Mar-a-Lago

[AGBF]

I was listening to the radio today (I have Sirius radio in my car and listen to a really informative, balanced, political station). A reporter gave a thorough report on Mar-a-Lago and I have to admit I was stunned. (And I don't consider myself näive.) Apparently President Trump has been allowed to keep full ownership of the privately owned Mar-a-lago Club, which we all know he visits each weekend, bringing luminaries from Washington and foreign dignitaries with him. Although he cannot touch the proceeds of the club while he is president, ownership remains completely and solely his. I believe that the reporter also said that the membership fee went from $100,000 a year to $200,000 since he became a candidate or since he became president (I forget which). People are joining to have access to him and the important people he brings there, and also just to let him know that they sponsor his club. They are also staying at his hotel, especially his new on in Washington, DC, for the same purpose. The reporter pointed out that even if President Trump does not give people who frequent his hotels preferential treatment, the idea that he might brings him a lot of business. he is using the presidency blatantly to enrich himself.

The moderator asked the reporter if the Clintons hadn't done this if Bill Clinton gave a speech and Hillary Clinton gave someone an interview at The State Department.

The moderator replied that the Clintons were alleged to have engaged in that behavior, but Trump was supposed to "drain the swamp". He was blatantly using his office for profit.

I could not find a transcript of the great radio show I heard today, but I did find some information on Mar-a-lago.

Here is an excerpt from an article that started off simply stating that Trump criticized President Obama for taking too many weekends off at places like Camp David!


"And it’s not just Trump. Those who pay the $200,000 membership fee also, evidently, get access to the U.S. attorney general and other powerful cabinet secretaries, and even get front-row seats to see officials respond in real time to national security challenges, conducted in full view of civilians.

The club’s managing director conceded to the Times that Trump’s presidency 'enhances' club membership – which may help explain the increase in entrance fees – adding, “People are now even more interested in becoming members.”

If you voted Republican because you were worried about Hillary Clinton and pay-to-play controversies, I have some very bad news for you. Trump is profiting from the presidency in ways no one has been able to credibly defend.

As we discussed a couple of weeks ago, we’re looking at an ethical nightmare. A president who refuses to divest from his many business ventures still owns a for-profit enterprise, in which undisclosed people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for exclusive access – and the facility itself openly acknowledges the financial benefits of exploiting Trump’s presidency.

How many lobbyists or agents of foreign governments are signing up to take advantage? We don’t know – because Mar-a-Lago doesn’t disclose its membership list."

Link...http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/following-sessions-mar-lago-appearance-new-ethics-questions-arise

AGBF

 

[redwood66]

I agree. He should be out of this business.

 

[lovedogs]

Yeah, I'm still unclear how this is OK considering how POTUS is supposed to be untied to business interests.

And think that Mar a Lago should release a guest list, since the concern of "pay to play" are very relevant here.

Also Deb: I've heard the same about the increase in member fees since he became POTUS (or during campaign).


PS. I hope all is well with your DD and I'm sending you dust and good wishes always

 

[AGBF]

Yeah, I'm still unclear how this is OK considering how POTUS is supposed to be untied to business interests.

And think that Mar a Lago should release a guest list, since the concern of "pay to play" are very relevant here.

Also Deb: I've heard the same about the increase in member fees since he became POTUS (or during campaign).


PS. I hope all is well with your DD and I'm sending you dust and good wishes always

Thank you for your good wishes, lovedogs!

Deb

 

[smitcompton]

Hi All,

This has been reviewed in the media many times. The President does not, again I say, does not need to remove himself from any of his businesses. The President does not fall into the category of "conflict of interest." The law exempts the Pres, any Pres. What most of us have thought is true for others , but not the Pres. He has no conflicts.

In the past it was customary to do so, but it is not the law. In truth, why would you expect anyone who has developed a business themselves give it up. Its not like a Corp, where your interest is only income and stocks. Those could be put in a blind trust. Trump sold his stocks, but will keep all his businesses. By the way he owned the pipeline stock of those Indian in ND that were protesting.

I do not like that he conducts Presidential business at an open table at Mara-Lago. I am not at all bothered by his weekends there.

I am bothered that he is our President.


Annette

 

[AGBF]

In truth, why would you expect anyone who has developed a business themselves give it up.

Well, for one reason, because he is running it at our (the taxpayers' ) expense. We have to pay a fortune in taxes to protect him and the premises from the people he hosts there. The bills for the Secret Service to search that place and keep it secure all the time he is there must be astronomical. It is not a secluded spot to vacation, like camp David. I wouldn't confiscate his property, but I would insist he either use it for his private use alone (like a home to which he could bring non-paying guests) or sell it.

AGBF

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Deb, we are not paying to run his business at Mara-Lago. Yes, we are paying for travel, and security expenses, which are high. Richard Nixon went to the Keyes and Johnson went to Texas. Pres go where they feel comfortable. He has private quarters there.
I understand why he likes it there. Much better than camp David.

Annette

Remember our founding fathers were probably small businessmen and farmers. They trusted one another to put Country first. Most kept their trades as they didn't plan to be Pres. forever. They believed in each other. We don't trust as much.