And the city of Doral will be left holding the bag for all the local costs that are incurred.
Hope the G7 gets together and sends a No, thank you.
6
It is an already a DEAD deal to hold the G7 at the Trump palazzo. It Won’t happen.
1. It is a crime.
2. There would be big trouble from protesters, the likes of which have never been seen.
3.The American middle class is sick unto death of paying for Trump’s parties, flights, golf days and above all his sickening alliance with Putin!
4. Putin is a man, much smarter than Trump, who would only use Trump and our country and then Dump Trump.
Best we dump Trump first!
9
It’s hard to imagine a more blatant violation of our Constitution’s anti-corruption provisions than Trump lobbying and steering foreign governments to stay at his resort.
Yet that is exactly what Trump is doing by scheduling the next meeting of the G-7 at the Trump National Doral resort.
Our nation cannot have a president who awards contracts to himself and flagrantly advertises his disdain for the rule of law.
This is a president who believes the powers of the presidency are bestowed on him to advance his own personal interests — political and profit-seeking — rather than those of the American people.
It's an attitude that says, I’m above the law.
And, frankly, that attitude makes my stomach turn.
Enough is enough! There is a constitutional remedy for a president who believes and carries out policy as if he is above the law and immune from constitutional restraint: impeachment, conviction and removal from office.
7
Mulvaney says that Trump will only " cover costs ", using Doral Trump. No profit. He must think we are all fools.
If I have a hotel in Miami , then in the winter the profits roll in---people come for Miami's warmth. During the hottest part of the summer few guests register. The secret to making an annual profit is to have an overflow crowd in the winter to cover the summer maintenance costs. The summer is not the time for profits--only the "covering costs" time. So that to cover costs would itself increase the annual profit.
We do know that Doral Trump has lost 69% in the last few years. It is not doing so well in general.
Now if Trump can "cover costs" in July---that is good business, and profitable on an annual basis.
But I would think---knowing how big a liar Trump is--that this sudden inflow of guests would more than cover costs, even in July.
And I would think that this place is not the best choice for guests in the summer. Many other spots in the U.S.A.have much pleasanter climate, and climate is an important consideration for hotel guests. Who picked the list of the twelve destinations ? Trump's children or one of his underlings?
The only advantage to meet in Doral Trump in July is that the world leaders would become acutely aware of climate change---global heating--but Trump doesn't want to talk about that existential problem at all. To his fossil-fuel-soaked mind, it's all a Hoax, which means it interferes with profits.
4
There is a solution to this conflict of interest. Trump claims he is a billionaire and would like to be thought of as generous. He could have the G7 at his resort and pay all the expenses for the conference out of his pocket.
7
He’s lost the public trust.
I think that in itself is an impeachable offense.
3
“The President will not profit from this.”
Nice try at lawyer-speak.
He probably won’t “profit.” Considering Doral seems to be significantly underperforming compared to other properties in the area (see Times and Post reporting on the topic...yesterday?), and considering his other properties are failing, the G7 might just...keep him afloat?
He’s so bad at everything he does. I’m not sure he could hit water if he jumped off a boat in the middle of the ocean.
4
Besides the corruption being called out by this action, has anyone informed Trump and world leaders that June is Miami is in many ways its most miserable....it is on average the rainiest and has many violent thunderstorms, especially in the area where this property is located.
5
"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness."
- John Kenneth Galbraith
16
This pales by comparison to the "wrongness" of what Trump is doing here -- both in the Doral incident and generally by not putting his assets into a blind trust as previous Presidents did -- but it's less than clear to me why the NYT article includes a photo of the Doral -- indeed, of its entrance, with the sign (name) prominently displayed in the photo.
1
Where is the limit to this flagrant abuse?
7
This just another example of the corrupt, unethical and morally deficient administration. The republican "leadership" is too afraid of the dictator in chief to openly question this obviously illegal move.
5
So the Doral (crumbling and crawling with bedbugs) will undergo a sprucing up at US taxpayer's expense. They will inflate the 'at cost' figures. They will never show the books, stiff every contractor, service provider who is involved and pocket the money- OUR money. Trump Inc is a disgrace, example A- current POTUS. Wiser folks in NY always knew of his 'crook' ways. The country now sees it too.
12
At cost mo profit? Says who. Oh, the Donald who is known for his truthful statements. This will show the Bidens about taking money from foreign countries and businesses. Wow, we have fallen so low. Oh, just read the letter to Ederwan marks my 5th grader look smarter than the all knowing Donald.
4
Most corrupt administration in US history and the senate republicans say nothing. Mulvaney pretty much said it in his statement "We're corrupt. Get over it!" As a taxpaying citizen, I'll get over it when you're all in a court of law answering for your crimes.
8
A new plan for sending our tax dollars to Trump's pockets
5
Can you even IMAGINE if this were the "Clinton National Doral" hotel?
The hypocrisy takes your breath away!
6
"Joe Biden stayed at a hotel once, so both sides are guilty"
- A Bernie "supporter"
1
I can’t even believe I had this thought, though I’ll share it anyway:
One way to avoid the Trump Doral Golf Club G-7 meeting mess is to dis-invite the USA as a member of the G-7, especially after what he has just done to the Kurds and his cozying up to both Erdogan and Putin ...
Make it a G-6 BEFORE Trump invites Russia into the G-8.
This may be just deserts after betraying our allies.
6
Where are the likes of prominent GOP senators McConnell, Graham, Cruz, Cornyn, Burr, Johnson, and Thune who are as silent as a mirror is believed? Realities plunge like the sound of crickets in the minds and hearts of stalwart trump supporters seemingly blind to what is so obvious ... that trump is a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
10
Absolutely unacceptable.
7
Donald Trump,
our megalomaniacal President
IS CHALLENGING
both the electorate and the Constitution
to
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
6
No country, who still has the least bit of integrity, should allow their representatives to stay at Doral for the G7.
9
STOP Trump. We are being swallowed alive.
7
Donald Trump,
our megalomaniacal President
IS CHALLENGING
both the electorate and the Constitution
to
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
1
Will Trump also invite Putin to the 2020 Summit?
4
South Florida in June? Hot humid and SWAMPY!!
4
Why on earth would the G7 members agree to such a blatant conflict of interest by Trump?
3
Suppose they held a G7 Summit and no one came?
One can only hope!
4
Trump says what he wants and does what he wants. This appallingly corrupt individual is making a mockery of our democracy. Impeach and remove.
4
Trump is so corrupt that he makes Boss Tweed look like a saint. He has corrupted Republicans into letting him do so with impunity. The United States looks like a dysfunctional and collapsing state with Trump.
4
Act first, then send the lawyers to fight.
This is the sleazy way Trump has conducted himself for nearly 40 years.
He's not in private business anymore and doesn't understand the push back.
He probably never will.
3
It would be a crime for Americans going to a foreign country and so arranging things that they could, by staying in properties owned by local politicians or their families, pour American money into those politicians’ pockets. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits Americans doing pretty well exactly what the President seeks to make foreign guests do by “awarding “ the G7 to his own hotel.
4
It is sad how this administration can be so blatantly corrupt in broad daylight and there are still people who think they’re grabbing fistfuls of cash in good faith. I don’t know how our republic can stand such willful ignorance.
3
Really, He gets more and more blatant as he seeks to benefit himself with the presidency. This has got to be illegal. He is a criminal and this is one more reason he needs to be impeached. He does not respect our constitution or our democracy.
4
For those of you who are wondering how he will get away with holding the G7 at his resort, google CREW vs. Trump. The Citizens for Ethics in Washington only have so many lawyers, time and money to try and stop this criminal and his cronies.
2
Is a cancellation penalty included in the summit contract? Trump probably plans to profit from impeachment by filling up the 2020 calendar in advance. Someone please explain to Donald that life is not quite that simple.
1
45 never did what he, as a president, was suppose to do with his personal assets upon becoming the 45th POTUS, by establishing a blind trust. However, the president has the right to pick the place to conduct business. Another hole in our laws and regulations, and 45 took advantage of it.
What do y’all expect from a person like Trump.
There are a lot of other things to worry about this presidency. Besides, this G-7 will be held in June 2020. Who knows where things will be by then.
1
Open letter to Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Shinzo Abe and the other heads of the G6 (minus Trump):
Although you all have diplomatic immunity for actions taken as Head of State for your respective countries, I urge you not to facilitate, or in any way aid or abet, a clear violation of the United States Constitution's Emoluments Clause by attending the next G7 summit if held, as currently "advertised" (and that word is chosen intentionally), at the Trump Doral property in Florida, nor any other Trump branded property.
4
No bids or committee search required for a conference like this?
No congressional approval?
No oversight?
It has been been interesting to learn how much of government is run by "norms" and assumptions that decision makers will act respectfully.
The blatant corruption like Ukraine gets attention, but how many day to day decisions depend on integrity and don't need any approval?
Many, it seems, which is where Trump lives and is open to cooking the books.
3
I must say I'm surprised that Trump would even consider using the Doral. But then I was surprised, and gravely disappointed, that Trump didn't put his assets into a blind trust the moment he took office (if not before). He should do that now.
Setting aside the "Emoluments Clause," no President should create even the appearance that he might benefit personally from actions he takes as President. Trump has done that, and the Doral incident is just more of the same. He can and should try to undo the harm he has caused by placing all of his assets into a blind trust now -- better late than never.
1
Using trump properties to host international meetings does not allow foreign visitors to see other wonderful parts of the US. Besides this property (Doral) has problems with something besides bed bugs or it would be making more money & being used more often. If it is such a good location, why are people not flocking to Doral with it so close to the airport & with so many "beautiful" bungalows (aren't bungalows small buildings with no amenities)?
True violation of the emoluments clause. Military staying at trump properties, G7 at trump property, hosting China & Japan leaders at Mar La Go, Saudi Arabia BFFs staying at the trump hotel, the list goes on. Why can he not be stopped, somehow, or in any way?
3
This is classic Trump diversion. I hope the larger point of actionable corruption does not get lost.
2
Maybe Trump won't be president by the time of the next G-7 meeting. Fingers crossed. But if he is, I look to the protests.
3
This will probably be blocked by the courts since it is such a blatant violation of the emoluments clause. But it shouldn't get that far because even Republican lawmakers should see how bad the optics are on this, and they should pass a law prohibiting the Grifter-in-chief from proceeding with this bald self-dealing.
3
This announcement itself should be an article of impeachment. Such a brazen betrayal of his solemn oath to uphold the constitution cannot be ignored.
4
This brazen move demonstrates the level to which we have fallen. Liberals who continue to have faith in ethics, morality and the power of our system need to "get woke." This is what we are in the 21st century: the spectacle dominates; the profiteers pick the bones of the government shamelessly; the press debates the fine points of "quid pro quo," their primary purpose to put forward headlines for their particular market, sensational belligerence if you are a Fox viewer and endless scholarly opinion if you are an NPR listener; the cult-like fervor for this president continues unabated and the GOP controls the electoral process with strategic voter suppression and gerrymandering. We can't move forward for effective change if we are unable to acknowledge the reality of the situation in which we find ourselves.
3
Wow this is beyond bold....no to this, clearly this is not OK....so many other fabulous options...how about the incredible Sunnylands here in the Coachella Valley desert? Incredible facilities (not bugged by the Russians) it has successfully hosted many US Presidents and international leadership groups, safe & secure, always good weather, an international airport nearby, and not prone to hurricanes and flooding like Florida is. This bold grab must be stopped for so many reasons. Move it to Sunnylands!
3
He (will not type the name) thinks the more his corruption is made public the more we'll get used to it? Not working here. Beyond the pale, plus extremely embarrassing.
2
The Trump regime keeps doubling down, and betting that they can ignore the rule of law and no one can stop them.
