I see nothing wrong with an individual using his talents to earn compensation. The organization he worked for is not required by law to disclose their support base. That is the law and if one does not agree he or she should discuss a change with the member of Congress who represents them. Let’s quit crusifying individuals who are obeying the law and following the rules. It is no wonder well qualified individuals often refuse to take jobs in the public arena from the position of President on down!!
1
Drain the swamp? His time at the invention help scammers means we’ve hired the creature from the black lagoon.
4
I hate all the money ... but really ....The Times is very selective in what and who they talk about.
This so common in DC that people don't think twice about it .. in and out ..in and out. It's one big job factory
Check any congressional spouse .... no offense -- even the Obamas. No one wants to talk about all the "jobs" -- that spouses have that never get replaced when they leave. 300k a year is nothing in DC.
1
Whoever named Whitaker's opaque feeding trough "The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust" has a sick sense of humour.
1
I don't see anybody, nor this story, mention that Whitaker has already changed his financial discloser over 5 times in the two weeks that dTrump appointed him illegally.
5 times!!!
He's hiding something.
3
Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, also known as FACT. SERIOUSLY?!? Unfortunately your average Trump supporter and Republican eats those kind of fancy sounding names spoon-fed from Fox News and lips of every politician out to get there vote...
1
We need legislation to restrict the influence of undisclosed money allowed for by Citizens United. What C.U. did was broaden the legalization of corruption. House Dems, are you on board?
3
Good job America! The Attorney General you deserve!
Everything in the US comes down to what its plutocrats pay for.
Whitaker is a highly conflicted hack, according to some of the data already published, though much remains hidden while he worked for a shady company cheating on it's customers. In addition, Trump knew perfectly well the public innuendos of Whitaker against Mueller and Clinton; this was the precise reason that Trump laid eyes on him, to do the dirty work of shutting down Mueller's investigation into Trump's shenanigans with the Russians as a candidate. Trump is convinced he is above the law and may abuse his station at will, and that all other branches of government owe him absolute loyalty, no matter how criminal his behavior. Trump is an unrepentant and unscrupulous bully that has been unable to recognize how stupid he is. That is why he must be fired from the presidency, and allow this suffering democracy to recover.
How does one "earn" 1.2 million in political donations? Doesn't one have to work to "earn" money?
4
Isn't this the American way? why such a fuss at this point
1
If the Senate Judiciary Majority were anything but partisan hacks, they would be demanding Whitaker's removal.
2
While NYT writers are uncovering Matthew Whitaker's dark-money riches and the web of circular PAC money that seems to flow back to him; the Washington Post has another scathing article:
Mr. Whitaker, as a U.S. Attorney for Iowa's Southern District, abused an old (1970) sentencing enhancement "851 Enhancement" to convict and incarcerate Meth addicts and low-level drug related crimes to outlandish sentences. The investigation reveals one woman was threatened with a life sentence and sentenced to 21-27 years: She was pardoned by President Obama. (www.washingtonpost.com 11-21-2018)
Any serious discussion on criminal justice reform cannot earnestly include Whitaker; another Jeff Sessions clone.
7
I looked at the FACT website the other day. Only Democrats seem to catch their interest. Funny that.
5
99% Democratic investigations.
Until shown otherwise, I'll just assume the money was funneled from child-trafficking Russian mobsters. It should be easy enough to prove the assumption wrong, but the truth may be worse.
3
Ah, the US of A. The best government money can buy.
3
Is the word "acting" possessed of mystical and magical powers such that if you put it before a title such as Attorney General, then normal procedures need not be followed. Can one be an "acting" President and do away with elections. Don't laugh we may have to answer that question in 2 years.
3
Truly appalling that this thief is now an official in the White House. Despicable that someone can bend the law and the IRS to their will so easily. But any President who surrounds himself with such self-serving thieves, robbing the US and its taxpayers at every turn. So far this has included Manafort, Whitaker, Pruitt, and though many so far are known only to have perverted the truth one can bet with certainty that more will follow. To say nothing of John Kelly's enforcing "lethal force" and the troop deployment which now may be illegal. Each day brings a new more absurd corruption.
6
Whitaker, a Trump troll, is now positioned to do irreparable harm to the Justice Department. His selection as attorney general states the obvious: he will do anything that the president asks of him. Come January, it will all hit the proverbial fan when the Democrats take the House. Checks and balances embedded in the Constitution are of little interest to Trump, whose only aim is to protect himself, no matter the cost.
3
"Matthew Whitaker Earned $1.2 Million From Group Backed by Undisclosed Donors"
The word "earned" is doing a lot of work here
6
This article lust provides more proof that Whitaker is a second rate lawyer (lame Iowa US Attorney, appointed through political connections not merit - same as Jeff Sessions in Alabama long ago) and third rate politician (couldn't get elected to anything in Iowa).
But Whitaker makes about $300,000 per year since 2016 working for this watchdog group? Doing what? He is just a highly paid bag boy and a hack.
Trump is so dismissive of the Constitution and laws of this country that he couldn't bother to find a bag boy with suitable credentials and who isn't a hack. They do exist, Mr. Trump and this is just another example of your incompetence at governing.
5
How can an organization called "The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust" not reveal who funds it?!! What kind of accountability and civic trust does that engender? I think the IRS should be looking into its non-profit tax status.
7
How is it that Whitaker should not be recused from the Mueller investigation when he is a good friend of fellow Iowan Sam Clovis and served as campaign chairman for Clovis in 2014 when Clovis ran for state treasurer in Iowa?
