Trump Announces He’ll Shut Down Charitable Foundation to ‘Avoid Even the Appearance of Any Conflict’

President-Elect Donald Trump announced on Christmas Eve that he intends to dissolve his philanthropic organization before he takes office next month.

“The Foundation has done enormous good works over the years in contributing millions of dollars to countless worthy groups,” Trump’s statement reads. “However, to avoid even the appearance of any conflict with my role as President I have decided to continue to pursue my strong interest in philanthropy in other ways.”

Statement from President-Elect @realDonaldTrump on the Donald J. Trump Foundation. pic.twitter.com/F1tpynUNIF

— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 24, 2016

Trump’s foundation has been a source of controversy for him over the course of the election. Multiple reports accused Trump of using his charity’s donations to benefit his personal and business interests. The foundation has admitted to breaking IRS rules, and the New York State Attorney General’s office ordered it to stop soliciting contributions months ago.

[Image via screengrab]

— —

>> Follow Ken Meyer (@KenMeyer91) on Twitter

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!