Republicans are remaining silent because they are hoping for prominent positions in the Trump regime if America dies.
However, they will turn on Trump if things fall apart, and claim they were “just following orders”.
There is no honor amongst thieves.
If America survives, something needs some serious fixing.
5
If the rulers of the other members of G7 had any sense of propriety, they should politely decline Mr Trump's invitation to his property and request another venue. Will Frau Merkel, M. Macron, Mr. Trudeau, Sig. Conte, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Abo muster enough courage for such a step?
3
Are any reporters or watchdogs looking at whether Trump organization or family is making money from insider trading on wall street knowing upcoming tweets/policies that Trump makes on a regular basis which move market up and down? Remember, he made a lot of money in early nineties trading in stock by making false takeover announcements in companies!
4
What will it take to stop this man? The law is clear. It is that simple. The emoluments clause at this point is the least of the infractions. It is time to remove 45 from office. There is more than enough damaging material to do so. It is time for public hearings. It is time for those in power to check their consciences to see if there is any integrity left in their hearts and minds, to speak out, and to be on the right side of history.
48
Looks selve serving to me. This is the worst president, ever.
11
It is good choice. It has the facilties for the event. That is what counts/ And Trump will pick the site and it is no a violation of the emoluments clause for him to use Doral.
2
@Judy Weller, What, in your opinion, *would* be a violation of the emoluments clause, then? Or, for that matter, of 18 U.S. Code § 208?
16
@Judy It is the definition of a violation of the Emoluments Clause.
18
Since he will personally make money off this, in revenues, in taxpayer-supplied communications and security upgrades, and in increased business afterwards, please—explain why, “is no a violation.”
By the way, there’s something really off about saying, “for him to use Doral.” I suspect it’s in the idea that this is what TRUMP’S doing, not what the President’s doing for the country.
13
How is this man allowed to continue committing blatantly illegal acts with impunity? We used to be "a nation of laws, not of men". Now the United States is Trump's private fief.
Every time he pushes the limits he gets away with it, thanks to the complicit Senate. And every time he gets away with it he resolves to push the limits further the next time. Soon there will be nothing left, just Trump from sea to shining sea.
1391
@Mobiguy
Every time he pushed the limits he potentially digs himself a deeper hole and more from the administration decamp. Patience.
40
@Mobiguy Why not have it at Disneyland in Anaheim?
It’s well set up for ‘tourists’, plenty of space for choppers...and Mike Pence already lives there at the Lincoln animatronic exhibit
71
@Lynn Russell
Did you read the article? He's done stuff like this on 307 different days and hasn't been tried for it a single time. When will the Dems do anything? On the 308th time? Or the 400th? The 700th?
Dems are just clucking their tongues at him while allowing him to do whatever he wants. Glad we finally have some leftist congressional members to give them some spine.
37
The Trump name is the most recognized in the history of greed, corruption and unethical behavior. My fellow South Carolinian Mick Mulvaney has totally gone to the dark side and in addition to acting Chief of Staff he has earned the title of Chief Enabler. His comments are pathetic and ridiculous. Just like his boss, history will judge him harshly.
1964
@HK Let's hope it's not just history that will judge him harshly - I primarily hope it's our judicial system that will do that in the near future.
173
@Rob I wish it were "our" Judicial system, sadly it's been stacked with "their" political orientation, and of course Trump's two lackeys.
49
@HK "Trump is the most recognized word in the English language." Except Trump doesn't speak English very well.
26
What are we even doing here? When did our country become an all-you-can-eat buffet for the executive branch?
3607
@Ed Morales pure greed and we all are allowing it.
85
@Ed Morales Our country became a all-you-can-eat buffet when Republicans are elected. It happens every time they are elected, this time more obvious than the past administrations.
209
@Ed Morales
LOL; are you referring to the bedbugs getting an international cuisine?
63
The claim that Trump won’t “profit” from hosting the G7 summit is a false canard. The emolument clause doesn’t mention profit; it speaks instead of gain through the misuse of the Office of President. Put aside the fact of a clear conflict of interest; Trump is thumbing his nose at accepted norms of Presidential guardrails.
He doesn’t think there are any guardrails.
11
Surely the leaders of the other six G7 nations will decline the invitation to meet at the Doral resort; to do otherwise would make them complicit in Trump’s corruption. Perhaps Trump wants it that way, for he will then be able to fulfill his long-held dream of bringing Putin back into the fold — call it the G8 minus 6. I’m sure the autocrat and the wannabe will appreciate the opportunity for a tete-a-tete free from the interference of leaders who actually care about democracy, human rights and the rule of law. For Trump, the only downside will be the lost room and meal charges from the delegations that don’t attend.
3
I've emailed 4 of the G7 so far asking them to boycott the meeting unless the venue is changed to Camp David or a resort not owned by the Trump Organization. I'm having trouble getting a contact for Japan. I'm not certain that Angela Merkel's sent so I'll send a letter or fax.
I urge everyone who opposes using the Doral to contact all 6. It takes a bit of time but we have to do something and we all know Moscow Mitch won't stand up to him. I have Japan and the UK yet to do. All one needs to do is go to the country's official website and the translator usually popped up on my Android.
1
With this move, Trump violates the Emoluments Clause and rafts of ethics laws, regulations and rules.
It is obviously corrupt for a President to personally profit from his office, and the use of taxpayer funds to do so makes it an outrageous insult to the nation. And he clearly does not care.
He has a weak, off the cuff defense that he'll do it "at cost", which is irrelevant, and likely a lie.
It must be made one of the Articles of Impeachment. The facts have been provided by Trump himself. No investigation is needed for this one.
5
trump and his spawn are running the nation as if it's their privately owned family business. Family members are snugly ensconced in the WH with lavishly appointed offices and amenities. They are deliberately compromising the congressional power of the purse and willfully (and recklessly) manipulating taxpayer revenues willy nilly as they see fit shirking accountability in plain sight. They have progressively intertwined their private business interests with government functions behind a veritable barrage of legal maneuvers (a la a motley crew of highly paid lawyers) to confound any and all attempted counter measures of political adversaries. And they're getting away with it!
4
Why are GOP leaders in Congress, and members of the White House staff not speaking out. I don't understand.
It's clear that hosting the G7 at a resort owned by Trump is a conflict of interest, and yet another audacious move which makes the presidency more like a regime.
Shame on the GOP cohorts.
5
Trump's property is “by far and away, the best physical facility for this [G7] meeting.” What a joke. As if there's no other well-qualified place in the entire US to hold the next G7 meeting. What a deep disappointment that Trump doesn't take the chance at this point in time to at least create the appearance that he's not seeking personal profit.
2
Why don’t the Democrats and any republicans who still have a soul indict he president for enriching himself while in public office?
Why don’t the G7 leaders just not attend?
5
So many questions:
He has time for picking locations for a summit?
Isn't there a person whose job that is?
Isn't this illegal?
Who makes money from the food and booze?
Why is he still President?
5
This could end up being the G2 just Russia and Trump.
The G6 will be held in Canada or Europe.
6
What would happen if a naval procurement officer awarded a no bid contract to himself? Isn't it about that simple?
8
as with everything else Trump does, i say: imagine -- IMAGINE -- what Republicans (not to mention Trump himself) would say if Obama did/tried to do that.
5
Again, the occupant of the White House flaunts his intention to always put himself first rather than American businesses and the people of the United States. It could financially assist several long-established U.S. resort hotels to host the conference -- The Greenbrier Resort, a leading American resort for more than 200 years, for example. Or the Homestead Resort, and others on the east coast.
Once again he is committing grand theft. Congress should protect the taxpayers, but if they let him go ahead with this outrageous decision, they should make certain not one dollar of taxpayer money is spent upgrading this Trump facility. Let him spend his own money for a change.
6
Let’s keep in mind that even if the president receives not one cent as a result – – highly unlikely – – his hotel will inevitably get millions of dollars of free advertising. Even if this doesn’t happen, that hotel has already received free advertising. But if this meeting does take place at his resort, let’s hope attendees have to wade through 6 inches of water to enter the building – – a common Miami occurrence, due to climate change caused sea level rise.
3
“I think the president has pretty much made it very clear since he got here that he doesn’t profit from being here,” he said. “He has no interest in profit from being here.”
Another day in Opposite World! This is the most hilarious statement yet. The ONLY THING this president wants to do is profit from being here. And he demonstrates that every minute or every day.
5
Hosting it "at cost" sure helps the bottom line of a property where net income has fallen 69% from 2015-2017.
Kleptocracy at its most transparent.
Mulvaney's audience-of-one display at the podium yesterday was kakocracy at its finest.
3
Simple solution: Everyone stays at the hotel and no one pays anything.
@Greg Not sure whether you're referring only to the G7 summit. Assuming you are, that won't solve the problem. The Doral reportedly is losing money because too-few people are staying there. If its sales increase because the G7 summit is held there, maybe the Doral will make money (or lose less money) from here on out. That's wrong, and it's wrong even if the Doral loses money on the G7 summit itself.
Trump should have put all of his assets, notably including his ownership interest in the Trump Organization, into a blind trust when he was inaugurated, just like previous Presidents did. He's said he won't profit DURING HIS PRESIDENCY from anything he does as President. Even if that's true, he could well take back an asset -- his ownership interest in the Trump Organization -- that is worth more than it once was because of things he did while he was President. That's wrong.
Using the Doral for the G7 summit is wrong, tu minor compared to Trump's failure to put his assets into a blind trust.
Let's have the DNC build a Democratic Hotel for all ambassadors and visiting heads of state. All profits go directly to Democratic politicians.
Don't worry, republicans are cool with it.
4
@Steve "All profits go directly to Democratic politicians."
You're missing the point. Even if the Doral loses money on the G7 summit, the Doral might make money (or lose less) because OTHER people stay there, before and after the G7 summit, BECAUSE the Doral was used for the G7 summit. Trump will benefit from that.
1
I would fear/assume that Trump cronies would bug the rooms of various high profile heads of state and/or other attendees. (Putin has probs by volunteered his services). It would be a minor transgression compared to so many other laws that he or people in his administration have broken.
2
Sounds delightful. Florida in the height of summer (high temps, high humidity, flying insects, daily thunderstorms), during the slowest season for all hospitality venues, including Trump's hotel. Canny, that.
5
Will our taxes be used to upgrade the facility for the G-7? Probably. If Camp David is not suitable, use the money to upgrade Camp David so it will be of use to future presidents.
The fact that a President of the US and his chief of staff feel no shame making money by using the president's own private facility is frightening and sets a precedent for such future corrupt actions by other presidents.
3
I'm sure the ethics, or lack thereof, of Trump choosing a Trump-owned golf club to host a summit meeting is of absolutely concern to him. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the ethics of a situation is meaningless to this White House.
2
PLEASE, NYT and all media, STOP referring to this place by name. Stop building name recognition and advertising his properties. Just say "Trump owned Miami resort."
29
Just think, after the G7 becomes G8, a bedroom can be a "Putin Slept Here" one.
18
dont let the the law or the Constitution get in the way -
Ching Ching !!!!!
MONEYmoney MONEY !!!!!!
8
Impeach this fascist President. Do it! Even if we don’t win the election we must humiliate this criminal and at least flush some Republican Senators and Trump henchmen down the toilet where they belong.
22
What a joke that Trump said he will only charge the attendees at "cost" making no profit.
The publicity, the marketing value of holding this event will be many millions of dollars. He knows this, and assumes the public will not catch on.
This is the perfect example of his breaching the emoluments proscription in our constitution. It's time for Pelosi to have a vote for the impeachment committee by the entire House, and them proceed with minimal number of charges.
I never thought I would say this, but "thank God for Mitt Romney!"