Sam Clovis has been interviewed by the special counsel, and testified before the Mueller grand jury and was NAMED in the Papadopolous indictment as “campaign supervisor”.
This is a huge conflict of interest by any legal standards.
10
How do people like Donald Trump and/or other cohorts like Matthew Whitaker only receive fines, at most for felonies? No one is accountable. Like many government jobs, it is the "work or get promoted" practice. With this in mind, why and how is it that when I was 21 years old and had no criminal record, I was convicted of a felony for less than $100 worth of marijuana? The judge (my former Cub Scout den father) sentenced me to 3 years hard labor in prison (suspended), along with 3 years supervised probation AND as a special condition of probation, serve 90 days in the Parish Prison doing hard labor while being watched by guards on horseback with 12 gauge shotguns. I was 1 of 40 people, all simultaneously arrested. This was all because of (A) political motivation (very soon to come elections) and (B) a young man was facing hard time for selling heroin. The state police let him go free, if he agreed (he did) to be paired him with a female undercover state police officer; I watched them inject methamphetamine. Nice people, right? All for big local headlines. After prison, I received a First Offenders Pardon after less than 2 of the 3 years probation. This is wrong; seriously.
4
Pruitt, Price, Zinke, Manafort, Gates, Flynn, and now Whitaker. Trump has done a superb job of draining the swamp! Sure, and if you buy that, may I interest you in some wonderful ocean front property in Nebraska?
7
If they're under no obligation of disclosing who is the real source of the dark money, then the general public may only speculate about its provenience. Is it coming from the far right aisle of the Republican party?
Is it coming from Saudi Arabia in diplomatic luggage? It is frankly alarming that the Attorney General of this country has strings attached. More than a million strings. For that fact alone he's unfit for that office.
7
I'm thoroughly embarrassed we attended the same law school. Disgusts me
7
trump now has Whitaker as "acting" AG. So will Whitaker tell the Justice Department to investigate & prosecute Clinton, Comey, et al. who have disagreed with him. Has he gotten "His" Justice Department for now?
Political groups or businesses should not be tax-exempt as non-profit. They are not charities...trump foundation is one.
5
He got his Roy Cohn?
Another piranha added to the Trumpian swamp. Very surprising.
7
Mr. Whitaker's background is not anything I would consider appropriate for any kind of public service. His promotion to Attorney General is just pre-positioning a henchman to fire Robert Mueller. Reprise Robert Bork and Archibald Cox back in 1973. Whitaker is just Trump's latest fill-in to continue his Russian Financing Conspiracy. Yes, "Collusion" is just too nice a word for what's really been going on between Trump and Putin.
9
Does no one find it odd that Trump, after wriggling for 11 months, answers Mueller's questions only after Whitaker is installed. Did Whitaker convey Mueller's data to Trump so that Trump's lawyers could comport replies to the questions? My guess is yes.
10
We do not need or want yet one more grifter.
8
Whitaker's Wingnut Welfare payout is just one item on a long list of why he is unfit to serve in his present role.
We need to know who the donors are. Any foreign shell companies in that mix?
5
In a political system based on big money--and ok'd by the Supreme Court ---we see the swamp creatures follow their leader up to the surface with few barriers until it's too late.
The quality of our presidents and courtiers is on a downward trajectory as long as we let big money fund our election campaigns. Our system actually makes it hard for ethical politicians and officials who respect their duty to the public. Our system attracts more opportunistic, exploitive and ethically challenged types.
Their rationalizations and PR will sell them to the voters with distortions and lies. Our 24/7 cable TV will amplify and thrive on political fights.
This is what you get when politics is in effect for sale to the highest bidder, and policy is molded by the mega donors per their limits.
Citizens United in all kinds of ways is ruining our democracy. Our media must stop avoiding this crucial cause/effect and start relating it to what's happening in our appalling politics.
The NYT op ed page hasn't grappled with the Supreme Court's distortion---big money politics is 'free speech' protected by 1st Amendment. This effectively shuts out the political speech of the citizen majority, who can't compete and gets no protection. The Trump people see no barriers.
Citizens United---causing a Dis- United States and distopian politics---when will the NYT op ed page ever deal with it? All the news fit to print?
4
That Gustoff guy can't lie any better than Trump lies.
1
A corn fed, Iowa farm boy? No way! A million dollars! Holy cow!
3
FACT... Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust? It's kinda like Abeit Macht Frei.
Is there a giant rock out from which all these deplorables crawl
9
A common thug. Perfect for the Trump Regime.
Seriously.
9
Even if there were absolutely no question of the legitimacy of Mr. Whitaker's appointment as acting AG, the fact that he has been a participant in a shady organization should lead to investigation.
4
This guy should be, and probably is, a subject in multiple investigations. He shouldn't be overseeing anything.
6
An appointment of a guy like this is what dictators do.
3
Can there be any more disclosures about Whitaker that would convince a rational voter that Trump has installed an AG to serve his personal interests. Whitaker appears to be a hired hand paid for by undisclosed donors ,involved in a fraud case similar to Trump University and ready to follow Trump orders no matter what. The democratic controlled House will be able to examine the activities of Whitaker as Acting Attorney General and if corrupt prosecution can result. Whitaker's only future is that of a FOX/TRUMP TV pundit spewing hate and division the mantra of Trump's contribution to America .
1
3.5 million in payoff money. No one knows from whom. No one really knows to whom. 501(c) (3) ?
