As former President Donald Trump continues to tease a future White House bid, a pro-Democratic super PAC has accused him of violating federal campaign laws by raising and spending money for a run without officially filing his candidacy.
In its complaint filed Monday with the Federal Election Commission, American Bridge accused Trump of “illegally using his multicandidate leadership PAC to raise and spend funds in excess of Commission limits for the purpose of advancing a 2024 presidential campaign."
The super PAC says that includes “payments for events at Trump properties, rallies featuring Mr. Trump, consulting payments to former Trump campaign staff, and digital advertising about Mr. Trump’s events and his presumptive 2024 opponent.”
Alleging that Trump has already privately decided to mount a 2024 campaign, American Bridge says he was then obligated to file a candidacy intent statement within 15 days of receiving contributions or making any expenditure over $5,000.
"Trump has played footsie with the Federal Election Campaign Act for months,” the group said Monday, noting that the former president, through his Save America PAC, has spent more than $100,000 per week on Facebook ads “and has consistently raised more than $1 million per week - a clear violation of campaign finance law and precedent established by the Federal Election Commission.”
American Bridge wants the FEC to compel disclosure of Trump’s expenditures and fine him “the maximum amount permitted by law.”
Taylor Budowich, a Trump spokesperson, said the complaint by American Bridge was without merit and he accused Democrats of resorting to “cheap gimmicks.”
“Our country is spiralling into a disaster because of the Democrats’ failures, and instead of reversing course to provide needed relief to American families, they are busy filing frivolous complaints that have zero merit," he said.
It’s unclear how the commission would proceed with the case, which joins a backlogged docket. Sometimes criticized as ineffective and far too slow in its decisions, the six commissioners — three Democrats and three Republicans — often deadlock along party lines, resulting in frequent dismissals.
Last year, for instance, the commission dropped its inquiry into whether Trump violated campaign finance laws when he allegedly instructed his personal lawyer to pay porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money to stay quiet about their alleged sexual relationship before the 2016 election after its commissioners deadlocked 2-2.
In February, the FEC opted not to hold Trump accountable for “soft money” violations that his campaign had previously acknowledged.
Trump has been teasing the prospect of another run since before he left office. At a White House Christmas party in December 2020, Trump told guests that it had “been an amazing four years.”
“We are trying to do another four years. Otherwise, I’ll see you in four years,” he said.
Since then, he has alluded to his plans in nearly every appearance and interview, telling conservative hosts and Trump-friendly audiences that he is waiting to make an announcement until after the midterms because it would trigger campaign finance laws.
“I know what I’m going to do, but we’re not supposed to be talking about it yet from the standpoint of campaign finance laws, which frankly are ridiculous, OK?” Trump said during a September visit with first responders when asked if he would run again. “But we have to live with it. But I think you’re going to be happy.”
“We did it twice and we’ll do it again,” he told a gathering last month. “We’re going to be doing it again, a third time.”
“We may have to run again,” Trump said in South Carolina on Saturday, as he campaigned for two Republican candidates mounting primary challenges to House members he said have been disloyal to him.
“In 2024, we are going to take back that beautiful, beautiful White House. I wonder who will do that. I wonder. I wonder.”
Latest Stories
-
School Feeding Programme: Bono East NIB seizes smuggled rice, arrest driver
18 mins -
Dr. Razak Opoku: Despite challenges, facts and data still prove NPP is better manager of the economy than NDC
26 mins -
Seidu Agongo: On December 7, it must be peace over power
33 mins -
2024 Election will take place on December 7; ignore misleading claims – EC
35 mins -
GPL 2024/25: Asante Kotoko bounce back with win over Aduana FC
1 hour -
GPL 2024/25: Gold Stars beat Vision FC to retain top spot
2 hours -
Ebo Whyte returns with ‘The 4Play’
2 hours -
2024/25 Ghana League: Heart of Lions sink Legon Cities to go third
3 hours -
Bright Simons: DBG, Ghana’s top development bank, goes for the jugular
3 hours -
Governance and Entrepreneurship consultant demands global support for Africa’s young farmers
3 hours -
Ghanaians reminded to prioritise regular health check-ups
3 hours -
Salah brace sends Liverpool 8 points clear
3 hours -
Leicester City sack manager Steve Cooper
3 hours -
Akwasi Sarpong wins AIBs 2024 Award for BBC OS coverage of Israeli hostage release
4 hours -
Gospel musician Adeline Baidoo shares inspiring story of triumph over adversity
4 hours