10
I hope mightily that he is out of the Oval Office before then.
9
Meanwhile the Republican Party stands idly (and hypocritically) by as Trump fills his coffers using taxpayer money. (Because let’s face it, he’s always using - and losing - someone else’s money.)
How they can just swallow this and not call it corruption is incomprehensible.
17
Nah, it’s pretty comprehensible.
They’re scared. Really scared.
1
The American majority is opposed to the G7 meeting at the Trumpite enclave. Besides it is against the law and the criminal Republican senate knows that! Cancel the invitation or there will be big trouble for Trump and the cowardly Republican Party.
7
Can we have Nixon back please?
13
Please take care in choosing a headline. Hosting implies there are guests. Trump and his family are owners and will be paid for this event.
6
This administration will cross boundaries, be inappropriate, lie 13,435+ times, and break the law; all for the sake of making money.
3
Why are people afraid of this guy? He's getting away with murder.
13
How much longer do we have to put-up with this?
11
@Carolyn Simpson Given that the Republican Senate would never convict on impeachment, at least another year and 3 months until a new President can be sworn in. Buckle up, because it's only going to get worse after he's impeached in the House but not removed by the Senate - he'll either take that as a sign that he's completely immune from any possible consequences, or as a sign that there's a growing movement to actually remove him in the next election, and either one means he'll escalate his efforts to enrich the Trump family at taxpayer (and foreign government) expense during what time he has left in office.
2
I think it is time for the American people to appeal to the leaders of G7 nations to boycott the meeting here.
9
If a coin a new descriptive term: Self-emolumation. Don’t even wait for the untoward offer from a foreign state or source. Invite it to your home in an offer they cannot refuse.
5
And the hits keep coming!
1
A G7 meeting in A Trump enclave was designed for and by Putin!
But the American public does not want Putinites in America and that includes president Trump. This is a move to make the USA a Russian satellite. Keep Putin and his kind out of America. We don’t want them here!!
4
Another opaque headline. Let's try, "Trump Funnels Government Contract to Himself."
17
". . . is among the most brazen examples yet of the president’s corruption,”" These shenanigans never cease. Add this to the list of impeachment crimes.
Even Congress criticizing Trump for troop withdrawals has no effect on this disgusting man.
Congress cannot do anything to bring this maniac into line.
3
Blatant disregard for the emoluments clause and another basis for an article of impeachment
9
This is nothing other than nepotism and lining your own pocket with government money.
In plain sight for us and the entire world to see.
Congress - where are you?
7
It is close to several strip clubs. Stormy Daniels will be performing.
3
Donald Trump, the corporate welfare king of the United States!
I can't figure out why the government watchdogs allow Trump to freeload off of public money!
10
It’s almost as if DJT wants to be removed from office. Has he stripped the treasury bare? If there is no more treasure to siphon off, then he’s ready to leave.
7
Don Trump’s view as his role as President of the United States: Don Trump first, America second.
His view of his Oath of Office: Me and all of my financial interest first; America’s interest..,only when I have time to “ think”about thAt subject.
Doral for the 2020 G7- thanks America for your tax dollars. so generous. You know, MAGA!
3
Some headline, "Trump WILL Host" . That is final, no questions asked, no way to stop him?
3
I watched Mulvaney's press conference and the announcement of the summit being held at Trump's Doral property. Once again, another "try-and-stop-me" horror from Trump.
I didn't check the paper yesterday afternoon, but I am wondering why this headline isn't at the top of today's morning news (instead, near the bottom).
Please NYTimes, get some reporters on this story. Have them seek out other properties in the USA to find a handful that are MORE SUITABLE for the summit. (After all, there was an instance where a man sued Trump over bedbugs he encountered at the Doral.) Find out what other properties were considered and why this one was chosen. Find out how Trump WILL profit from this. Report on how much he profits from stays at his properties. Break it down if you have to, per instance/per property. Show how Trump's claim that he's not profiting from the Presidency is a bald faced lie.
Thank you.
9
Several year ago I spent some time in a Central American country doing some contractual work. The government there was a little sleazy but never as blatant like Trump, and to think he is getting away with it. Our country has turned out to be the biggest banana republic of the 21st century.
1
How is this man allowed to continue committing blatantly illegal acts with impunity?
Well, Mobiguy, it's a perfect storm of venality, blindness, arrogance and corruption that has touched the GOP, republicans in general, and the propagandists at Fox. Just today, I read that a panel of its "journalists" laughed off the idea that Trump will do this.
This is wrong on so many levels....how can Congress let him get away with this?
2
Heck, why should he be so subtle?
He and the Republicans should just seize the retirement funds of everyone who is not wealthy enough to evade taxes year after year after year..
Who's to stop them? Not Barr, that's for sure.
2
So if Trump donates the use of his facility for free, I am OK with this. But that's almost surely not what is happening.
Since Congress has the power of the purse strings, is there any way they can block or forbid this use of government funds? Or is it taken out of some larger budget which is approved in a sufficiently vague way that the executive can make these decisions without the possibility for even retroactive review?
1
Doesn't the G7 have to agree where the conference will be held?
72
@Ellen F. Dobson The G7 host rotates among the G7 countries, and its the US' turn next year.
That doesn't make this right, and it's not. It's flat-out wrong.
Even if the Doral offers its rooms and other services at "cost:"
1. It's far from clear what "cost" means.
2. By most or all accounts, the Doral was losing money. Even if this G7 summit loses money for the Doral, the Doral almost certainly will benefit from the summit being there. Others will stay at the Doral -- before and after the G7 summit -- and brag to friends that they did. It's a fair bet that their rooms won't be charged at "cost."
3. Most important of all, Trump should have done what all previous Presidents have done (to my knowledge): If they have substantial assets, put them all in a blind trust so that the President can't know whether any action he takes as President will benefit him. Trump says he won't benefit while he's President, and I'm willing to believe that, but he doesn't say he won't benefit later -- such as when he takes back his ownership interest in the Trump Organization after he leaves office. That's flat-out wrong. Having the Doral host the G7 summit has #1 and #2 also against it, but that incident, and many others, are wrong because of #3.
14
So, the Doral and other trump properties are great places and his sons run them, not the president.
A modest proposal: Do not charge the G7 anything at all for use of the Doral. Free on the house. Let the Trumps swallow the costs for the publicity it will generate. The Trumps are billionaires, right? What's a few million more or less if it means that the constitution is followed to the spirit as well as the letter. Emolument Clause or something, isn't it.
And when Trump is no longer president, he can wallow in the publicity that "The G7 was here!, Macron slept here! etc." It should pull him out of the doldrums. Maybe even make him some honest money.
2
Absolute conflict of interest - absolutely illegal - and Mulvaney has now lost all credibility by announcing this as "the best place for the summit." This cannot happen - this won't happen.
4
criminals committing crimes in broad daylight and the congress continues to do nothing.
no more business as usual.
4
It would be correct for the G7 participates to refuse Trump’s invite to his place especially since Trump is breaking the law for having invited them and all our once allies despise him.
5
So he's donating the use of the facility, then?
1
RIP , USA.
Seriously, we are finished if this is allowed to happen.
3
Since his intellect is no match for some of the people attending the summit, he'll want to show off his "incredible" wealth.
1
Don’t let him get away with it. This is so unethical.
1
"Trump Will Host Next G7 Summit at His Doral Resort"
No, he won't. This is blatant self-dealing. It's illegal and unconstitutional, and is a violation of the emoluments clause. And it's yet another impeachable offense.
It's clear that Trump is grabbing all he can get before he's kicked out of office. And by the time the next G7 summit rolls around, Trump will be gone.
5
Clear violation of the Emoluments Clause. Full stop. And Moscow Mitch and Brett Kavanaugh will defend him.
1
- Italy will stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Naples, Fla. and commute every morning.
- The UK will stay in a Winnebago parked in the back of Doral's Walmart.
- Canada has made reservations for 3 rooms at Motel 6 Miami which is only 10 minutes from Miami International Airport.
- Merkel and the German delegation will be camping in the Everglades.
- Macron and the French delegation have booked 3 floors of the Fontainbleau, Miami.
- Abe of Japan plans to stay in Kyoto and will participate in the meetings on Skype.
2
Judge Napalitano, on Fox yesterday discussing the president not conducting the G-7 at Camp David or Sea Island, responded...
“He (Trump) has bought himself an enormous headache now with the choice of this,” Napalitano continued.
“This is about as direct and profound a violation of the emoluments clause as one could create.”
Trump and his staff of enablers are brazenly violating the Constitution and committing crimes in the open. Congressional Republicans remaining silent are complicit and will lose their seats in a 2020 Blue Tsunami election that will dwarf the 2018 Blue Wave sweeping Republicans out of of the House.
Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans have decided that they'll do whatever for the good of their party over what's best for America and We The People. Shame on all of them.
3
The other G7 leaders should define his invitation. That would be fantastic!
2
Most of the people in congress are corrupt enough that they really don't want to say too much about Trump's outrageous behavior lest they turn the spotlight onto themselves. We can only hope that the voting public sees this taxpayer money grab for the unethical and illegal act it is.
Just think about all the "necessary improvements" that will be made to Trump Doral at taxpayer expense. Trump must be positively salivating at the idea that his loser country club will be bailed out by democratic taxpayers.
1
Maybe all the other leaders will refuse to go.
1
I expected that Democrats would instead prefer the event be held at a Motel 6. The rooms are comfortable and the prices are reasonable.
Nope, just a non Trump family owned property. You know, like it states in the Constitution of the United States.
1
And what happens if, by G7 time next year, the host is no longer in office? Who will host -- or hostess -- and where?
1
On the same day the Chair of the House Oversight Committee passes away, this glaring example of the necessity of strong government oversight is announced.
446
Donald Trump is a spec of dust compared to Elijah Cummings.
20
To alarm watchdogs? It's no alarm folks, but a pure violation of ethics. Where are the adults in the room here?
1
Assuming that federal dollars will be required to host this event, did this event go out to bid? Where are the competing bids by other companies to show that the General Services Administration guidelines are being followed? The actions of this president are reminiscent of the corruption inherent in feudal societies. The other 2 branches of government need the support of the people to stop this kleptocracy.
5
As many others here and elsewhere have commented, Trump just does what he wants. This is the way he’s always operated.
Why? Because no one stops him.
When he was elected, I hoped that our so called “checks and balances” would rein him in. They haven’t so far.
He’s in the middle of an impeachment fight and he still acts like King Donald. A normal person would be cautious at this time, but he doesn’t care. He’s going to have G 7 at his resort because no one will stop him.
2
President’s used to be the biggest cheerleaders of American free enterprise. They promoted our great businesses and industries and sought win win opportunities. Now it is all about his interests first and foremost and a few other industries that his cronies own. ... and unfortunately for US none of them are innovative or create stable middle class jobs.
2
"... he dismissed any suggestion that the president would profit from the choice"
Nope. He already has. Before yesterday, maybe a small percentage of the voting public had ever heard of "Doral". Now a huge number (most everyone with internet access or a TV) know about it.
Maybe he's thinking impeachment will get him a huge number of sympathy votes and is launching a "please don't throw me in that briar patch" strategy?
3
HE has decided. Why do we indulge this announcement as if it's a fact? As if he will be in office next June?
2
Even if some entity or person steps in and says this is illegal in a thousand ways, just by ANNOUNCING that he will hold the G7 at the resort is a massive amount of free marketing. I, for one, had no idea that he had a resort but, thanks to his utter shamelessness, I do now. Some of the potential damage is already done.
3
a few things: 1) shouldn't Mr. Trump have more important things to do than figure out the venue for G-7? there has to be someone on staff who arranges these things. 2) how does he get away with this? what recourse do we have to block it?
