Hary Tanoesoedibjo or Hary Tanoe, as he is commonly known in Indonesia, is also closely linked with Bambang Suharto, a son of the late (and notoriously corrupt) Indonesian president, Suharto, and a major investor in Tanoe’s media companies. Four Corners, a leading current affairs program, ran a profile of Tanoe and his links with Trump in a report (plus transcript) televised last year:
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/the-company-he-keeps/8674984
2
Have people forgotten Trump's ISIS business partners planning coup in Indonesia? https://theintercept.com/2017/04/18/trumps-indonesian-allies-in-bed-with...
And which business friends the President and Vice-President trust as US foreign policy advisers? https://www.democracynow.org/2017/4/21/shocking_expose_reveals_trump_ass...
2
First Trump attacks ZTE, then he rushes in to save the company he banned from buying US electronic components and now we learn that the Chinese are helping his company in Indonesia. 25th Amendment, anyone?
2
This is the height of Quid Pro Quo ... national security, national interests, campaign promise to his base to control China, ethics, be damned.
The emolument clause should work to prevent it bu the republicans on the Capitol Hill are so bizarrely wimpy that there is no metaphor to express it.
3
Trump announced he would "drain the swamp." Little did we know that he wanted to drain it so that he could install a cesspool of corrupt practices and self-dealing. This makes me sick to my stomach. Trump gave the American voters a song and dance about protecting America from Chinese predations, but when a Chinese company actually takes a hit, Trump runs to its protection right after he gets millions in Chinese government investment. This story should be on the front page as it unravels.
4
This is NOT OK.
Our government is so corrupted by Trump he doesn't even hide it anymore.He knows the Republicans will sit down and shut up. He knows Democrats are all talk cowards that are just as owned by their donor class. It's to late to drain the swamp we need to burn the swamp and pick off the rats that make it out.
3
Ok, now where are the Benghazi style hearings and investigations?
Connect the dots and impeach
1
This president continues to insult us. We the people of the USA have become pawns. He is using the office like no other ever has. He is sneaky, cunning and deceptive. He is able to get people to do his bidding. These are people that have zero morals or any concern for anything that is not about them and their wealth/greed. A trump property and theme part indeed. What will its theme be? Catering to who?
trumps Department of Justice and trumps lawyers say trump is doing nothing wrong. Well then, I guess everything is on the up and up. trump would never, ever do anything that wasn't ethical or legal.
While there are details that confuse whether there is financial benefits to Trump, there is no confusion as to whether Trump's continued business dealings are at best, questionable. The Congress needs to specifically say that his business interests are not violations of the Emoluments Clause, and allow them, or not. The silence from the GOP controlled Congress is deafening. My guess is that after election day, the matter will not be ignored, and his violation of the Constitution, which he swore to be uphold, will be his undoing. It is truly sad that his supporters do not appreciate the full extent of his hypocrisy. It isn't America first, it is Trump $$$$ First.
get financing/try to help ZTE.
some people see things as coincidental - i don't believe in coincidence - i believe in conspiracy.
no collusion? corruption!
years ago, i was out fishing and a ring dropped off my finger and fell into water 40 feet deep. a few days later, i caught a fish in the same spot - we cooked the fish and when i took a bite, there was no ring inside.
these things don't happen by accident. and it seems that few care.
1
I wonder if Trump had run on a platform to allow the "Commerce Department to resolve the issue to save Chinese jobs" if he would be president today? Looks like there is no end in sight to corruption from Trump disregarding the emolument clause.
1
"Both the theme park and the Trump-branded hotel and 18-hole golf course are being developed by the billionaire Hary Tanoesoedibjo..." (paragraph 7)
So this is not a Tump development? It is a Tanoesoedibjo development?
And doesn't "Trump-branded" mean that Trump, as usual, just licensed the name as a logo to attract those people who somehow think that name means something good?
That's most of what his business is:
https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/08/31/436302090/are-som...