No, it is not. There is nothing 'charitable' about this one man pay off scheme. IRS? Get busy.
Whitaker is also in violation of campaign finance law. Accepting campaign contributions for a 4 year old failed political campaign,, while he is employed by the Department of Justice. FBI? Get busy.
Arrest him.
12
Nothing that I have heard so far about trump and his cronies (inside and outside the White House) can surprise me anymore.
I am so sickened by the Republicans and Trump, that absolutely nothing anymore would surprise me. Even sucking up to the Saudis after the CIA concluded that the Sheik was responsible for ordering Mr. Khashoggi’s murder does not surprise me anymore.
When is this horrible human being masquerading as the president, ever going to be impeached ?
8
When you are a person of low character and morals who has lived the life of a bum and gotten away with it and then get yourself elected President, you naturally surround yourself with people like Flynn, Bannon, Conway, Stephen Miller, Cohen and Manaford because you want and expect them to cut all corners and pull out all ethical and legal stops in serving your interests.
So now we add Whitaker to the list.
19
Don’t forget Gates, Poppodopoluos, Roger Stone (soon to be in pinstripes),...
1
So basically Whitaker (the lone employee) earned a total of $654,000 from FACT — 30 percent of its entire spending of $2.2 million over that two-year span (when an average CEO in this position would make $173,000).
And no one knows who donated the "dark" money. The organization was tax exempt. And whoever the donors wanted "investigated" (over 99% Democrats) then, Whitaker would make those Democrats life miserable.
This definitely reeks of a violation of tax exempt status.
20
I miss John McCain. His seemingly lone voice of sanity would be rallying the new recruits.
He wasn’t perfect, but he always remembered he was an American first, republican second.
5
FACT called for ethics investigations into or filed complaints about the following Democratic politicians, officials and organizations (46 total):
NOT BIPARTISAN! (Avery few GOP "investigated")
The Democratic National Committee,
Hillary Clinton, (many times)
John Kerry,
Sidney Blumenthal,
Senator Mark Warner,
data firm Catalist,
Correct the Record PAC,
NexGen Climate Action Committee,
Senator Claire McCaskill,
Senator Thomas Carper,
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi,
Representative Alan Grayson,
Representative Patrick Murphy,
Representative. Ami Bera,
Representative Jarred Huffman,
Representative John Lewis,
Representative Ben Ray Lujan,
Representative Keith Ellison,
Representative Alcee Hastings,
Representative Hank Johnson,
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz,
Senate candidates:
Joe Sestak,
Katie McGinty,
Patrick Murphy,
Ted Strickland,
Evan Bayh,
Catherine Cortez Masto;
House candidates:
Tom Nelson,
Steve Santarsiero,
Suzanna Shkreli,
Ruben Kihuen,
Jim Mowrer,
Colleen Deacon,
Pete Gallego,
Doug Applegate,
Bryan Caforio, Morgan Carroll,
LuAnn Bennett,
Christina Hartman,
Stephanie Murphy,
Michael Eggman,
Mike Derrick; the
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee,
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster,
Jobs and Opportunity PAC,
and Representative John Lewis's Chief of Staff Michael Collins.
https://www.newsweek.com/heres-list-democrats-acting-ag-matt-whitaker-wanted-investigate-1206917
3
There are many example of our founders not anticipating how much the world, and this United States of America, would change in only a quarter of a millennium. But this one, requiring advise and consent for principle officers of our country they got right.
U.S. Constitution: Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 :
......and [the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers ........
What is ironic, is that the President could immediately have the Senate Judiciary Committee convene such a hearing for Mr. Whitaker, with written questions in advance and a single day of hearings, such as we had for Kavanaugh.
Democrats are demanding the removal of Whitaker, no matter how clear it is that he should not hold this office of such plenary authority -- that by tradition, his legal decisions are not even subject to approval by the President.
The opposition is only requesting a public hearing. If Mr. Whitaker receives a majority, which could be without a single Democratic vote, he will hold his position as Attorney General of the United States, without the meaningless preface of "acting." In reality, unlike Judges, every appointee of the President "acting" being subject to dismissal at any time.
@Call Me Al He is only temporary according to trump...just long enough to get into Mr. Mueller's files & destroy evidence. Then trump will appoint a new guy or nominate Rosenstein after all the investigation stuff is gone or compromised. Whitaker is just a thug & is doing trump's bidding on the Mueller investigation. trump appoints this guy & then a week later answers the Mueller questions. Convenient don't you think?
1
Hide in the dark, and pass packets of money to the shills. Is this another conservative 'value' ?
5
Speaking of draining a swamp...
4
Nothing more than a secret cabal of wealthy elites looking to consolidate their power and increase their astronomical gains on the back of everyone else on the planet. It's the neo-globalization.
Shouldn't individuals working for opaque groups, institutions or other cults with anti-government and anti-citizen agendas financed by unknown wealthy individuals and countries be barred from holding any public office? There's no way for the public to know what conflicts of interest there are or nefarious intentions they have.
Sen. Hyde-Smith - the white supremacists of Mississippi running against Espy - had AT&T and Walmart asking for their donations back. Why did they donate to her in the first place????? Did they also donate to Whitaker's unaccountable dark organization too? Give me the FACTs!
Another fox in the chicken coop. Gotta hand it to Trump, he's taking another page from the playbook deveolped by Hitler in the 1930's. His cabinet members are the most corrupt in US history. And, here is the Attorney General without Senate confirmation? There is a U.S. Constitution somewhere but where is it? There's way too much power in the hands of the president. Time to revamp this precious document that kept us going for a couple humdred years.