2
The US taxpayers will pay for multi-million dollar renovations which will enhance the property value and allow trump to make a profit on an otherwise failing property.
It is all about the real estate transaction after trump leaves office.
4
Do we not have contracting and procurement procedures in this country, that are mandated by law? When did we become the private property of the Trumps?
2
No ethical procurement process would have included a Trump property in the bid. Crystal clear conflict of interest.
2
The laws do not apply to trump's actions.
The Constitution does not apply to trump's actions.
trump is above any law.
He told us so daily.
His people tell us so daily.
trump believes he is a king or one sent by God to change the world.
He is wrong.
I can think of several kings who believed they could rule without recourse to the will of the people.
It did not end well for them.
It will not end well for trump.
Impeach him.
The sooner the better.
16
Good thing that there is no "conflict of interest" here. Mr Trump is never "conflicted" if he's making a buck.
11
Do Trump, Mulvaney & Co. propose to close Miami International Airport during the meeting? If not, how will security be guaranteed?
5
@History Professor Those claiming that this is merely another diversion tactic are most likely correct. This will never happen:
1) Most likely dotard will be in handcuffs long before the conference
2) If he isn’t, the planned protests will make this a non-starter due to MANY security concerns - no foreign leader in their right mind will accept the risks. They will all have laundry to do or need to wash their hair.
5
This is a complete abuse of power, but please stop dismissing the abuse of the other party. It’s hard to swallow the apologies you make for Biden and his son Hunter. Both sides are guilty.
1
Your equivalence is appropriate to a poor high school debate argument. The subject is a President making money off of his office, not indirectly but by using the office. You should demand a percentage from him for the use of your tax dollars.
2
@Casual Observer more like kindergarten debate. These false equivalencies are extremely tiresome.
5
Not a shred of evidence has been found against Biden’s son, unlike Trump’s family members; Try critical thinking and read a variety of professional news sources.
3
I'm certain the Trump organization will receive no coverage about the Doral Resort as a result of the meeting and no one will, therefore, become interested in visiting the resort. As such the POTUS' income will not benefit. If Trump is worth billions of dollars, why not turn the income into charity? Oh, I forgot, a charity might help people of colour or simply poor US citizens or residents. The 'White House Grinch' would not want to be seen as soft on scroungers now would he?
4
There is no 2020 budget. We are under a continuing resolution. If the House hangs tough on either no budget or a budget that specifically makes it a crime to spend any money at any property owned directly or indirectly by the President, Vice President, Congressman, Senator, Judge or appointed official of the US government, then we will solve this problem.
If Trump wishes to be charitable and eat the full cost of hosting at his resort, so be it. But make it clear no cost will be borne by the tax payer including his travel and security cost. We need to do the same thing for any trip that attempts to mix politics and government business.
Trump has turned out to be the biggest welfare queen of all time. How can a real Republican stand idly by and watch this? Where is the Republican fiscal restraint? Is the GOP a walking dead man?
15
Senate & House Republicans silently watch. It’s not only trump. Where is their outrage? Where is their oversight?
10
If we saw someone breaking a universal law so blatantly even in a foreign country, we should not overlook it; we should do whatever we could do to censure him. When military prowess is tried, we would have to be cautious naturally; but in this case it is easy; just boycott next G7, France and Germany and hopefully others.
5
This is about Putin. On his own property, Trump has complete control: the staff, security cameras, who goes where and when. Maximum security to bring Vlad in and provide for secret conversations.
12
Of course Doral is headed to bankruptcy - it's Trump managed. How about a new law making it an absolute requirement to put assets into a blind trust. It's not just avoiding impropriety but avoiding the appearance. In Trump's case, since he wanted his name on everything, that would mean he would have to sell everything. The best part of this law is that Trump never would have run for office.
8
Yes. Once Trump is out of office and a Democrat replaces him, the Republicans will be all for amending the Constitution to force future Presidents to be compelled to avoid not violating conflict of interest principles in office.
1
@Casual Observer you are probably right. Their hypocrisy is endless and mind boggling.
2
This is to show to those who believe that because we are a “nation of laws” our society works. No, we are a nation of “morals and ethics” and that is what keep a fair society functioning. There are not enough laws in the books or law enforcement if we all decide to act immorally or unethically. There are lawsuits against this president for violations of the emoluments clause and so far the courts have not found him guilty. This clause is too narrow and that is not usual in the constitution, which is usually broad in scope. When we start talking relativism, your morals are yours and I have my own morals, we will see the unraveling of society.
4
This is really brazen. As long as Trump's base accepts his corruption this will keep happening. Congress needs to remove Trump from office. it's bad enough his daughter and son-in-law are working in the White House. Now his gall is in outer space!
9
I sincerely hope Trump and Pence will not be in office by the time the G20 rolls around. The country is on the brink of shreds at present. The instability can only be rectified by the GOP encouraging them to resign for the overall health of the nation for they gave inflicted a cancer upon us.
8
I live in Miami, and through the years have been at many events at Doral....it is NOT the Shangrila that it is being presented as. The heartland has dozens, if not hundreds of venues that are more appealing, more representative of America, and do not further line the pockets of Trump and his family with gold. If there is ANY way to put the brakes on this travesty, let us hope there are still enough GOP followers who have a conscience and aren't licking the feet of this naked emperor who will stand up and do the watchdog services that they were elected to do in protecting our country and system of governing.
13
We are on the "slippery slope" to Constitutional dismantling by a grifter and a fraud. We now see how a political party in power can facilitate the acceleration rather than acting as a speed bump or barrier.
Besides the impeachment that must proceed if we are to maintain any semblance of Constitutional integrity, the only recourse to repairing the Senate and Congress in order to get their respective members to uphold and defend the Constitution is through the vote.
However, that process is not fair to the voters. Gerrymandering has poisoned the process. The Supreme Court refused to hear the recent case about it, claiming that it would not entertain a "political question". How bad does the notion of majority rule have to get before the Supremes will take the case? As well, the notion that a corporation is a "person" is the most ludicrous and absurd decision made by the Supremes during the Roberts court so far.
Getting the money out of our elections must be a legislative priority, but will only happen with a Congress that works for the general welfare.
This guy's got to go...he is a despot and is trying to expand his authority through impunity to meet the full definition of that term.
If the vote is all we have, then we all must send a clear message to all the grifters who prop him up. For those in denial, I suggest that they go live in a dictatorship like Russia to see the reality first hand.
8
It's fascinating that all of these people actually think the Occupant will still be occupying the WH next June. He is blatantly daring Congress to impeach him and they are doing their best to oblige him. The evidence suggests that he will be gone long before the G7 meets next year.
6
Until a majority of Republican voters wise up, he’s beyond removal from office if impeached. The Democrats are hoping for moderates to become radical leftists by catering only to the far left of their base, a lot of people will just not vote, and so Trump is still within reach of re-election.
Short of advertising the actual Pennsylvania presidential home for rent, this is the ultimate slap in the face to America. Maybe the grandchildren could set up a lemonade stand in front to earn some change!
7
How about he pays every penny he’s made off taxpayer dollars back to the PEOPLE?
7
Let’s hope he’s removed and in jail before then. Then congress can sue the entire “drumpf” family and get back the money they’ve stolen from the United States of America.
Crooks, every one of them.
9
Ukraine and his hotel business are definitely impeachable offenses but the Trump control of our military and the insane withdrawal of our forces from Syria (order by Trump) is actually a far more serious dilemma.
Trump is extremely dangerous to our national security and our democracy at large . Congressional leadership especially Senate republicans are failing to recognize when our President supports ethnic cleansing we are all in great danger.
"Romney’s denunciation of Trump’s decision came hours after Senate Republicans blocked a vote on a House-passed resolution condemning the military move."
Kurdish little girls and boys watched as their mothers were raped and killed. Men , women and little boys and girls are being slaughtered because our military obeyed a poisoned ridiculous order from the lunatic residing in our White House. Senate republicans obviously believe all orders from The Criminal Con Man in Chief must be instantly followed.
The SECDEF , combatant commanders, Chief of the JCS should have at least slowed roll this heinous order from the Putin puppet. Congressional leadership especially the Senate republicans and the Chairman and ranking members of the HASC and SASC must ask themselves what will be the next insane order be from this unqualified lunatic.
Impeach, convict and imprison yesterday.
5
@AACNY ,
We haven't gotten to Impeachment yet. But given all the singing being done at the inquiries it is not far behind.
I enjoy your comments and I am very curious as to what Trump behavior will make you reconsider your Trump support. So far I think it will really comedown to a shot on 5th Ave, though.....
1
Is DJT by receiving rental income and market rates or lower for the rental of a business property he owns violating Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution? As such payment is neither a gift nor a title of nobility, the answer would turn on the definition of an emolument. The Courts have not clearly defined what specific circumstances would give rise to such. The underlying rational of such a prohibition is to prevent undue influence of a foreign government on the U.S. President. Does this seem like a situation in which the G 7 foreign governments selected this site to have undue positive influence on Trump? Or is this more a different type of case, that is, the President attempting to profit from his position, a non emolument case, but perhaps a different type.
2
"...prompted immediate questions about whether it was a conflict of interest for him to choose one of his own properties for a diplomatic event." Only republicans would have this question.
9
Sometimes one has to laugh at certain statements, "Mr. Mulvaney said the president had considered the possibility of the “political sort of criticism” in picking the resort. But he said Mr. Trump chose it anyway because administration officials had considered hotels throughout the country, and concluded that the Trump National Doral was “by far and away, far and away, the best physical facility for this meeting.”
Can I have 60 percent on what the make?
9
I suggest. Each nations’ delegation fly in, enjoy the stay and balk at paying the bill. Then, when sued for non-payment , play the diplomatic immunity card.
17
Based on everything that has happened in the last two weeks, culminating in Mulvaney admitting the quid pro quota is how politics is done in the Trump administration, and Trump’s own demonstration of his deteriorating mental health in that whole episode with Pelosi, before the G7 summit happens he will be hospitalized or incarcerated, Pence, Pompeo and other cronies and co- conspirators will be in jail, and someone else will be the President. If not, God help our country.
4
He reminds me of a child testing his limits - how far can I push the boundaries before I'm told to behave. This is excusable behaviour in a toddler -- but not in a world leader. It's the modus operandi of despots.
7
What if the leaders of several G7 countries boycott given the proposed venue—-in a powerful wave of solidarity and ethical leadership?
10
The tried and true method of sweeping one news cycle under the rug with the next seems to have backfired with this perfectly perfect press conference.
At what point will the GOP jump off the TrumpWagon, or, will they continue riding it through the swamp dragging Uncle Sam by his coattails?
8
how funny is it going to be when Trump is impeached and facing criminal lawsuits due to campaign financing and seeing his resort host the G7. Hubris.
6
H U G E advertisement that will pay back for decades....until his descendants have it become a National Historic Site ..with government dollars
3
It's almost like they built this country so TRump could fleece it and get richer.
Honestly, folks, can we get some legislation cooking to patch up some of the holes trump has blasted in the legal system? There's kind of a road map being laid out for the next bad actor the Republican-Russian political complex pushes on us.
10
Dear G7 Members,
It's not your job to clean up the corrupt, tyrannical, dangerous quagmire of the US Executive Branch.
But let's face it. This president is destroying the global economy, global security, and global stability.
Any chance of a G7 boycott?
14
It's almost like they built this country so TRump could fleece it and get richer.
Honestly, folks, can we get some legislation cooking to patch up some of the holes trump has blasted in the legal system? There's kind of a road map being laid out for the next bad actor the Republican-Russian political complex pushes on us.
This seems brainless. There is no place else in the USA that can host this gathering? Will Trump be hosting this for no money so as to avoid the appearance of impropriety and self-dealing?
4
How can this be stopped?
