Trump to overhaul his campaign leadership in August and install operatives with close ties to the Mercer operation. They are now poised to play a leading role in a new organization designed to advance Trump’s legislative agenda. Rebekah Mercer is also a member of Trump’s presidential transition team executive committee. In a sign of how much the Mercers have endeared themselves to the president-elect, Trump, on Saturday, made a surprise appearance at the Mercer’s “Villains and Heroes”-themed Christmas costume party on Long Island, New York. Then there’s Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, who gave $1 million to the Mercer-led, pro-Trump “Make America Number 1” super PAC during the presidential campaign’s final days, new federal campaign finance disclosures show. One of the few tech titans to openly speak about his support for Trump, Thiel is now on the executive council of Trump’s presidential transition team. Joe Ricketts, the billionaire founder of online brokerage TD Ameritrade who initially funded an anti-Trump super PAC, also earned Trump’s favor after contributing $1 million in September to pro-Trump super PAC “Future45.” Ricketts son, Todd Ricketts, helped run “Future45.” Todd Ricketts is now Trump’s nominee for deputy commerce secretary. Trump has given his No. 1 and No. 2 overall financial backers — casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, and his wife, Miriam Adelson — new jobs since winning the presidency: They’re finance vice-chairmen of Trump’s inaugural committee, which is working to raise tens of millions of dollars to pay for his inauguration. It’s an event that itself promises top donors posh perks and exclusive access to Trump and his administration. Sheldon Adelson — the chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. — waited until late October to put big dollars into backing Trump. But both he and Miriam Adelson ultimately invested $10.2 million each into pro-Trump groups. The Adelsons are strong supporters of Israel and opponents of online gambling. During the Republican presidential primary, Trump had accused Adelson of attempting to use his wealth to control Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was also seeking the GOP presidential nomination. Representatives from Trump’s transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Trump has promised to “drain the swamp” in Washington, D.C. — an allusion to what he says is a capital city controlled by corrupt, self-interested lobbyists, political operatives and businesspeople. On one hand, Trump can argue that many of his top donors are not creatures of Washington, D.C., but rather, successful outsiders he trusts to reform the federal government, said Meredith McGehee, chief of policy, programs and strategy for campaign finance reform organization Issue One. On the other hand, Trump offering top donors key postings and intimate access “raises the question of whether they bought their positions,” she said. In the end, Trump was the biggest single bankroller of his campaign. He ultimately contributed $66.1 million of his own funds to his presidential campaign — about 19 percent of the $339 million he ultimately raised for the primary and general elections, federal disclosures show. Like all candidates, Trump’s campaign was prohibited from raising more than $5,400 per donor — $2,700 for the primary and $2,700 for the general election. But a host of super PACs ultimately sprang up to support the billionaire businessman and celebrity reality TV star. And thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010, and a related lower court ruling, these groups are allowed to accept donations of any amount from contributors. Trump also operated two joint fundraising groups with the Republican National Committee that could collect six-figure checks, money which was split between the Trump campaign, RNC and several state Republican parties. Not all of Trump’s top donors have received key posting in Trump’s administration or transition team — yet. Take Robert McNair, CEO of the Houston Texans, who doubled down on Trump in the final weeks of the election. According to new campaign finance filings, McNair contributed $2 million to a pro-Trump group called “Great America PAC” on Oct. 21. But another football mogul — Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets and a major Trump donor — is a member of Trump’s inaugural committee. Trump is also reportedly considering Johnson for nomination as the United States’ ambassador to the United Kingdom. Modern presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, have regularly offered top donors ambassadorships. Trump has offered no indication he will change this practice. Trump also has yet to begin doling out most ambassador positions. Two other top Trump donors — billionaire Diane Hendricks, the richest woman in Wisconsin, and billionaire Stephen Feinberg, CEO and founder of investment firm Cerberus Capital Management — served as economic advisers to Trump during the campaign. It’s not yet clear whether either will have a more formal role in Trump’s administration. Bernard Marcus, the billionaire co-founder of Home Depot, donated $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs, ranking him just behind the Adelsons in overall contributions. Marcus says he has no interest in a formal role with the Trump administration, but has said he will be available if Trump wants his advice. Former Goldman Sachs executive Steve Mnuchin doesn’t rank among Trump’s top donors. But Mnuchin, who as Trump’s top campaign fundraiser was responsible for convincing so many wealthy individuals to give Trump money, is also enjoying the spoils of victory. Trump has nominated Mnuchin as his U.S. Treasury secretary. Update, Dec. 9, 2016, 2:22 p.m.: This story has been updated to reflect that 18, not 17, ultra-wealthy Americans donated at least $1 million to pro-Trump efforts. A newly filed campaign finance report by pro-Trump super PAC “Great America PAC” showed that billionaire Marvel Entertainment CEO Isaac Perlmutter contributed $5 million to the group, adding him to the list. The same report showed that billionaire Dallas banker Andy Beal contributed $2 million to Great America PAC on Nov. 1, which increased his total contributions in the table. Chris Zubak-Skees contributed to this report.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Deckard (#0)
They contributed to PACs and Super PACs. Only one of the 18 $1 million+ con contributors contributors was appointed to a cabinet position -- the Small Business Ad Adninistration Adninistration.