3
The ultimate lie was Trump stating that he knew nothing about Whitaker when he nominated him. Does he really take us all for fools?
3
@dt
He takes his base for fools.
2
@dt yes because his base cheers & worships him. He thinks we all do.
2
Whitaker is 1 more incompetent corrupt Trump loser. I hope the Democratic House can get rid of him.
2
Somewhere, the Constitution is on fire with the rage of our founding fathers. I cannot fully express my disappointment with Congress and the absolute failure of our check-and-balances safeguards.
Where is decency? Where are morals? And for crying out loud where is the high-on-their-ever-ivory-pedestal righteous right?
Hell better be pretty big. There’s a bunch of so-called Christians heading there soon. There’s no amount of “born again”ing to get them a seat in heaven in my opinion.
4
Democrats should NOT demand the removal of Whitaker, no matter how clear it is that he should not hold this office of plenary authority -- since by tradition, his legal decisions are not even subject to approval by the President.
The opposition has only the right to a public hearing. If Mr. Whitaker receives a majority vote, which could be without a single Democratic, he will hold his position as Attorney General of the United States, without the meaningless preface of "acting." In reality, unlike Judges, every appointee of the President is only "acting, " being subject to dismissal at any time.
If Trump wants this man for his AG, it is both required and appropriate that his background, values and activities be open to the public at an official hearing. If trump still chooses to retain him, it is within his constitutional right to do so.
On the masthead of FACT, it proclaims that it's mission is "transparency".
And, yet Whitaker refuses to state who it is that paid him $1.2 million to run that non-profit organization?
This man has as much acquaintance with the truth as trump does.
He's a phony.
Get rid of him - now.
72
“Earned”....Hahaha,ha,ha... “Earned”!
8
@Tim Hunter
Deeply concerned that the "earning" begins now...
3
Ever since I left Iowa in 1975 the state has been producing some of the most heinous politicians our country has ever known. Charles Grassley, who basically sold the state to Monsanto, political hack Joni Ernst, and Nazi supporter Steve King lead the way. Matthew Whitaker is truly a chip off the old block. Aside from graft his largest success seems to have been playing tight end for the University of Iowa. At least he has the excuse of multiple blows to the head that might explain his Fascist tendencies. There is no explanation for the others.
13
@David Lewis Spot on Mr. Lewis, spot on!
2
First Daughter Ivanka uses a 'personal' computer to send hundreds of Inter-Administration Emails for a whole year claiming ignorance of the rules when the mantra 'Lock Her Up' is known far and wide unless you're living under a rock.
Meanwhile Ivanka's Daddy uses an 'unsecured' cell phone to conduct the Country's business while the Republicans yawn.
Now we learn Acting AG Whitaker has submitted incomplete financial filings raising questions about dark money patrons.
In a previous administration any one of these unscrupulous acts would be scandals with staying power. Today It's just another day of 'business as usual' in Trump's 'sad' tenure.
10
Very interesting that Whitaker's FACT organization is registered as a 501(c)(3), a category essentially reserved for charitable organizations when in fact it is quite obviously organized to affect political change, a prohibition specifically excluded by the IRS : " it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates."; and "The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests... "
Why was FACT organized as a 501(c)(3) instead of a
501(c)(4)? The logical answer, is that 501(c)(3) donations are tax deductible, whereas, 501(c)(4) are generally not. How ironic. Fat cats like the Koch brothers, Mercers, etc. can funnel dark money to the "Foundation for Accountability and Trust", receive a tax deduction, and not have to publicly disclose the donation. What kind of accountability and trust is that?
16
Maybe we should consider eliminating non-profits all together. People will give to worthy causes and the tax deduction for most people is unnecessary.
5
These right wing billionaires are the antidote for a healthy representative form of government. Follow the money.
3
wait a minute, gang!
it seems from this reporting that Whitaker's main job prior to being named major domo to Sessions was as a rightwing activist. he was paid money (and hardly chump change) by shadowy political organizations funded by anonymous donations.
maybe this money came from US persons or businesses supporting their heartfelt beliefs, or at least their own selfish interests.
or maybe it came from outside the country, from foreign interests or governments working aginst us. maybe it was from Russia, or Saudi Arabia, or maybe the Cammora - who knows?
but the thin resume, the political backing, and the secret funding all add up to a suspicious individual now in a position of great power in our government, all on the whim of Trump, who clearly knows he is in personal jeapordy, and so is his family.
7
He has strings.
Who’s the puppeteer?
4
Wait. He has ties to America Rising? The same Republican opposition research firm Facebook used?
4
"EARNED?" The Machiavelli of the legal world? Extortion? Fixer extraordinaire. Whitaker has a lot going for him. All of it bad.
5
@CARL E
at least Machiavelli was not a hypocrite.
And we like to tell children "cheaters don't prosper."
6
This is greatness...Don't you see?
1
The main expense of the firm that employed Whitaker was his salary? I get it, it may all be legal. But it stinks of corruption and this man is now the chief law enforcement officer in the country, appalling.
7
@Heidi was also on the board of a company that scammed millions of dollars. How did he avoid prosecution on that one?
1
Money used for speech should never be "dark". The Constitution guarantees free speech, and privacy, but not both at the same time. To the contrary, the entire concept of "anonymous free speech" would probably have been both alien and incomprehensible to the founding fathers. One could hardly speak in any fashion in the 18th century without it being obvious who was doing the speaking.