8
The G7 countries should refuse to meet at Trump's club. Otherwise aren't they aiding and abetting his violation of American law?
13
There’s nothing about Trump’s Doral that couldn’t be fixed by Godzilla.
Though come to think of it, the Smog Monster might be more fitting.
3
The joint statement at the end will read "We couldn't sleep because there was a terrible smell coming from the bathroom. We talked to the concierge three times about it, but nobody did anything. There must be something wrong with the sewage."
4
Too bad the federal government doesn't already own a secure retreat site just outside Washington D.C.
(Camp David)
15
I urge members of the G7 to decline the invitation. If not, this orange stain will taint them as well.
14
This problem might be mute if Trump is impeached and removed before 2020 G7 meeting.
3
Why the "both sides" treatment of this issue, NYT? There is presidential wrongdoing here. Republicans asserting otherwise should not be part of the equation.
10
The ultimate insider trading deal.
12
The Attorney General gets a cut.
12
The self-dealing here, not to mention the blatant public violation of the emoluments clause, is soooo obvious. An international conference of world leaders in South Florida. In June. Hot and humid, with mosquitos, love bugs and other insects. Really? What rational person would dream this up? Hint: one whose property and business needs a serious influx of cash.
13
It is clear: Trump is scared. It has finally occurred to him that his time is up and prison awaits him. He will continue to unravel and the world will suffer. It's the nuclear code that scares me. He is getting to the point that he will use it just to save himself. He will not care about the consequences. The republicans will look for cover to save themselves from death. But before he ends the world he will continue to destroy international alliances.
9
I’ve been telling everyone I know the same thing. It seems inevitable if we cannot stop this carnage of democracy.
Barr and McConnell are the first dangers that have to go.
8
“We sat around one night,” Mr. Mulvaney said. “We had the list, and he goes, ‘What about Doral?’ And it was like, that’s — that’s not the craziest idea.”
I'm afraid you're wrong, Mr. Mulvaney. It was, like, the 'craziest idea.' And it's also, like, "illegal." One more nail in the coffin of impeachment, bucko. Keep hammering them in.
22
There HAS to be a law against this. Surely!
11
Herr Trump is not even trying to hide his criminality anymore and beginning to do it it plain sight, daring anyone to oppose his actions. Since he has bought and paid for the GOP and has their unwavering loyalty because of it, he will continue to get away with it.
Are we seeing the end of American democracy?
15
Trump's sole reason for being president is self enrichment. Time to add violation of the Constitution emoluments clause to the grounds for impeachment.
15
Thank you Senator Blumenthal. We must stop Trump from raiding our citizens for his profit.
5
In Government procurement terms this is called “sole sourcing” and needs justification that no other bidders were qualified to do this. Where is the outrage from other major hotel owners - such a Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, etc that should be sending messages to the papers about how they never got a chance to even bid on this lucrative opportunity. This breaks all norms of procurement law. If he is impeached does it still have to be at Doral?
20
@Jan Whitener
We have Camp David for this very reason. We dont need bids from hoteliers. We the People have already built a venue with Camp David.
2
This cannot happen.
The property is described as being "in decline" which means that to get it ready for the G7, taxpayer money will be used to get it up to standards and security requirements.
Trump will gain an enormous amount of free advertising and marketing for Doral and all his resorts if this happens, and it will be world-wide advertising. That's also supposed to be illegal.
21
@Shelly Thomas Hosting "at cost" probably includes the cost to improve the property. This is blatant use of the presidency for self enrichment.
13
“We sat around one night,” Mr. Mulvaney said. “We had the list, and he goes, ‘What about Doral?’ And it was like, that’s — that’s not the craziest idea.”
Ranking crazy ideas of the day -- finally something believable.
8
Hope the democratic nations who are thus forced to participate in a rogue nation's criminality to attend, stay elsewhere, and bring their own snacks for the duration of the meetings.
In that case, we'll greet them with flowers!
6
Can’t someone file a FOI request to make the RFP for the G-7 site and the responses received to check if the bidding process was followed or not.
19
Trump thinks he can run the country as his own private business, for his own benefit and profit. And the Republicans are OK with that - perhaps a bit envious.
One would think even his own supporters “get” that this is terribly wrong, and illegal.
12
free advertising for decades...Not just a one time deal...
3
Well, this is not thief since Trump is doing it openly. Consider it a shakedown then. You have to wonder if RICO applies, Giuliani used to know this stuff. But then, Giuliani used to be a Democrat too. So was Trump. So, Trump is right about one thing. The Republicans are easier to get played and be preyed on. Any genuine Republicans of the Eisenhower stripe should think hard and long where they are now
14
@Bos I finally understand why Trump became Republican.
4
I heard Doral was not doing so well. Trump will fix that. Presidential perk.
7
The GOP can agree (more.or less) that it's ok to criticize Trump's blunder in Syria, but can't bring itself to stand uo and ask Trump throw them a bone of integrity ? Or stand up to him.with a counterfew proposition that might not look so brazenly contemptuous of even the most disinterested political specator ? Why not just announce that there will henceforth be an administration fee for all the losers filing their taxes and that a certain % will go directly into the Trump family coffers as retribution for.all the unfair things that have been done to the greatest but most maligned president in all of the yuge history book goinback to.the time when Christ shared dinosaur meat with the king of the Trumps.
3
One thing keeps nagging me, how easy it would be at the Doral for Trump slip Putin into the conference, trying to force the reformation of the G-8. With the surprise introduction of Iran's Zarif at the last G-7 in France, I would not put it past Trump to think that it would be the perfect place for it.
11
We need to be out in the streets protesting and urging Congress to impeach the so called stable genius.
Mulvaney et al. claim to have values and wear their religion on their sleeves. Yet they support the immoral man. The stable genius and all those who are helping him break the law, need to be put in jail for years not just a few days or months.
11
I would never in a million years thought about doing this myself if I were the President, so did that suggest that Trump was “thinking outside the box?” I am speechless.
5
Also, we mustn’t ignore Trump 'sprucing up the place' in advance. I wouldn’t be surprised if it's everything from a new, state-of-the-art communications system to bathroom fixtures. Remember, he scammed a 911 small business fund and also his insurance company for 'repairs' ($17 million!) to Mar-a-Largo after a hurricane.
18
Absolutely....up grades and on going maintenance as a “national historic site”
6
Bet the ranch that the Trump Doral Dump will be undergoing major renovations to the tune of hundreds of millions at the American taxpayer expense. It's how he rolls, just like how he made a multimillion dollar insurance claim on Mar-A-Lago yet no building permits were taken out for work and guests there for an event a week later reported no evident damage. Just like Trump filed a claim to the 911 fund for buildings sustaining damage from the attack when his building was blocks away and sustained zero damage, and don't get me started on how campaign money ends up in personal pockets.....it's just how he rolls us.
17
This one is easy. Someone in the House (preferably Democrat) needs to submit a bill requesting to host the G-7 at the Doral Resort. It will go down in flames and Trump will be notified that this emolument has been officially rejected.
5
Trump's not going to make it to June. President Pence will likely hold it somewhere else.
3
Well, the way things are going at a brisk clip, President Pelosi actually.
9
This is just wrong. It is embarrassing to force G7 delegates to sit through Trump Properties time-share and membership pitches before they can attend meetings.
I wonder who has to pay for all the security and beautification upgrades to get the place ready?
Good old Pinch-A-Buck TRump has gotta make some scratch on everything. That's why he's president.
He can't have the meeting at a Trump property if he's out of office.
9
The crime here is that Doral or any other Trump property was ever on the list. Soon they'll be telling us that it's too late to change. Fine, then the entire event has to be free of charge at the expense of the Trump National Doral.
11
"prompted immediate questions about whether it was a conflict of interest for him to choose one of his own properties"
Seriously? It "prompted questions"? It is obviously, on its face, a conflict of interest. It's a Conflict of Interest 101 example of a conflict of interest. Why wouldn't this article start "Ignoring an obvious conflict of interest, President Trump ..."?
12
I'll have to disagree with most of the comments here in that this is about money rather than an essential feeling of 'not belonging' that keeps Trump from physically being the offices and facilities provided to the president. It is his antisocial personality and an understanding somewhere deep down of his unfitting education/personality/intellect which leads him to exclude himself, rather than to be excluded, like children who are left out would state: so I can't play with you? Than I do not want to be a part of it
3
Trump's motivation is irrelevant. His corruption is what it is. Let's not distract ourselves by attempting to analyze this madness.
6
Hunter Biden may have done nothing wrong by accepting a well paid position on the board of Burisma Holdings in Ukraine it did not pass the smell test and now is causing Joe Biden, his father, trouble.
I find it ironic that Trump would make such a big deal about corruption and the Bidens and then turn around and decide to use his Trump International Doral complex for the G-7 meeting.
It may be legal but it does not pass the smell test either. I view it as a conflict of interest and an example of corruption.
6
It is unbelievable to me that it is even possible trump can decide to send government business to his hotel chain. This is not just a trump problem. This is a problem with federal laws and the powers of the President.
7
We understand the emoluments clause to be "undue personal enrichment".
The question I have stems from most news sources which say Trump's businesses have actually lost quite a bit of business since he was elected.
So, in factual terms then, has Trump enriched himself as President or the opposite? How does one prove this one way or the other?
If Trump is insisting that the G7 should be held at his resort, then he should cover the full costs of the event.
This seems more that fair, considering he’s a billionaire and I’m not.
The Attorneys General should file an injunction on this point to protect American taxpayers from being so obviously defrauded by this man.
44
It would be hard to find a more disgusting, corrupt group of people in the United States, and yet this group is running the executive branch of the United States government? When am I going to wake up from this nightmare?
45
“It’s almost as if.....” the president is intentionally provoking anyone with authority , anywhere. republican and democrat congressional leaders, the Supreme Court re constitutional issues, G7 members worldwide , not to mention the local officials who will be burdened with unprecedented security issues.
14
We need to stop this blatant use of MY tax dollars to enrich trump's coffers. I am disgusted by this.
34
Trump has announced that he will hold next June’s G7 summit at HIS Trump National Doral resort, boasting that it is ‘perfect’ as. He seems to imply no other venue in the US can equal what he and his family business can offer. Putting aside all the issues with his selection, which reek to high heaven, President Obama in 2012 had no problem accommodating large delegations at Camp David; I never heard any complaints. Russia was still part of the group and it was known as the Group of Eight, and would have arguably been larger than the current G7. In 2015 the President also hosted Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as well as the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) summit there. Security is top priority at Camp David as it is a presidential retreat and it is well protected at all times – and has a pool! – unlike Trump’s choice of summit venue, where vast amounts that will have to be spent on security - thus much more costly to the taxpayer. Not everyone likes glitz and glamor like the Trump’s do, and many of the other G7 attendees would probably be quite happy with the tranquility of Camp David and dodging the spotlight in which they would surely find themselves at the Trump’s resort.
21
He says he will not make a dime. I bet this place is under the name of one of his children. The Trump family still makes the profit!
14
E M O L U M E N T
24
One of the first acts by President Warren should be to nationalize all Trump properties to reimburse the American people for the damage his administration wrought.
17
Another shining example of the Brightest and Best that Trump promised us he would have in his administration.
5
Looks to me like Trump is putting himself first instead of you, me, and America, when he just awarded a massive multi-hundred million dollar G7 host contract to himself. Basically, Trump is stealing our tax money and lining his own pocket. Trump’s supporters love him for only one reason- Trump is a white racist. Everybody knows it. That’s the white elephant in the room. I’m a lifelong Republican, but I know a white elephant when I see one.
26
@simon simon
So please be sure to vote him out when the time comes, ok?