"When You See 'Trump' On A Building, It Might Not Be What You Think"
We need details before people start howling about The Emoluments Clause (this year's version of The Logan Act for recent Graduates of The Social Media School Of Law).
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
His name on the building means he is profiting. That's the whole issue behind the emolument clause. Nothing states anything has to be owned. The fact that he is president shows more potential for him to earn more money due to his name. Same as how he doubled the yearly fee to his Margo Largo resort after he was elected president.
4
Never elect anyone-as well as his entire family- who is completely incapable of feeling shame.
3
Follow the money. Connect the dots. Corrupt bargain!
1
Hmmm...let me think. Trump takes hard line on China trade issues. Chinese offer support for Trump Inc Indonesia project. Trump reverses hard line on trade issues and tweets that we must take steps to support Chinese company ZTE - save Chinese jobs. That's our new policy - Chinese jobs! The art of the deal!!
5
The Art of A Deal!
Not everyone thinks his Deal of the Day is "awkward". Our Dear Leader's GOP base firmly believes that is how you do business in today's international economy, and his layers of lawyers will protect him from that archaic "emoluments" clause.
4
All this Trump reversal smells rotten, a huge conflict of interest, meant to redound in financial gain for Trump and his family...abusing the White House as his private office. Corruption seems 'alive and well'.
5
Really--'the timing is awkward'? The timing is SUSPICIOUS. Since the reporter is so timid, I hope the NYT editors at least write an editorial about this. In any other administration, the President violating the emoluments clause of the Constitution would have made the headline.
9
Mueller...... please..........just go with what you have, man. We can always litigate the details later but this is a crime in progress.......
3
Trump's fortune may rise up to 10 billions at the end of his tenure. Best wishes. The China deals, however, would be more complicated and dangerous than the kind of Panama letter.
1
Whaddaya gotta do to get charged with treason in this country?
And still not a peep out of Republicans, let alone the coal miners, steel workers and farmers who voted for him, about how he's selling out the country to line his pockets.
12
Trump + Indonesian "Development" Project + Chinese "construction company" = Something very, very fishy!
Remember the Times expose about all the laundered-money, shell-corporation anonymous "owners" of Trump's Columbus Circle property?
Perhaps this is pay-off for covert sweet deals being doled out by Trump? At US taxpayer's expense probably, as well! (tax breaks, accounting tricks, off-shored "legal" work, etc)
4
This is what a hostile takeover looks like - of our government and representatives. The Republican Party is cheering!
3
MAGA - Make Asia Great Again!
6
The comment from @Barry64 is spot on. Why is no one discussing this?
1
Only in Indonesia or India does the Trump name add "cachet." Clearly, those countries should be spending more on education.
6
Trump doesn't even bother to hide the corruption anymore, it's right out there in the open for everyone to see. I suppose Jared is working on deals to swap influence for cash to save 666. I wonder what other policies are changing to benefit Trump and his family. Interestingly, a huge chunk of America thinks he's doing a good job and no-one does anything to stop the corruption. America, third world country.
12
Emoluments violation not mentioned until paragraph 12? "Without fear or favor?" Not.
9
Ah, that's why he made overtures regarding ZTE. Trump is a criminal, an emolumentally pathological criminal.
8
How is this possibly not your front page, big font headline after Trump's rejection of punishing ZTE?
25
I feel like throwing up reading this. Disgusting.
10
The timing isn't awkward, it's perfect. "Hey Trump back off our company ZTE which is committing illegal sanctions breaking and say that support Chinese jobs and we'll built you a big beautiful course with some free Chinese labor. You'll really make a lot of money you can access right now through your black box account." Sure, that sounds like a great deal, I can hear him brag how great a negotiator he is. (Yes, the Chinese will ship in Chinese labor to Indonesia.) We've all forgotten about the illegal immigrant labor he used at his U.S. properties.
37
the timing is not "awkward". This is bribery, pure and simple. Emoluments. This alone should be grounds for removal of a corrupt president.
