Donald Trump ethics scandal: What to learn about his $230 million demand

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Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump is attempting to pay himself $230 million in taxpayer cash.

Wait, what? The fee, which was first reported Tuesday by the New York Times , would take the type of compensation for 2 administrative claims Trump has filed towards the Justice Division over investigations into his 2016 marketing campaign’s ties with Russia, and over the FBI raid of Mar-a-Lago and later DOJ indictment over his retention of categorised paperwork upon leaving the White Home in 2021.

Can he do this? It’s shockingly, cartoonishly unethical — one supply described it to the Occasions as “so primary and basic, you don’t want a regulation professor to clarify it” — nevertheless it additionally doesn’t seem to be anybody can cease him.

Trump filed the claims, which aren't lawsuits, in 2023 and 2024; fee for any claims must be permitted by the Justice Division, and could be made to Trump personally.

There are two individuals on the DOJ who might approve a fee of the magnitude Trump is demanding — each had been appointed to their roles by Trump. One is Trump’s personal former private lawyer, Deputy Legal professional Basic Todd Blanche, and the opposite beforehand represented different figures in Trump’s shut orbit. It’s onerous to think about a clearer battle of curiosity.

Why does this matter? Trump has a protracted historical past of demanding eye-poppingly massive numbers for perceived offenses; earlier this 12 months, he sued the New York Times for $15 billion in a grievance that was subsequently dismissed. On this case, nevertheless, the courts aren’t there to behave as a guardrail; there’s nothing to cease the fee, which can not even be publicly disclosed when it’s made.

And with that, it’s time to sign off…

My colleague Bryan Walsh does a reliably implausible job highlighting excellent news out on this planet, and I notably loved his latest piece , all about the advantages of city biking. To call just a few: It’s environment friendly, good for the local weather, and good for you — and cities, within the US and elsewhere, are lastly beginning to make investments extra in protected bike lanes and different infrastructure for cyclists. You possibly can learn the story here ; have an amazing night and we’ll see you again right here tomorrow!