House Democrats released a new report alleging that Donald Trump overcharged Secret Service agents protecting him and his family for rooms at his hotel in Washington while he was president. The report also claims that foreign and domestic officials, including people seeking jobs or pardons from Trump, paid for rooms at the Trump International Hotel in Washington. The report is part of an investigation into financial benefits Trump received while in office and his attempts to enrich himself, often at taxpayers’ expense.
The report is based on records of spending at Trump’s Washington hotel over 11 months during his presidency. It accuses the Trump Corporation of charging the Secret Service higher prices for rooms, sometimes up to 300% more than the approved government per diem rate. The report also highlights instances where individuals seeking benefits from Trump stayed at the hotel, including eight U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, state governors, and a Trump Cabinet secretary.
The report does not specify a penalty for Trump but calls for Congress to create legislation with clear penalties for officeholders who violate the emoluments clause. Trump has faced multiple lawsuits alleging violations of the clause, but the courts have rejected them. The report emphasizes the need for legislation to ensure that government officials act in the public interest rather than for personal gain.
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