2
Impeach, impeach and drive him crazy with criticsim so he will step down. Also start legal proceedings against haveing
the G-7 at his resort. He is using the office of president for selt-profit.
17
This has been a problem since Trump refused to divest himself of his business and release his tax returns. No one held him accountable so he just took that as a green light to take us for anything he could get. When he announced his candidacy he said then that he would be the first person to run for president and actually MAKE money doing so. Why didn't the GOP take that as a harbinger of things to come, and why don't they step up now and stop him??
15
Trump chose his own resort because he "... considered hotels throughout the country, and concluded that the Trump National Doral was “by far and away, far and away, the biggest cash cow for himself and his obscenely corrupt family."
29
Of course, subjecting world leaders to southern Florida in June is the perfect location for the US to host the summit. Just in case Markell, Macron, Trudeau, and Abe, haven’t seen horizontal rain; this will be their chance. Of all the places to host world leaders in America in June. What a joke!
22
I guess we can stop paying taxes since nothing’s illegal anymore.
41
Even if he doesn’t see ‘profits’ from this (whatever that means), Doral has been bleeding money because occupancy is low. The G7 at least fills up space and increases revenue, meaning that he is losing less. That’s a benefit too.
12
“It’s almost like they built this facility to host this type of event.”
Yeah, Mick, they’ll be saying that too when Trump and his band of crooks get their own dedicated wing at Leavenworth. We can hope anyway.
23
“No, no he’s not making any money from it” said Mulvaney. Don’t know who’s more shameless: trump, Mulvaney or McConnell and Chou.
27
@Dorothy
The great race to the bottom.
8
All of the foreign delegations should make a point of booking rooms at the Marriott, across the street from Trump's Bedbug Palace. The point they'd make would be spectacularly lound and clear.
23
The Trump train wreck keeps piling up. Who thinks he’ll still be President next June? I don’t. The impeachment will happen by the first of the year and he’ll be out before the State Of The Union speech. That’s absolutely the worst photo op the Republican Party could have. Trump giving the State Of The Union speech with all the self-dealing in front of everyone’s eyes. The Republicans won’t let it happen. It would be their funeral if they let it go to the 3rd or 4th week of January. The average voter isn’t aware of the daily machinations, but he/she does know Trump has no business saying the state of the union is strong. If he does, it maybe the first for raucous laughter.
16
I wounder how the western world looks at Trump and the USA,
and what they think about our declining democracy.
13
@Thomas
The western world is aghast, but hopeful the US will come through. The alternative isn't pretty for anyone.
14
a simple prediction: no Trump will not host the G7 and not at his own resort
8
It feels like the Trump regime is reaching a crescendo of corruption & treason, that the jig is up & they're trying to cripple the Republic as much as they can before the inevitable comeuppance.
16
What’s the point of ethics committees and oversight?Trump’s blatant disregard for ethical leadership has been compromised for 1,000+ days.
15
Obviously, South Florida, in June, has the best and most comfortable climate.
Mulvaney must be wondering if it's too late to get his soul back.
15
@Jim Demers
You are assuming something that is not in evidence. I know of no one that believes Mick Mulvaney has a soul.
12
Hosting G7 at Trump Doral violates the Emoluments Clause: Napolitano
https://youtu.be/Jsj764o-7xs
12
This is directly written in the constitution as unethical and impeachable.
23
Will Barr’s DOJ, whom we pay, be called upon to fight off the lawsuits to stop this that surely will ensue?
8
I hope he is long gone by then
I was hoping for handcuffs, but it’s looking more like a straitjacket. Either way, he’s gone.
As a commenter said, vote. And do more if you can.
24
Meanwhile, over on the Fox News website, this story has appeared, many hours after it broke elsewhere, as a minor headline which is not visible until the user scrolls down.
As did the story of the two Ukranian bag men.
No wonder Trump's base is rusted on, his supporters just don't become completely aware of the malfeasance.
24
Isn't that the place with the bedbugs?
Somebody should warn all those diplomats.
18
What if Comrade trump threw a party and no one came.
21
Well, it was a nice run for a brief moment in history. As has repeatedly happened, though, those who are vastly wealthy and crave even more wealth and power, at any cost, became fearful and have taken over a people. Unless you’re a member of the 0.1 percent club, the fact of the matter is that we’ve been colonized. What are we going to do about it? Vote for Biden? Warren? Sanders?
I fear the grand experiment is over. The fact that Trump and his supporters are okay with this obvious
use of the office of the presidency for private gain shows that America’s corruption runs too deep. We are in extraordinarily serious trouble.
21
Sometimes I'm wondering if Trump has been secretly hired by late night hosts. With jokes like this one he's making their life really easy.
8
Trump is getting desperate more than ever.
He knows his days are numbered. So his pace of looting the country, selling the country at personal gain is at a faster pace now.
18
Democracy or Autocracy?
Constitutional Crisis. Wake up America.
18
@bob David Frum forecasted correctly in his 2017 piece.
1
This is the ONLY place in the US where the G7 event could take place? Please! What nonsense.
19
"President Trump has decided to host the Group of 7 meeting next June at the Trump National Doral near Miami...."
Gosh, what a surprise! I thought sure it would be at Mar-A-Lagp....
12
Not only is he taking American Tax payer's money for himself, but he will double dip into taxpayer's money well because there will probably be some kind of lawsuit and they will again use taxpayers money to defend against the lawsuit.
14
I guess we’re waiting for trump to shoot someone on fifth avenue before we decide he’s a criminal.
38
Republicans, have you no shame?
26
I watched Mr. Mulvaney press briefing on C-SPAN.
And I watched his Ukraine answers a couple of times - just to be sure I grasp and absorb his words.
The headline is misleading to say the least.
Mr Mulvaney said that a Ukraine aid was held up to ensure they participate or provide assistance to United States during its investigation of 2016 election corruption.
He specifically said that the aid was not held up for 2020 elections considerations i.e. Biden investigation.
This is a crucial difference that your headline obfuscates to say the least.
United States is officially investigating what transpired in 2016 elections. The AG has periodically briefed Congress.
And as Mulvaney said for a country to be receiving aid - especially a known corrupt country - United States must use all influence to ensure it assists in an ongoing official investigation.
He also said that we have withheld aid from central American countries precisely for this reason.
I think folks commenting below should either watch this press briefing or read full transcripts.
After listening to Mr. Mulvaney - I really think POTUS was absolutely right to demand Ukraine's cooperation.
1
@Neil
You listened to Mulvaney. That's your first problem.
How can you be so blind as to blithely believe anything that comes out of this administration or its handmaiden, Fox News (which you obviously watch too much of.)
20
@Neil
You should educate yourself by reading any credible news source and not by watching this Trump hack. The phrase "2016 election corruption" refers to a discredited and completely false theory that the D.N.C. fabricated the evidence of Russia's attack on the 2016 election. Try this Daily Beast article republished immediately after the Mulroney nonsense today (sorry NYT):
https://www.thedailybeast.com/crowdstrike-the-truth-about-trumps-insane-ukraine-server-conspiracy
29
How about an injunction because hosting at a Trump property would be a violation of The Constitution?
23
It’s against the law. Enforce it.
21
Maybe someone should be tracking whether this unpopularly elected president is also front running his stock/business portfolio somehow, by trading ahead of his Twitterubbish announcements. Isn't it suspicious how he tweaks his messaging to move markets up and down, but just enough?
18
Rikers Island would be a more fitting waterfront venue for a Trump sleazefest. Maybe one day.
22
This was absolutely predictable Trump presidential behavior. He was even bold enough to announce his intent at the G7 in France, with few thinking he was serious. President Trump once suggested that we should try having a president for life, such as in China. I believe that his suggestion was as sincere then as at the French G7. Trump being Trump is not the behavior of an eccentric personality but the manifestations of an evolving autocrat who is a great danger to our democracy.
27
Great Idea! G7 Meetup with swamp people. Suggested Workshops: Getting into Russian money laundering: How I got Deutsche Bank to loan billions; Trump University - getting into the college market for fun and profit; Build a Casino with no money down; How to draw out business profits for personal entertainment: Get er done for free -leaving craftsmen and workers high and dry; Beauty pageant business for fun and profit; Avoiding inheritance taxes; Getting around pesky rent controls; Trump Airlines - How to sting the banker for 300 million; Bankruptcy to President - getting by with a "little" help from my friends; How to start a mortgage company and shifting the blame to others when it fails; ...... Yep, they'll be drinking Trump Vodka and eating Trump Steaks. { https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=67&v=LyONt_ZH_aw . } .
24
I think the phrase is “Taken to the cleaners”
12
He has his chief of staff claim that the conference would be held at cost. Well, maybe. We haven't heard that that has been his policy in general, when it comes to directing government funds to his resorts. But even if it turns out to be true in this case, so what? We have heard the White House chief of staff talk about what a great place it is. Was he getting paid by the Trump Organization marketing department? It's the slow season in south Florida, even filling those rooms at cost gives the illusion of a thriving place, and there is bound to be some publicity. No, there are no excuses. It's disgusting.
20
No, he won't be holding the G7 at Trump Doral. He is using this as a distraction from the impeachment inquiry. When the president has a problem, he throws out a shiny object in the form of some new outrage to take your eyes off the real issue. Don't take the bait. Congress should calmly add this to the growing list of impeachable offenses and keep rolling out subpoenas.
30
“We sat around one night,” Mr. Mulvaney said. “We had the list, and he goes, ‘What about Doral?’ And it was like, that’s — that’s not the craziest idea.”
"Like wow, bro, you a genius!"
Only silver lining is that this is next June, and by then Trump will be Out. Of. Office. Yes, I really think that.
14
Does Trump understand that because of the emollients clause, everyone gets to stay at his resort free of charge?
22
If you don’t cover your costs, there is no profit. Therefore any Trump hotel costs paid by the federal government contributes to Trump’s profitability.
12
The G6 may want to issue a joint communication in a manner such as this:
"Since the next G7 is to be held in the US, during the 2020 Presidential election year, on the property of a Presidential Candidate, as foreigners we wish to not interfere with the election process and will instead suggest that the G7 take place at the UN in New York or hold the event remotely to minimize the G7's impact on the Climate Crisis."
26
discounts for dictators
15
“President Blatantly Violates Emoluments Clause Amid Impeachment Probe” - there I fixed your weak headline for you
34
Not if he is impeached and removed from office.
7
I know this will be lost on the universal screaming against this narcissistic psychopath who is the president, but really?
Are there no Republicans with integrity anymore?
If not, the Republican Party is dead. Literally.
15
@KxS This is what happens when a major political party degenerates into a tribal cult.
But there is hope. It seems to me that the young people of this country are massing for a counterattack that will sweep the GOP away for years, or for decades, or maybe forever. I have
teenagers and I know what they and their friends are saying about Trump. He could be the last Republican president. Ever.
13
The emoluments clause, also called the foreign emoluments clause, is a provision of the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 9, Paragraph 8) that generally prohibits federal officeholders from receiving any gift, PAYMENT, or other thing of value from a foreign state or its rulers, officers, or representatives.
Trump is not upholding The Constitution of The United States of America as he swore to at his inauguration. In fact, he is a traitor to The Constitution of The United States of America.
17
If the other G7 members attend, this is an act of appeasement. Sickening in every way. Hope the rest of the world doesn’t lower itself.
12
The only reason he claims to be concerned about corruption in other countries is to distract attention from his own voluminous corruption.
8
Banana republic.
11
The G7 members should refuse to meet at Trump's venue to send a signal to the world that they won't condone rampant corruption - otherwise how can any of them ever take the high moral ground when challenging nations about their corrupt conduct?
11
Just wondering what would happen if 60% of Americans refused to pay their taxes until Trump shows his tax returns AND stops using taxpayers' money unethically?