22
The Trump projects in West Java and Bali are so compromised ethically, environmentally, and politically it boggles the mind. Indonesians have been objecting for years. For a start, watch the Australian Broadcasting Company’s piece called The Company He Keeps.
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2017/07/03/4693993.htm
16
Trump has no regard for the rule of law or the constitution. This is all about Donald Trump and building his wealth. There is no need for an investigation to find Trump morally and ethically corrupt. Everyone who voted for him knew that when they cast their vote.
11
I won't be the only one to say this.
Even if it is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is NO connection between the money given, errr, lent, errrr, sent as a bribe to Donny, it still smells.
Trump would be the first to say that what a lawyer or Senator or any civilized person is doing stinks. The timing of the 2 events stinks to high heaven and is evidence of bribery and violation of the Emoluments clause. If this aint an Emoluments violation, what were the founding fathers thinking?
15
Thanks Donald Trump, you have uncanny ability to make America as corrupt as the country of my birth and the corruption I left behind 42 years ago. Thanks for making me feel home again.
16
Trump prefers self-dealers that do not get caught.
11
Hah!
Corruption much?
Swamp + Trump = Swump
17
That the reason 45th went to White House, to enrich himself and his family, making 320 million people stupid. In fact the whole world. He did not go for public service. Its a blatant naked aggression on US democracy and Rule of Law.
22
The Chinese owned company is probably run by friends of the Communist party and thus, they too have to put $$$ in their pockets. So Trump and these Chinese share the same dream: making more $$$. Collusion anyone?
15
What could go wrong?
4
Here we have blatant bribery, with a president who is putting US security interests at risk in order to personally enrich himself, and the NY Times is calling it "awkward". Our media has no guts, and frankly are complicit in Trump's corruption simply for the fact that they have the power to call it out for what it is, but instead choose to use language that can be misconstrued. Shameful, NYT, shameful.
35
Yes indeed!
3
So that’s why he is suddenly so concerned about ZTE. Well played, Xi, well played.
39
Does anyone know how much these brand franchises, before and after the election, cost? Are we talking about a small sum in relation to the hotel and golf course or something really big? What is the usual duration of such an agreement?
I don’t know what I have to argue about.
1
The agreements, which these days are for the Trump name only, will last only as long as the people in Indonesia are stupid enough to think that the Trump name is a good thing.
"There isn’t any evidence that the agreement with the construction company was intended to sway the Trump administration on any matters." Really? This is why Trump said the thing about shooting someone on 5th Avenue. After all, who would stop him? It used to be said that the president is not above the law. Not any more.
41
The self-dealing and corruption continue unabated.
38
The timing is not "awkward". Trump's company is a minority shareholder and has NO say it what the majority owner does.
Nice try, no sale.
6
It’s a trademark deal, like everything else. Trump takes no responsibility, for anything, anywhere.
12
Trump doesn't need any control on the hotel side to engineering a bribery scheme. 1) Trump drops sanctions against China's ZTE corporation (that's the thing he has control over). 2) In return, China provides a $500 million infusion to a company that will build a massive theme park (imagine something like an Indonesian Disney World). 3) Trump-branded hotels reside within the theme park. The hotels reap a huge benefit so Trump personally reaps a huge benefit. It's bribery plain and simple. His negotiations are designed to benefit him, not Americans.
8
The timing is INCREDIBLY awkward. To not see that, even if you want to believe that Trumpy did nothing wrong, is to believe that up is down. For it not to have occured when Trump is pres is what should have happened, that is what an honorable leader does rather than make deals to enrich himself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3
NYT: This is impeachable bribery. After bellowing about the Chinese for years, Trump pays them off with favourable US economic policies just as one of his companies needs their help. This was not advised nor had it been previously discussed with advisers. Let’s call it what it is.
Article II, SECTION 4: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, BRIBERY, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
82
What a coincidence! More jobs needed for China and his project gets a $500 million infusion...emoluments clause Ryan and McConnell? Corruption anyone? Crickets.....