Here, in the 21st century, just because it is possible does not mean it should be allowed.
There should be no such thing as privacy when it comes to donations that in any way constitute speech. Anything, any entity, that campaigns for or attempts to pull the levers of any cause, be it social, political, or economic, should by law require full disclosure of the activities involved, the money spent and the source, as in the individuals and organizations, both, behind that money.
The volume and power of money in today's society is far too great. The capabilities of advertising, mass media, and the subtle, silent but effective manipulation of opinion are also far too great. Maybe this is only a 21st Century problem, a "now" problem, but it needs to be addressed. We need laws (or an amendment?) that let us know who is manipulating whom, and to what ends, if we are to function as a reasonable, considered and moral society and system of government.
5
Trump drained the swamp, found the scum at the bottom, and promoted them into his administration.
22
Can I ask a question and hopefully someone can explain it to me. How does one “lend” themselves money for their OWN campaign and are allowed to pay themselves back with campaign contributions? Can they charge themselves interest as well? And if all of that is true and allowed, can I just lend myself money to buy a new home and have the government provide a fund so I can pay myself back?
Just something that has me scratching my head.
And one other thing; how can any “Court of Law” say it is perfectly fine for any so-called fake company to create itself, collect “donations” to pay themselves and attack others who disagree with them, and allow said donators to remain anonymous? It in itself is a conflict of interest and any normal and sain individual has to know this. But I guess the law for the wealthy differs from the law the rest of us. Because if I was depositing $10,000 every couple of days into my checking account and when the government wants to know where it came from I certainly wouldn’t get away with saying it was anonymous donations.
18
I am not interested in Matt Whitaker doing what he thinks is right. I'm interested in Matt Whitaker doing what is required by law and in the direct support of upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States of America.
90
Where is the Senate while trump does an end run around the Constitution? Don't the Senators care?
10
@a Not republican ones. The DO care about winning elections at all costs, and keeping power over the legislative process, strictly for the needs of their donors.
6
@a
No. The republicans are fully on board as this complete moron and fraud destroys our country.
1
Just another nonprofit funded by anonymous donors....Just another reminder of how SCOTUS 5-4 decision on Citizens United has accelerated corruption of democracy.
Remember signs that kept a running count of the world population or national debt? Would love one keeping track of the amount of anonymous money undermining democracy.
21
"Mr. Whitaker also faced new questions on Tuesday about donations to his unsuccessful 2014 campaign for a United States Senate seat in Iowa. Mr. Whitaker’s campaign committee received four donations totaling $8,800 this year, a few months after he joined the Justice Department, records show."
Please tell me, how does one receive campaign donations for a race that ended nearly 4 year ago. This does not pass the smell test. Also tell me, how does someone who is under investigation with the FBI, get a position in the Justice Department?
Are we living in the Bizzarro World?
February cannot come fast enough.
14
This is another example of picking someone based on his performance on TV and loyalty to Trump rather than qualifications. It's another case of a lack of vetting when they should know better by now based on past mistakes. But I guess the bottom line is they don't care. I also have to fault CNN for its choice of commentators. They should find out what the conflicts of interest are too. I have been changing channels whenever one of these Trump-supporter analysts starts talking. It used to be that the news media presented a balance of ideas by finding conservatives like George Will, but now they accept unqualified commentators. I guess no one of integrity wants to be paid $15,000 a year to make excuses for Trump.
4
Folks, if you haven't already watch "Active Measures" a documentary.
Donations for what? Is he running for office? He is one scary-looking dude; the face of our future?
5
I am puzzled as to why all these crooks accept appointments in this admistration, all it does is shine a light on their illegal activites.
8
@Anthony White Pardon power by the POTUS, pretty good insurance. Except it's the most immoral, disloyal, back stabbing guy to ever hold the office.
There is no way to wash the stink off of every member of the Trump administration. Drain the Swamp? It is more fetid and polluted now than it ever was.
13
And the Senate, controlled by the Republicans does nothing! Republicans in the House and Senate have been Trump's puppets, spitting on our laws! Remember, America, and in 2020 vote every Republican out of office! They are criminals!
How is a man under federal investigation heading the Department of Justice?!
7
Whitaker, like Manafort, Gates and Cohen before him, is going to regret sticking his head up to hitch his star to Donald Trump. The light of day is not flattering to dark money funded guys like this.
Trump seems to be able to get away with anything. That magical ability does not extend to those around him, who tend to become collateral damage when corruption is investigated.
9
Just more of the utterly corrupt trump monarchy.
6
Can Whitaker ask Mueller for a report of evidence found so far (suitable for sharing with Creepy Donald Trump)?
2
Sessions hired Whitaker and was probably on the take as well.
Dark money from the NRA? What a joke of a Justice Department.
5
What a bunch of crooks.
Thank you to the NYT and other real journalists for doing their job (unlike the Fox hacks).
7
On this point, where does Nancy Pelosi get all the cash she roars about making her the natural Speaker of the House of Representatives? It's quite obviously from donors we don't know about.
1
lock him up!
4
We are often hearing these days about concerns of a second American civil war... What we ought to be actually considering is a second American Revolution. Revolt against the moneyed interests that rule our discourse and our world! Revolt against the moneyed interests that control our political system! Revolt against the moneyed interests that dictate our lives' possibilities, because, "It's not what you know; it's who know"! Revolt because that is exactly what real, true Americans are made of! Say it loud, and say it proud: "I'm as mad as hell! And I'm not going to take it anymore!" Say bye-bye, (Trump's) Door Matt Whitaker! We're coming for you and yours! Thanks for the assault rifles; they'll come in quite handy. REVOLT, AMERICA!!!
