USA Today: Trump Could Receive Millions Via Secret Real Estate Dealings

This week, much of the White House conflict of interest news has involved first daughter Ivanka Trump — whose company, according to the AP, received approval for three trademarks in China on the same night she dined with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But a new in-depth report from USA Today lays bare a stunning possibility: through real estate deals that are shrouded in secrecy, it is reportedly possible for someone to funnel millions to President Trump by overpaying for properties.

Through a months-long investigation, USA Today learned that Trump has more than $250 million worth of personal property. And that property could be sold at any time, with the money going to Trump directly. The properties could be purchased in bulk, without it being clear which ones with which valuations were being sold for what amount. And they could legally be purchased by a shell company, with the buyers’ identities hidden.

Heather Lowe, the director of government affairs for a watchdog group called Global Financial Integrity, told USA Today that the nebulous rules governing the President in this area are highly problematic.

“Anyone seeking to influence the president could set up an anonymous company and purchase his property,” Lowe told USA Today. “It’s a big black box, and the system is failing as a check for conflicts of interest.”

Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are currently running the Trump organization. But per USA Today, President Trump has the ability to withdraw funds from the trust set up for him by his sons at any time.

[image via screengrab]

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