57
Exactly
1
It’s official, the US is no longer a third world swamp of corruption, it’s now a fourth world
cesspool of corruption. What an embarrassment! Mr. Mueller please hurry while there’s still a country to save.
45
So, how many people has Trump shot on 5th Ave so far?
12
Concrete thinking alert!
1
Trump’s first significant public/private infrastructure project. Success.
15
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. Trump is eager to convert them to golf.
14
So great the swamp is being drained. Then again, draining the swamp had always been code phrase for something else. It had always been more about ridding government of career professionals who were actually educated and experienced in doing their jobs, and staffing it with Trump cronies as reward for their loyalty to Glorious Leader.
42
Our criminal president continues his self enriching romp as he trashes national interests in order to financially advance himself and his family. Utterly disgusting to watch
19
This is in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
18
Exactly! So why is NO ONE in Congress or the media talking about this?
3
Pay off, period. The slimy swamp spreads around the globe. I need a shower. Again.
34
I’m sure this is unrelated to ZTE...
12
Making China Great Again.
Donald Trump.
Four more year!
6
Quid pro quo?
4
Simply put, spineless Republicans are using Trump to further their agenda. If that means looking the other way, they're OK with that.
Deficit? Well, let's forget that. Obstruction, emolument, porn-stars, lying, racism? Ahh, we'd rather not talk about that.
The GOP has the votes so it's all about getting as much into their pockets as possible before things change.
The least humanist persons I've witnessed in the last ten years have to be Ryan, McConnell, Boehner, Hannity (let's not even mention village idiot Carlson), etc. And, Trump is the king of them all. The world is watching and we've managed to parade onto the stage the ugliest of Ugly Americans.
29
The timing is awkward? AWKWARD!!!
No, the timing shows how corrupt Trump and the deal are.
Awful. Just awful.
29
"The timing is awkward"
This paragraph says it all.
Pretty swampy, eh?
3
The timing is “awkward?” Seriously? I’d say the timing is suspicious and should be investigated.
45
“ The timing is awkward”. Hmmm. Shortly after pledging to get ZTE back up and running, a Chinese state-owned company signs on to a Trump project. Awkward or blatantly obvious? And the grift rolls on.
35
There ought to be a law against this kind of behavior.
3
There is. It's called the Emoluments clause. Trump is enriching his corporations with the office. he never divested his business interests. how this hasnt become an issue i will never know.
58
Graft, pure and simple. I hold the Republican leadership responsible.
41
Coincidence? Or causation? The deal was made, trump suddenly goes soft on China. How much more collusion can we take? More importantly, how much graft and corruption can the GOP ignore? Is there anyone who can deny that we are seeing the most corrupt, unethical and dangerous regime inUS history?
30
The South China Morning Post boasts about Beijing’s billion dollar epic infrastructure plan with money going towards “Trump-branded hotels, residences and a golf course” and within a few days later Trump is going to save Chinese jobs. Doesn't this look just a wee bit suspicious?
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2145808/trump-indon...
19
I remember there was a candidate in the 2016 presidential campaign who used to crow and shout about his opponent's alleged "pay for play".
This was echoed by others in his party.
I wonder what ever happened to that candidate?
34
Why isn't Trump doing something to help the people of Hawaii? Why isn't Trump doing something to create jobs for the displaced Carrier employees?
What has Trump done to ease the lack of electricity for the people of Puerto Rico?
Trump has made himself richer over the past two years and the U.S.A. poorer in its standing in the world. This is no way to make America Great Again.
22
Trump is yet again violating te US Constitution emploments clause, Art 1, Sec. 9, Clause 8
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
What's a little bribery between friends, right Donald?
15
The timing is definitely suspect. Trump is so greedy and self-absorbed that it is not out of bounds to suggest the Chinese are certainly influencing Trump in the best way possible - money.
If we had anybody who actually cared about the potential conflicts of interest that swirl about Trump, it is possible that this is only one of many, many similar 'coincidences' that have occurred since Trump took office.