2
When does Whitaker's term as "Acting" Attorney General run Out? It seems like the requirement that Cabinet members must be confirmed by the Senate is being disregarded with Mitch McConnell's aquiescence. Even though the Republicans are in the majority in the Senate, there's a real possibility that Whitaker will not have enough votes to confirm his confirmation.
Not surprised. Befitting his role: A hired gun for a hit on the Mueller investigation. I wouldn't mind getting $ 1.2 million for unspecified work myself, but that is unlikely to happen, as I haven't made the right noises that promise that I'll make these pesky investigations go away.
11
"the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust"
Don't you love the names these Robber Barons think up to try to look righteous?
NOW is the time to get rid of "non-profit' groups of all kinds and make them register as the profit-generating/tax evading/democracy-destroying entities they are.
28
@njglea too bad Common Cause has never succeeded in getting any campaign finance reform legislation off the ground in Congress. But after al., who would kill a goose that lays golden eggs?
3
Whitaker needs to be Senate approved or denied. He simply cannot act as a principal officer, chiefly the highest prosecutor in the land, without going through the advice and consent process. He is a legal and moral disgrace, and his Bigfoot, Time Machine, extra sized toilet business adventures are just, most unfortunately, seemingly the tip of the iceberg. We all know why the administration is afraid to put him before the Senate, because Whitaker is a useful idiot who would melt under questioning.
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@Tony Cochran: You just say that because you don't like Republicans. If He was a leftist Democrat most likely you'd say he has a right to make as much money as he can as private citizen. The fact that he works for the government now includes the fact he does not work for those groups or companies like CNN anymore. Get it? didn't think so.
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But he’s not a Democrat, is he? And as for government work guaranteeing that you aren’t paid by somebody else or still working someplace else, Trump much?
Get it?
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@Larry No, I actually think he is legitimately incompetent for this position. He should go back to the Bigfoot/time machine/toilet business. And look at his record with litigation - it's embarrassing for an AG.
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Republicans consistently work to maintain low levels of pay for elected officials. In so doing, they know that the vast majority of Americans are unable to afford the time and energy to campaign for a job that pays so little, even if they win. Meanwhile, these shadowy ideological "think tanks" and "foundations" provide jobs and income to a growing pool of right-wing radicals who are ready, willing and able to run for office knowing that should they lose, they will be well paid until the next election provides another opportunity for power.
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This is another sinister offshoot of Citizens United (2010). When unaccountable money dominates politics, only those with the means to contribute handsomely—to ultimately force their hirelings to do their bidding—may come to dominate the political conversation. It’s a decidedly unfair dynamic and is unalterably tilted toward the one percent.
In Matthew Whitaker’s case, he is blatantly beholden to his unknown donors and to a president with—apparently—more than a little something to conceal from public view.
So it comes as no surprise that Whitaker came into the peripheral vision of a man who has been running his presidency as a holding company for his and his family’s benefit. His (Donald Trump’s) perfect storm has been met by a man (Matthew Whitaker) who is hardly a model for transparency in government. Indeed, his sparse background leans heavily towards hard right ideology, seemingly the sole qualification to work for No. 45.
Ronald Reagan, it seems, was quite prescient: this (Trump) “government is the problem.”
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An attorney general who will not vigorously prosecute killings on U.S. soil of enemies of the state.
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Thank you SCJ John Roberts, for your Citizens United decision allowing for unlimited dark money contributions that are poisoning our democracy and dividing the citizens of our country. Roberts allowed the rebirth of hate that floods our media by providing anonymity for people who want to promote racism and violence against minorities, as well as deny LGBT citizens their constitutional rights.
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And let’s not forget the evisceration of voting rights, which can only benefit those without scruples...like Trump and his minions.
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As a former prosecutor I was obligated to:
- only apply the facts to the law (not my personal biases/opinions) when using the awesome power of the office;
- say "no" to, and report to the police anyone who would try to "throw" or influence an investigation (it's a crime);
- recuse myself if I had a stake in any investigation, or if my involvement would give even the appearace of impropriety.
To fail to do any of the above would be a dereliction of my professional duty and of my oath as a a member of the bar. It would trigger an ethical investigation that could lead to disbarment or criminal sanction.
Why shoud Whittaker get a pass?
He works for us, not for mr. trump.
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@r mackinnon Face it; Trump is a corrupt Dictator. Anyone Trump picks has to swear allegiance to Trump before the Constitution. Remove this guy from AG position. Investigate and prosecute . Ray Sipe
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why is it NO surprise that don the con would appoint without advise/consent a swamp creature who is just as much a flim flam artist as don the con?
and financed through Citizens United muck
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So the group concerned with government transparency and ethics has no funding transparency and questionable ethics. Got it.
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Trump certainly has an endless supply of bottom feeders to choose from.
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Whitaker is a Trump plant. He is neither qualified nor acceptable as a Federal Attorney let alone the AG.
The man is, at best, a petty Trumpian groupie with little experience but a LOT of partisan baggage. He is an avowed supporter of Trump's quest to foil the rule of law and destroy the Mueller probe - a very legitimate, necessary and legal endeavor.
Just look at his history, his background, his partisan political life. He is in Trump's pocket. If he is not replaced by a competent, apolitical REAL AG immediately, the new Congress should most certainly take steps to try Trump for Obstruction of Justice (on this and many other counts).