16
I sincerely doubt this will happen. It’s an obvious distraction, except distraction as a technique is not working for Trump. Trump will be impeached and it’s possible he may be the 1st president tossed from office.
7
Not if we can stop it. This 70 year old guy pledges to drive from Ohio and lay down in the street in front of the Doral if a million other Americans also pledge to show that we will stop Trump this time.
18
@Edward C Weber
I'll be there too!
12
This happens assuming Mr. Trump avoids impeachment and/or jail.
7
Another loyalty test for the Senate Republicans
Classic Art of War move
They made the mistake of binding themselves to him in 2017 - now they have no choice but to double and triple down
None of them will survive once he's gone - so their only bet is to stick with him and pray for another term ( or two )
8
We have bedbugs, the best bedbugs, only the finest bedbugs...
18
@Omar Our bedbugs are bigger, stronger and better than any other bedbugs ever in the history of the world
12
Maybe all the G7 leaders could have other plans those days — like dentist appointments or tire rotations — that would prevent them from attending.
15
What on earth is there left to say? What other words can I use to voice this next level of outrage? What can I say to those Republicans who continue to support this administration? But those who still do hear me clwarly: I will not stop being outraged. I will not stop speaking up and speaking out. I will not let the exhaustion I feel get the better of me. I will not. I will try to find new words, new thoughts, new approaches to say THIS MUST STOP. It is not alright. I will keep protesting. It is not alright. And to those who write here about their outrage know you are not alone. And together, if we keep in action, we can make a difference.
24
I used to work for a public agency. If I had attempted anything like this in anyway, where I would personally benefit from a government activity, I would have been fired immediately.
23
I worked for several nonprofits, including Columbia University and the National Endowment for the Humanities. If I pulled anything remotely like this, I would be fired and possibly jailed. Our country has collapsed.
14
Whenever a Trump business was headed to bankruptcy, he tried to milk it for as much he could before it failed. He may now be thinking of his Presidency as a failing business. Even if he avoids impeachment, he doesn't seriously expect to be re-elected, so his plan is to milk his last time in office. Forcing the G7 to splurge on one of his failing hotels, may be the first of many moves designed to profit Trump, and his family and friends.
15
Trump must be figuring that he is on his way out, so grab as much as he can as he goes.
11
It is time to have a mass demonstration in Washington DC to express the public’s disgust with Trump’s brazen corruption and demand his impeachment, ouster from office, and then justice for him and his administration in court.
It should be followed by a national economic boycott on all things Trump!
There should be no G7 meeting at Doral. It is a flagrant violation of the emoluments clause. Impeach and convict and make sure that Pence is also impeached for his obsequiousness in this egregious administration!
16
We are watching the wheels come off this disastrous administration, this “confederacy of dunces”. This is a very perilous moment for our country. We are living with no presidential leadership. In essence, our ship of state has no one at the rudder. I cannot think of any other time where this lack of leadership has been sustained for this long. Our adversaries are more aware of this fact then the American people are. Of this you can be sure. And they are plotting.
10
“‘It’s almost like they built this facility to host this type of event,’”, said Mulvaney. Yet there has NEVER been a G7 at a Trump property before this. It makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Also, why didn't the other G7 members override the US getting this choice in light of 45's oh so obvious self-interest in this?
9
This "at cost" argument is SOOOOO bogus!!! The event is held during the slow summer season when many hotel rooms would be empty. I'm sure other resorts would love to have their fixed operating costs covered by a large conference.
I think security at Sea Island and Kiawah Island could be pretty good.
8
If Trump is still in office that is.
3
Trump is a shameful snake oil salesman; he needs to be impeached.
As for contracting with the Doral, I won't be surprised if trump invites Putin (and perhaps other unwelcome authoritarians) to come; it is, after all, his property to do with what he wants.
9
Correct headline - “...sure to alarm anyone and everyone decent.”
7
Horrible abuse of power! I hope NO ONE attends. This is disgusting.
6
This is basic business ethics. At my company you can’t rent out a property to a fellow employee, you can’t have shares in an unlisted company without approval and something like this would result in instant dismissal. How come the President is held to lower standards than a run of the mill employee at a corporation. Self dealing is a sackable offence. Anywhere.
19
I need to be educated: according to the Constitution, the President cannot give himself a government contract or take payment from foreign entities. So, who in the government would take responsibility for executing this plan, at least the institutional aspects of it? It would also have to get funding from Congress, which they would not do because it is unconstitutional. All the reporting and punditry suggests that there is some possibility that this completely bizarro thing could actually take place. I don't get it.
10
How is this legal?
Doesn’t matter whether Trump and apologists think it is. Is there anybody left in the GOP who believes in the Constitution and emoluments clause—quite apart from normal ethics?
Answer to my own questions: No.
20
There is only one logical explanation for this: President Donald Trump wants to be removed from office as soon as possible.
20
@Thorsten Fleiter If he is removed will he still collect a presidential pension, will he continue to have government bodyguards and free postage and medical care? He should leave as he came with a trail of failed businesses and nothing but his reeking reputation.
11
Incredible, the President can’t be arrested for this, but his staff can be arrested by the FBI for conspiring to enrich the President either directly or indirectly in violation of federal law. Because even if services at Doral are provided “at cost”, there’s still the considerable free publicity for the facility, and even “at cost” events provide cash flow for this type of facility, which needs the money. There is great value to banks and lenders when cash flow is good. So, this is a great deal for Mr. President and is terribly unethical!
15
Everyday there s something new out of Trump. It's like he has a political death wish. Can't he behave himself?
6
His parents sent him to military school when he was young because he couldn't behave himself.
10
@MIKEinNYC No, he is not capable of that.
6
@MIKEinNYC
I find his defiance of the status quo refreshing
Carter followed the rules, but it was so boring
1
Maybe Trump will be gone before this event happens and the venue can be changed. I do agree the G7 can just decline to hold their meetings here. It would be the logical thing to do. If Trump is not gone by June, I expect demonstrators will be on hand complaining not only about international finance but also equally large contingent about Trump. Very messy, very noisy as well as not being appropriate - not that that matters to Trump. Also, G7 members should realize what Trump is doing and decline to be part of the scam. The chocolate cake isn't that good.
15
Can someone please explain to me how this doesn’t violate the emoluments clause in the Constitution?
14
We’re in the midst of a banana republic, so it doesn’t matter!!!
8
Here is an idea, less preposterous than accepted reality: Individual One / G-1 hosts Putin (renegade G-8), illegally, at his Trump Doral resort. Citizen Trump may be charged under the emoluments clause —among other offenses— as early as Jan 20, 2021.
G-2 through G-7, alternatively, plan to meet outside the US or Brexit-bound UK. Either France or Germany would serve as good location choices.
2
The G7 is planning long term.
The G7 is blocking
There is nooooo way Trump will be in office at that time and therefore the G’s will have no desire to hang out there.
They are placating him into the stopping of the consuming/eating of Putin’s ego feed for the President of the United States of America (U.S.A.)... etc
Come’On Y’all! he
3
(a) Donald Trump is a master manipulator but a poor deal maker.
(b) Donald Trump is the loudest voice in the room but is a dreadful communicator.
(c) Donald Trump is an isolationist but is quick to tell other world leaders how to run their countries.
(d) Donald Trump is often wrong but never apologizes.
(e) Donald Trump is a proven liar but an artful distractor.
His next published works should include these titles:
The Art of Distraction,
The Art of Crisis,
And coming this fall....
The Art of Impeachment.
23
@Jonathan From your lips to God and Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnel's ears.
9
Trump's decision "prompted immediate questions about whether it was a conflict of interest for him to choose one of his own properties for a diplomatic event."
What will it take for the media to report that a Trump action represents a conflict of interest, let alone a gross or major conflict, instead of saying it "raises questions" about conflict of interest, or that "critics charge" that there is a conflict?
When a robber robs someone, we don't say that the robbery "raises questions" about whether a robbery occurred. Trump is self-dealing here, full stop. There simply is no question about it.
21
Trump seems to think that if he announces his crime in public it's not a crime. Mulvaney announces his crime in public and then says that Congress will not get any papers to show if the bidding process was done in a legal way. At least the Mafia tries to cover it's tracks.
21
In response to the headline:
No. No, he may not.
6
More corruption in plain sight.
Amazing.
Spineless GOP.
9
Ok everybody a collective “whatever” now doesn’t that make you feel better about having Trump in the presidency?
Smart criminals know when the heat's on, it's time to "lay low ".
Dumb ones, not so much.
9
outrageous!
4
To hold this summit at Trumps private enterprise is unconstitutional.
10
So which came first? Trump’s suggestion at the last summit or this latest announcement?
Regardless, why isn’t Camp David the BEST place for the G7? It’s already highly secure, a perfect place for world leaders to get away and focus on world-wide issues without distractions. Not to mention a place where the importance of climate can be appreciated (hint, hint).
9
Here is another example of Mr. Trump's violation of the US Constitution and his continuous violation of his oath to uphold the US Constitution.
This is just one more charge for impeaching Mr. Trump.
Can you spell and understand the "Emoluments Clause"?
If so and you are a US Senator, to quote lawyer Johnnie Cochran [of OJ fame] "You Must Convict".
10
He will probably have to watch it from prison...
8
Trump is getting bolder and bolder, and makes more and more enemies. This will ultimately bring him down.
9
We don’t need any more proof that the power of the world is bought and sold.
7
"Sure to alarm ethics watchdogs and critics of this administration"? How about "sure to alarm any American who has read the constitution", "any American patriot", or really "any decent American"?
23
If Congress cannot stop him from this blatant conflict, world leaders need to say “no thanks Don”
13
@MAGGIE Amen to that, Maggie. World leaders ought to boycott the G7, and leave Don and Vlad to rattle around the Doral man cave alone.
6
Ethics? We don't need no stinking ethics.
14
Mulvaney: The weasel for the prez. "Deal With It!"
Would that be the phrase I'd love to hear when they drag he and the rest of this despicable lot off to a cell in Leavenworth.
They have cemented the rot in this, used-to-be, democratic republic.
13
What a great idea! Without an RFP or RFQ in sight, select an aging resort for the G-7, in a terrible location only 6 miles from Miami International Airport with reports of bedbugs in the Jack Nicklaus "suite" resulting in a lawsuit that was "settled" out of court. Pick a resort in an urban setting with narrow, residential streets, making a week long Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) necessary, shutting down many airports - small and large and making security extremely difficult. Fill the rooms with gold swag, all covered in the Trump name and faux family crest, the one created in honor of his mother, a "domestic" in the Trump family home. What could possibly go wrong?
18
@Martha MacC And June in Miami is hardly April in Paris.
7
Trump borrowed approximately $125 million for that property.
I guess when your monthly debt service is close to $735,000 a month (assuming he borrowed at 6%), you really don't have the luxury of caring what the world thinks.
13
Trump gives new meaning to the phrase “by any means necessary”.
12
This in itself is yet another obviously impeachable offense - the right-out-in-the-open corruption of compelling foreign governments to spend money at Trump’s private business, essentially direct bribery, which is specifically prohibited by our Constitution.
I’ll say this for Trump, he’s got brass. No hiding the crimes for him.
8
Next NOT MY PRESIDENT is going to decide to move his residence from the White House to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.
That way he can oversee the printing of the currency and ensure it is funneled to his pockets on a daily basis.
8
Seem to recall that a potentially Category 4 hurricane was heading toward Florida the same time of year G7 would be there.
6
Clearly the US is now a Banana Republic. I hope all those Dems that stayed hope or voted for Jill Stein are very happy with their decision. If you live in Michigan, Wisconsin or Pennsylvania you owe the legacy of the USA an apology.