I will not be surprised to learn of Trump's incredible wealth and expanded business empire when he is out of office.
Anyone care to investigate? Or is this yet another case of Trumpian nothing matters anymore?
Grifters gotta grift.
22
"The timing is awkward," says the sub headline.
Why awkward?
What part of Trump's history leads anyone to believe it is anything other than the everyday corruption of the Trump Swamp.
The timing is not "awkward." It's more evidence of:
Trump First
Party Second
America Last
14
This story seems down-played. Why? Looks like a top headline to me, like the reason Trump did his surprising turn-around on the Chinese phone company. Didn't he agree not to pursue new business with foreign governments? Does nobody even care anymore?
Does Trump believe China exploits America or does he believe America came down too hard on the beleaguered phone company? He has no beliefs, no policies, no core values, only his need to control others and enrich himself.
57
Corruption, the Trump way:
"On May 9, ZTE announced that it was going to have to shut down its entire smartphone business since it had no viable way to continue operating without Qualcomm chips.
On May 11, a state-owned Chinese construction company called the Metallurgical Corporation of China announced it would float a $500 million loan to Indonesian developers to facilitate the construction of a vast “integrated lifestyle resort” called MNC Lido City that includes Trump-branded hotels, residences, and a golf course.
On May 13, Trump tweeted: “President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!” "
29
Only a six-star hotel .... so sad! I wonder if the theme park will be called "welcome to the swamp".
8
When will all of us recognize the enormity of Trump's corruption?
30
@JEE, plenty of us recognize it. It's having the wherewithal to demand an end to the corruption.
5
Another example of how easily DJT is manipulated. His business gets loans, all of a sudden DJT is worried about the loss of Chinese jobs; says, whoa, too harsh on ZTE - even though ZTE is a text book example of China flaunting trade agreements. Yes, DJT puts Trump, Inc. first always. China will play this out: a trademark approval for Trump in return for easing up tariffs. A multi billion dollar loan for Jared, in return for not applying sanctions for dealing with Iran. Good job, Trump voters! China thanks you!
10
So Trump promised his company would not do any foreign deals while he is president, but like his tariff decisions, has made an exception for this deal in Indonesia as "already signed and sealed" before the election. If only he would treat the Iran nuclear agreement the same way.
In any event, the Indonesia deal, after what appears to be three years, is still only a pile of dirt. Until ...... China comes to the rescue with a $500 million loan! What a relief! Now Trump will gain between $2 and $10 million dollars! He was so thrilled he turned around and said that the US, with our tax dollars, must rescue ZTE so their workers would not lose their jobs. And this after our intelligence community said ZTE is using its phones sold in the US to spy on us. Wow, how could anything be wrong with ordering the Commerce Department to reverse a course set for at least a year and get this deal going RIGHT NOW? Particularly when Trump has started a trade war with China which is causing farmers in the US to face ruin. This stinks to high heaven. Trump should be impeached for selling our country's security for his own personal gain.
34
At one point in the campaign Trump mused that he was so smart and efficient that he could be both president and manage Trump enterprises at the same time. It almost seems that he is doing that now .Too often presidential decisions and actions either directly or indirectly benefit the family business. The so-called Chinese Wall is wide open in Trump’s world.
14
Clearly, the GOP has made clear that Trump can do anything to personally enrich himself at the expense of America and Americans with no consequences. So, he will continue to make these deals - even when they are obviously advantageous just to Trump. And if you believe that Trump's reversal on ZTE has nothing to do with this, I have a wonderful bridge to sell you.
49
Sadly, this is what we've come to expect from this administration, even though all the projects are supposedly being handled separately. Does anyone believe it?
He will be paid, if he isn't already, for the use of his name and who knows what else. How could this not violate the Emoluments clause?
71
Funny that we learn about this shortly after trump instructs the Dept. of Commerce to help bail out China's ZTE corporation. Sheer coincidence, of course.
100