Ron Paul was a great thinker in the US Congress. We need more GREAT Americans like him.
I think paulsen/Whitey stutters into his text-to-type application. He claims to be a Mensa member. I used to call him Mensa boy.
Are they not left wing hacks? Its funny Trump is not even in office and people are foaming at the mouth!
Ron Paul was the worst political investment I ever made. In the last presidential debate he was ignored completely and was fine with that. This shameless bum is now selling Freeze Dryers that are "able to Save Your Life" on the Glenn Beck Hour. Paul is the Wally Cox of politics.
The D&R Party is a suicide cult!
I love your pimping for political losers. If you took all of the votes these 3rd party losers have received, added them together, you'd have app 3%, give or take. But do keep cheering. It amuses me.
pimping for political losers When is wining an election losing? When a Republican or Democrat ends up in office. Tragic! The D&R Party is a suicide cult!
Are you the whack who told me 3rd party candidates aren't about winning elections?
...and the chumps who voted for him can't see that they have been played for suckers. But I don't stutter when I sing. Go figure.
I watched an old TV show on Sunday. Mel Tillis was on it. Something Wagoner...was the name. Portis maybe.
...and the chumps who voted for him can't see that they have been played for suckers. As if letting Clinton win and turn America into a socialist/fascist/progressive nightmare with no chance of changing it is even a sane choice? Trump is not perfect but he is a major push back from where we were heading. You guys beg for someone different and you get one and your still bitching!!!!!!!!! At least give him a chance but I suspect you don't care who is elected.
It sure doesn't seem that way to me or many others. Only those who genuflect at the altar of St. Donald refuse to face the facts - you have been played. Wagon Train?
...like a violin.
I was close.
Something Wagoner...was the name. Portis maybe. Porter - he sang duets with Dolly Parton for 7 years until she put the kibosh on the deal to go solo IIRC. She wrote that song "I will always love you" for him.. You mean he still thinks there should be a federal government and not destroy it completely? Only those who genuflect at the altar of St. Donald refuse to face the facts - you have been played. How about give him a chance to work? BTW if you tell the gangsters down the street you will no long defend the street and will only defend you house how long until the gangsters own the street and your your house in time? If we completely remove from the world how long until China or Russia will fill the void? To me you guys live in a all or nothing world or insanity.
It won't be Russia or China. It will be islamic jihad that fills the void with our help.
I hate to step on your teenie, tiny toes but you are another asshole that doesn't understand the world around yourself.
I understand the world around me and unlike you can see it. Now go buy some of Ron's fast frozen, the world's going to end, lasagne.
Enjoy your scum sucking Republicans! The D&R Party is a suicide cult!
How do you understand the world around yourself? Explain yourself to ensure some sort of credibility beyond just making a post on a chit-chat channel.
Vinny is a slightly less annoying version of of yukon - Version 2.0, so give the guy a break. Whack-O, you haven't answered my question; is it YOU who told me 3rd Parties aren't about winning?
I see the evils of drink, and I must help the afflicted. I see the folly of buying gold, and feel obliged to assist. I see the insanity of Ron Paul and his poodle-like son, and must help.
Paul Derangement Syndrome (PDS) is a mental condition that, though it was first detected during the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, has only now been identified for the dangerous disorder that it is. Also known as “Paulophobia,” those suffering from it find themselves tortured by their fear of Texas Congressman and three time presidential candidate Ron Paul. PDS is peculiar in that in spite of its being a contagion, there is but one segment of the general population that it is known to afflict. Even more curious is the fact that this segment consists of Ron Paul’s fellow partisans in the Republican Party. More specifically, it is neoconservative men and women, especially those with a particularly powerful proclivity for “conservative” talk radio and Fox News, who are most susceptible to contracting PDS. PDS is known to ravage the rationality of its hosts. While this disorder indeed promises to reduce its victims’ thoughts on Congressman Paul to textbook cases of illogic, it would be a mistake to infer from this that every Paulophobe was a clear thinker prior to falling prey to PDS: In a not inconsiderable number of instances, Paulophobia hasn’t so much as caused the wild irrationality that is the most salient characteristic of all PDS victims as exacerbated the general unreasonableness with which they already lived. Unlike many other illnesses, PDS isn’t at all difficult to identify. The Paulophobe’s discourse on all matters pertaining to Ron Paul, or at least to Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy, is replete with, not just inconsistencies, but glaring inconsistencies, contradictions that are so profound that even a college freshman enrolled in an introductory logic course couldn’t help but to be pained by them. To anyone remotely attuned to reality or possessed of a modicum of reason, the Paulophobe’s utterances can’t but sound like the babblings of a baby: indecipherable noises intending to signify we know not what. At one and the same time that he loudly and proudly affirms “limited government,” “liberty,” “individualism,” “fiscal sanity,” “the Constitution,” and “the Founders,” the Paulophobe will just as loudly and unabashedly repudiate Ron Paul. Although the latter has proven to be, by far, both more committed and more consistently committed to these values than any political actor of our generation — although, that is, he is an incomparable champion of the very ideals that the Paulophobe claims to cherish — the Paulophobe insists upon treating Ron Paul as an enemy.