WE ARE A RULE OF LAW NATION - or at least we were before Trump. This insult endangers all Americans for generations to come and is terrifyingly like Hitler's rise to power in the Third Reich. Read your history and see for yourself - if you can read and/or care about the future of your children.
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"Mr. Whitaker worked for nearly four years as the executive director of the group, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, also known as FACT"
Oh, the irony!
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@The Poet McTeagle
War is Peace/ Freedom is Slavery/Ignorance is Strength.
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@The Poet McTeagle So ironic it hurts.
2
Newsflash for Matt Whitaker:
John N. Mitchell
Attorney General
Served nine months in Club Fed for serving his President.
You Go, Matt!
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Only nine months? Should have been nine years (at least)!
9
lock him up!
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"The disclosure raised questions about who Mr. Whitaker’s financial patrons had been before he joined the Justice Department last year and whether he might have any undisclosed conflicts of interest."
It's getting monotonous laying out "ironclad" cases for conflict of interest, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation and "so much more". A ten year old can connect the dots. Whitaker is just one more in the Trump Circus.
All impeachable offenses. However, nothing will be done until the American People purge the government of the hypocrites, sycophants and the vast sums of money used for legal bribery. Makes you sick
8
Isn’t called CORRUPTION? Why is that the Mighty US of A, think otherwise? He should be prosecuted and everything should come to light. The people affiliated with the GOP appear to be the most corrupt, power hungry, buying influences at all costs.
8
Is it Drug money? Can’t wait for the Trump White House season of Narcos!
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I personally think that the Trumpist argument that it’s okay by them to have govenrment officials taking money without any idea of who they’re taking it from—in fact, this is a Good Thing, because then they can’t be biased!—is about the funniest argument I’ve ever seen. Honestly (not that that’s a good word to use in this context), not since the days of Lou Costello...
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Once again, our conman president has reached to the bottom of the barrel to fill a leadership position in his administration. His pre-inauguration pledge to fill these positions with “the best people” was clearly misinterpreted. Foolishly, we thought he had the interests of the nation in mind.
As he has consistently demonstrated, he places himself ahead of every other consideration in every action he takes. Who can dispute that Whittaker is the best person to protect him against the growing existential threat to his presidency?
Whittaker is not fit to be a deputy US attorney, much less AG. When will congress finally act in the best interest of the country?
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Campaign finance reform, desperately needed now more than ever.
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Sloshing around in their hyper-partisan slush funds for flunkies, the kleptocratic billionaire white cranks lurk in the shadows.
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I think the new congress will have something to talk about with Mr Whitaker.
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Very interesting question (among others regarding Whitaker's out of the blue appointment from staff sergeant to acting AG): How did Whitaker get appointed as chief of staff to Sessions?
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It would appear that Whitaker the Mercenary should bring his sleeping bag, toothbrush, and a large box box of late night snacks to his initial appearance before the House Governmental Oversight Committee in January. He's not going anywhere else for days. Lots and lots of diverse areas of potential corruption and lawbreaking to plow through for Representative Cummings's committee. MAGA!
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Our democracy is dying a death by a thousand cuts. GOP related cuts. Where they sometimes gleefully hold the knives themselves or they casually look the other way while the dirty work is done. I am so disgusted by congress which is allowing Trump to bring everything to a new low.
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Most corrupt administration in US history!
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This is why the GOP has destroyed the IRS: to keep these criminal schemes hidden.
10
How did this guy get into the Justice Department anyhow?
What is happening to our government that suspicious, nefarious and downright scary folks can crawl their way up and out of the swamp into the mainstream?
Pray for the Republic.......
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Thugs and traitors need to be exposed and rooted out of their positions of power. The survival of our constitutional freedoms are at risk otherwise.
Journalism that exposes corruption is always critical, but especially in times such as this. I am hopeful the next elections will continue to build on the good results of the recent one and we can get back to some kind of reasonable goverance. Right now, it feels like a state of madness.
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So much for draining the swamp, it grows larger by the day! Is anyone in doubt that this guy is just another Trump boot licker?
5
I'm appalled that Whitaker is the AG, but who in the GOP doesn't take "dark money"? Was Sessions clean in this regard?
This activity should ALWAYS be called out (and really, it should be illegal to have dark money, but that's another conversation altogether).
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I can't stand Trump but I'm also getting tired of things that enable people to claim the press can't be trusted.
The headline and first paragraph make it sound like Whitaker was on the take.
Further down in the article, we learn he was the executive director of the group that paid him, for nearly 4 years. $1.2 million for that length of time means he was paid around $300,00 a year, which does not seem particularly outrageous.
I don't like Whitaker, I don't like Trump, I don't like secret money groups on either side--and there are Democratic as well as Republican ones.
But spinning stuff to make it sound like somebody's salary was some kind of under the table doings...this doesn't help anybody.
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@Talbot
Its the fact that the money is dark that is headline-worthy.
Dont you want to know who paid your AG over a million bucks ?
I do.
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Another addition to the swamp .... I lost count, how many are there now?
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@Vietnam Veteran
didn't you hear? the swamp was drained!!!!!!!!!
don the con has turned it into a manure lagoon
12
How much of his income was, via Russian oligarchs, at the behest of Putin, and funneled through one of these so-called "Conservative" groups?
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You can just read the name of this "dark money" group FACT - Foundation for Accountibility and Civic
Trust - and know it is surely a rightwing smoke screen. Kind of along the lines of "Fair and Balanced."