That says it all, clowns
Pretty disingenuous of you to try and equate the two men, but I suppose that's the best you can come up with. More's the pity. Are/were you an acolyte of Ron Applewhite? KooK, they're both cultists, one has assumed room temperature while the other pitches gold and fast frozen baked ziti, guaranteed to last 50 years. Have you bought any?
No, was it a Libertarian presidential candidate? The D&R Party is a suicide cult!
Yes. Do not believe in government on any level.
Give these people a voting day every year, so that they’ll have the illusion of meaningless choice, meaningless choice that we go like slaves and say, Joe, I voted. The limits of debate in this country are, are, are established before the debate even begins. And everyone else is marginalized, and made to seem there to be communist or some sort of disloyal person, a kook...there is a word and now it’s conspiracy, say, they made that something that’s, that is, that is should not be even entertained for a minute that powerful people might get together and have a plan, it doesn’t happen you are a kook, you are a conspiracy buff, a conspiracy buff. AKA Fake News!
New screen name Gatlin? Or should we just refer to you as "Hillary"? The Center for Public Integrity was founded in 1989 by Charles Lewis. We are one of the country's oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative news organizations and winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism. Our mission: To serve democracy by revealing abuses of power, corruption and betrayal of public trust by powerful public and private institutions, using the tools of investigative journalism. The Center is a nonprofit digital news organization; it is nonpartisan and does no advocacy work. The Center for Public Integrity is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. The Center’s editorial staff consists of journalists, FOIA experts, copy editors, researchers, fact-checkers and data experts who work on the Center’s investigative projects and stories. The Center distributes its investigations through its award-winning website and to all forms of media; broadcast, print, online, and blogs, around the globe. Or should we just refer to you as "Hillary"? you two bit piece of shit, you wouldn't make a pimple on a Marines ass, two bit piece of shit! Where do you live asshole? Or would you rather come to ElPaso, at 82 I'll make you cry out like the little two bit obama bottom you are!
"In all, 18 ultra-wealthy Americans — the majority are billionaires whose fortunes are greatly affected by government decisions — contributed at least $1 million to the Republican’s presidential campaign"
#2. To: misterwhite (#1)
#3. To: buckeroo (#2)
#4. To: Deckard (#0)
Center for Public Integrity
#5. To: buckeroo (#2)
#6. To: Vinny (#5)
#7. To: hondo68 (#6)
#8. To: Vinny, *The Two Parties ARE the Same* (#7)
#9. To: hondo68 (#8)
#10. To: Justified, hondo68, buckeroo (#4)
Its funny Trump is not even in office...
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#11. To: Fred Mertz (#3)
"I think paulsen/Whitey stutters into his text-to-type application."
#12. To: misterwhite (#11)
#13. To: Deckard (#10)
Its funny Trump is not even in office...
#14. To: Justified (#13)
Trump is not perfect but he is a major push back from where we were heading.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#15. To: Fred Mertz (#12)
"Something Wagoner...was the name. Portis maybe."
#16. To: Deckard (#14)
#17. To: misterwhite (#15)
#18. To: Fred Mertz (#12)
I watched an old TV show on Sunday. Mel Tillis was on it.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#19. To: Deckard (#14)
It sure doesn't seem that way to me or many others.
#20. To: Justified (#19)
If we completely remove from the world how long until China or Russia will fill the void?
#21. To: Vinny (#5)
Paul is the Wally Cox of politics.
#22. To: buckeroo (#21)
#23. To: Vinny, Newt, Karl Rove Progressives (#9)
#24. To: Vinny (#22)
#25. To: buckeroo (#24)
How do you understand the world around yourself?
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#26. To: hondo68 (#23)
#27. To: buckeroo (#24)
How do you understand the world around yourself?
#28. To: Vinny, buckeroo (#27)
I see the insanity of Ron Paul and his poodle-like son...
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#29. To: Deckard (#28)
Ron Applewhite
#30. To: third party morons, and other assorted dipshits (#0)
In the end, Trump was the biggest single bankroller of his campaign. He ultimately contributed $66.1 million of his own funds to his presidential campaign — about 19 percent of the $339 million he ultimately raised for the primary and general elections, federal disclosures show.
#31. To: Vinny (#29)
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#32. To: Deckard (#31)
#33. To: Vinny, Gay Johnson (#26)
is it YOU who told me 3rd Parties aren't about winning?
#34. To: Vinny (#32)
Have you bought any?
#35. To: Vinny (#32)
KooK
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#36. To: Deckard (#0)
Center for Public Integrity
#37. To: John_Henry_DaDum (#36)
(Edited)
AKA Fake News!
About The Center for Public Integrity
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#38. To: Deckard (#37)
New screen name Gatlin?
#39. To: John_Henry_DaDum (#38)
where do you live asshole? Or would you rather come to ElPaso, at 82 I'll make you cry out like the little two bit obama bottom you are!
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]