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@Mark Schlemmer
Yes. You just do the Orwellian Twist.
2
This article only a glimpse of the hydra operating sub rosa in our politics. The best panoramic, full technicolor tour is still Jane Mayer's "Dark Money".
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In Citizens United v. FEC, the Supreme Court voted 5 to 4 to overturn restrictions on corporate spending in elections dating back more than one hundred years. Justice Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion, justified the decision by asserting that “independent expenditures do not lead to, or create the appearance of, quid pro quo corruption".
Brilliant. I wonder if Justice Kennedy has an updated comment in view of reality.
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@Robert Farmer: My guess is "Justice" Kennedy has no further comment - as his final act in "public service" was to step down in time for Trump to appoint another corporate-owned hack to the Court.
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@Robert Farmer You mean the Justice Kennedy who’s son works for Deutsche Bank, Trump’s banker?
15
Sessions hired Whittaker to be his COS without any sort of vetting? Trump hired him and Sessions couldn't refuse. This is how our corrupt U. S. Attorney General got here. We can't wait until 2020 to drain this swamp!
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If Trump ever appointed anyone who wasn't corrupt, disgusting and tainted, that would be the day hell freezes over.
Conversely, no one who had an ounce of decency would ever accept a position in this amoral administration.
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Is this the best candidate the President could find to be AG of these United States? Well, maybe, 'cause what right-thinking person would serve such a man?
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And we need right thinking, not far-right thinking
5
Whitaker should be First up in the subpoena cannon
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How many lawyers are there in Washington DC that Trump had to pick this guy, who he claims he doesn't even know?
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@rufustfirefly
maybe don the con saw him on an infomercial and called in with his credit card. did he get the ginsu knives as well?
3
Trump appointees can only be designated for a position if they have proven to be corrupt beforehand. Witness: Matthew Whitaker, Scott Pruitt among others.
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More "dark money" following to trump's appointees. Brings to mind how Kavanaugh's large debts mysteriously disappeared. Perhaps The Fixer, Cohen, has knowledge of source of funds and has disclosed to Mueller?
This entire administration is tainted and corrupt!
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@Heidi A
oops, typo! Meant more dark money flowing to appointees...
2
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/464754874
The above website shows the last Form 990 filed by FACT and signed by Whitaker was for fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. Where are 2016 and 2017 forms 990? Have these not been filed?
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I'm looking forward to the new Congress convening, and hoping we will see some investigations or impeachments.
47
I remember back in the days of Obama I could read all about the latest weekly White House scandals (like tan suits) in a couple of minutes. Under Trump, it takes me two hours each day just to get through all the new ones.
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@Warren Lauzon
Oh, the good old days
Remember when Mrs. Obama'a wearing of sleeveless dresses that showcased her long toned arms were a big scandal?
Now, hate to say it, but we have a former soft porn model in the WH. It's sad but true. (easy to fact check - just google it. Especially sad is the one of her wearing just a thong and packing an assault rifle.) : (
7
@Warren Lauzon
Sir, I commend you.
I am so sickened by what is happening in the USA and with Trump as your president, that I can only tolerate about 10 minutes of Trump,before I cannot read about him anymore!
5
Will the one person in the Trump Administration who is not a criminal and traitor to the Constitution (and Bible), please stand-up. I said, please stand-up. Is there anyone here, I said please stand. Stand please. For the last time, I said is there anyone here who is not...
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@Cowboy Marine
Sorry sir, but your plea has fallen on deaf ears.
Sadly, America has fallen.
4
All perfectly above board. Nothing illegal here. System working as designed. Democracy, Rule of Law, blah, blah, blah. Ball game is starting. (are they still listening?)
7
Since they are not known to anybody, he can't have any conflicts. So stupid typical of the NYT.
1
I’m sure they are known to someone. And I have no doubt they will soon be exposed.
8
Um, the article says that the financial supporters aren’t required to disclose their support, notnth@t nobody knoww who they are. But it’s curious that you’re okay with the concept of an AG who takes money from anonymous sources.
13
Misleading presentation - close reading is needed to understand he was simply employed by the group and these payments were his salary. And they have been disclosed. By him. The headline and the lead make it seem as if he was getting payments for something illicit. Got to keep the base agitated, I guess.
3
@Mark T
What legal services did he provide for $54,000 per month? (Especially when his previous salary was $103,000 per year).
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@Mark T I think a close reading indicates that he is biased toward groups and ideology like that of his former employer and that his decisions will be influenced by this bias.
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@Mark T: Nearly a million bucks for a year of apparently part time work is a strangely large compensation, for a guy who is now the nation's top attorney, a man who only commanded a salary of $103k from his day job as a law firm partner. And he had to amend his disclosure form 5 times.
Plus, you're ignoring the other issue: taking in "campaign contributions" after he entered govt service, for a campaign that ended 2 years prior. So much of this smells like bribery.
26
Trump has not appointed even one decent, honest human being to his administration since he became president. Not one. He is feeding the swamp, not draining it.
170
@vulcanalex - Name one decent honest human being in Trump's administration.
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@vulcanalex
No need for this article to know that Whitaker is acting AG for one reason only: to do whatever he can to offer Trump cover in the Mueller investigation. It’s called obstruction of justice in plain sight - and it’s as obvious to conservatives as it is to anyone else who has read the Constitution .
Whitaker is an unqualified mole. A bum.
136
Which ones do you think are not corrupt?
11
Only the best people.
87