18
@Mb Cut the boring broken record cliches. Whine to Hillary,who thought that taking the month of August off would be a good idea. The 2016 campaign was over three years ago. Fighting over 2016 isn’t going to win you 2020.
Nobody should ever have to apologize for their vote or be afraid to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. You need to move to Russia if you want elections like that.
2
@Baash Yes you’re correct, 2016 was HRC’s to lose. In addition to her campaign writing of crucial states, you omit to mention she further alienated those people by calling them “deplorable”.
However, Clinton has never once advocated overthrowing The Constitution. Trump not inly advocates it, he practices it daily, thereby violating his Oath of Office.
Shouldn’t the headline be: raising concerns about constitutionality of the decision? Rather than concerns by critics!!!
15
@Ruthy Kohorn Rosenberg
Please comment more often!
2
Can anyone deny that the President, through his business, is receiving from the U.S. government more than his salary? The violation of law is irrefutable. I hope the House will consider it in the impeachment proceedings.
14
"Can you imagine if Obama had done this" has become the soundtrack to my life. I can only hope this won't happen because Trump will be out of office by next summer.
11
Never believed for a second that the WH "investigated other options" to host the G7. Trump made that clear at the last G7 and only threw that line in to buy some time from the predictable blowback. But this week is Scorched Earth X and in light of Rep. Cummings' passing, he couldn't resist dancing on his grave.
Stay tuned for "As usual, the fake news didn't give me any credit for finding the most beautiful, perfect, amazing place to host the G7. Corrupted hypocrites!"
(His narcissistic trait of mirroring is well worn by now -- He always accuses the other side of his exact wrongdoing, so it's actually a confession.)
The GOP are absolutely fine with this, no doubt.
At least they will all be good captains who will go down with their ship.
11
Whatever he is doing is outrageous but nothing will happen to him. He is going to win the second term. He is like Maduros of the world. We are looking into abyss created by the Republicans.
4
This is really exhausting. Trump is obviously mentally ill and a criminal. It's time for Pence to serve the balance of his term. It's time we stop pretending he's fit to serve. His bad behavior is escalating. He really does have to be stopped - what is it going to take for us to restore some order.
9
@BLH Only one problem. Pence has enabled him. Absolutely licked his whatever, and also covered it. That is a problem. Trump is a void, but Pence is less than a person too.
2
Did the Republicans repeal the Emoluments clause and we just didn't know it? Is our Constitution now just another piece of paper? The Bill of Rights a suggestion? Subpoenas worthless? Are we now America, Inc.?
Trump flagrantly disregards the law and so far no one has stopped him. He has made a dumpster fire of all that we hold dear and scorched the earth wherever he treads.
Hope the guests get a complimentary can of bug spray upon arrival. Maybe it would keep the roaches at bay.
16
What is the plan "B" if Trump is not president next June. Oh, silly me, a plan "B"... ;)
4
no.....just no
5
We wouldn't countenance our President staying at a foreign leaders hotel. G7 governments and their citizens shouldn't allow it as well. Other countries must abide by laws similar to our Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Staying at Trump's hotel, even if the government didn't technically have to follow laws meant for business, sets a bad precedent and mixed messages on what's allowable.
While the rest of the G7 may not be able to say no given the power of the US, they don't need to stay, eat or drink at the hotel. Stay somewhere else and show up with brown bagged lunches.
Presidents and Prime Ministers can point to their laws that don't allow them to do this. It's a graceful out.
16
Oh boo hoo, the President is doing it again, how can we let this happen?! What are YOU going to do about it? People should be camped out in front of the White House and mobbing the halls of Congress. But alas, we won't and that's how we let this happen.
15
I can't understand why more people aren't marching in the streets. American democracy is at risk.
3
I don't know why we pay so much attention to this kind of petty graft. President Trump is in a position to make this kind of arrangement seem like chump change.
e.g. okay corrupt nation, we will hold up payments of the billions that congress has allocated to you until you agree to put a certain percentage into the secret account our representative will tell you.
e.g. we will pull our troops out of a certain location if your corrupt nation grants certain concessions to our hotel industry, plus we have a representative with a private bank number, donations would be appreciated.
e.g. we withdraw our tariffs if you scratch our back.
3
“He has no interest in profit from being here.”
That is a good one..........
12
Let Trump and his boot lickers hold the G7 Sumitt at the Doral.
The G7ers do not have to stay there. They can attend the meetings and then in a long line of limos depart to their sleeping quarters. What better way to voice dissatisfaction than to book accommodations elsewhere?
Perhaps Benedict Donald might take notice.
13
Look out for cameras!
I'm sure Trump will be collecting kompromat on other world leaders on behalf of Putin. I'd urge everyone to stay away. Your rooms will be bugged.
15
Not gonna happen.
3
Trump’s an optimist if he thinks he’ll still be president in June.
19
"But Doral has struggled financially since the Trump family bought the resort out of bankruptcy in 2012 ...Still, Doral as of last year was the single biggest moneymaking asset . . owned by the Trump family."
No wonder Trump doesn't want us to see his tax returns. The guy is probably broke.
13
it is as if the people of the US are powerless to do anything to stop
Trump. You get a feel for how despots go about their business.
14
no he will not, as he will not be president at that time.
9
This contrived development is just another attempt to distract from the Trump presidency impeachment inquiry.
10
@Skeptical Cynic
Nothing like a little blatant corruption and violations of the constitution to distract attention from other impeachable offenses. Works every time.
10
I realized this evening that what we are facing is someone who understands how gears whose teeth don't sync are mechanically useless. Trump knows that if he continually spews invective, lies, distortions, slanders, and even brazen crimes on an endlessly gear, then the gear of government just jams up. And the gear of how we can pay attention within the media onslaught just grinds to a halt. So that's why this comes at us, day in, day out, hour by hour. It is by design.
9
Honestly, I think he wants to be impeached.
7
Miami in the summer. Sure, that’s EVERYONE’S first choice. And so convenient to be right by the airport! (Since it’s too hot/humid/rainy that time of year to go to the beach anyway...)
12
Why can't we Just Say No??
Trump cant keeping breaking the law unless he is allowed to.
20
And will the G7 still meet there after he is removed from office ?
12
Will he conduct a round table where he asks each world leader to give a brief statement praising the "magnificent" resort?
22
Lining his pockets on the way out like any true crook would.
12
Do we even have laws anymore? The president doesn’t seem to think so and neither does the GOP.
14
@David R
You mean like the types of laws that let illegal immigrants stay in the country? Yes, obviously, we have plenty of those.
@Pat, as long as illegal immigrants can find work they will come to America. If they can not find jobs they would not be here. I wish every illegal immigrant would not work for a week. I would like to see who does the most complaining.
5
Illegal, improper , and un-Constitutional. Period.
So,,, "Trump will hold the next G7 at,,,, "
No. He will not.
9
Now we understand how weak our system really is. It relies on everyone essentially behaving according to norms. What happens when someone doesn't? Apparently, such a person can't -- simply can't -- be gotten rid of. That's a design flaw, and we need to fix it. Urgently.
20
Ok. Sometimes you joke about this stuff - to release the tension. But, it’s real! Cannot believe that this is actually legal. Oh. Probably, it’s not. But what the hay? What’s breaking one more law or regulation, while he’s at it.
Our Cartoon President.
Believe it or not!
But wait! Actually... What will Pence and Mother do hosting this? Oh and imagine, if not Pence, what if it was NANCY? Wouldn’t that be a riot!
What a circus! Out. Of. Control.
6
I am appalled by the “in your face” corruption.
Where is justice?
Is it truly gone and we have become amoral?
13
The G6 should all do the right thing and boycott the meeting.
11
“Mr. Mulvaney said the hotel would put on the summit “at cost.” “
I think that must be Trump speak for “its going to cost you a lot”.
12
So I waste time fantasizing...that the G-7 participants will, one by one, refuse to come, refuse to participate in such a brazen corrupt act by this moron.
15
Congress can pass legislation denying the president from using his own properties for government work. And appropriations can not appropriate a dime as long as it’s held at the Doral or any Trump property
13
It was reassuring that Trump to declared to the world when he first announced his preference for Doral, that the place doesn't have bedbugs! What a relief! We don't want them going back to the big seven countries (will it be eight, if he has his way?) with those critters in their suitcases.
If Trump has as much money as he makes claim to, it would be a grand gesture to simply host the meetings gratis. Here's to the common good!
2
Congress can write legislation stating that any government event cannot be held at any property of any government official including the president. In addition the appropriations committee can not have a line item for this expense
11
Hoping for jail for trump and any of his children who have crossed theatrical lines in trading their positions for money.
7
The bedbug summit. Make it stick!
11
G7 leaders - please RSVP no!
10
That place is super tacky. I feel sorry for the members of the G7.
11
“I think the president has pretty much made it very clear since he got here that he doesn’t profit from being here,” he said. “He has no interest in profit from being here.”
Yes, but he simply tells so many lies that I would like some proof--like his tax returns.
17
Who are these people kidding? "At cost" still represents income that the facility, and therefore trump himself, would not otherwise have had. Without the G7, the place would be less than half full in its normally slow season.
21:55 EDT, 10/17
14
“Poor man want to be rich
Rich man want to be king
And a king ain't satisfied
Till he rules everything.”
Mr. Springsteen warned us. This man wants everything. Lucky for him that there are spineless weasels aplenty to enable him.
No offense to weasels. A fine species, I understand.
18
You can’t blame Trump if previous presidents were too stupid and timid, and lacked the gumption, the ambition, the drive, the courage to hold official events at their resorts. Heck, previous loser presidents don’t have resorts. Make America Greedy As possible.
3
We officially have a new definition of brazen.
14
@Kevin
Every day.
7
Seems obvious to me he wants to destroy the G7 because he doesnt get to invite his BFF from Russia. What a better way to have other people destroy it for him.
8
The Doral City Council would be wise to quickly pass a zoning ordinance which goes, "No meeting or convention shall be held in the city which requires extraordinary security preparations and measures, thereby preserving peace and tranquility in the community." That's quite reasonable, and should clear the matter at hand.
Miami-Dade County is quite a nice place to host an international summit, and there are some fine historical locations at which it could be headquartered. How about the Hampton House in Miami's Liberty City section as a first idea? Of course, any of the larger, restored South Beach Art Deco hotels would be appropriate, as well. And there are more....
10
@Stop and Think How about the leaders are there to do business in almost 3 days and not sight see or golf?
By the time of the summit, Trump will be impeached, arrested for fraud, and bankrupt. Rename the resort after Obama!
13
What if nobody comes!
11
I guarantee that by the time this is over Putin will be the Guest of Honor. And, GOPers will stay silent.
That, of course assumes Trump will still be in office.
9
At this point, the odds of Trump still being in office for the next meeting are looking increasingly remote. How about Tongass Forest in Alaska? I hear that’s nice, for now.
8
so why can't we give our CFA exams at home? or at the store that my dad owns?
2
This is something that trumps does for amusement, there are two things that he likes to watch:
a) The outrage of democrats, enjoys making them mad.
b) The Republicans and the talking heads at Fox News twisting themselves into knots. Loves the unconditional fealty that they display.
8
the "best" in June...Miami ? Doral ? Hurricane season beginning ???
i would highly recommend having as backup location one of the Trump Golf Courses in Scotland
7
Just wrote the exact same thing.
3
@Sally
great minds think alike
1
@hurricane season
And the June Bugs come out like locusts.
Assuming Trump is still president, the G7 should refuse to attend.
8
Will Melania, or Ivanka be hosting at the next G7 summit?
Either would look nice serving cocktails to world leaders in dark suits.
2
So when Pence travels to Ireland, it’s ok to land his plane on the other side of the country. But when G7 leaders come here, being next to the airport is important. Such a liar.
15
Super. Should be nice
2
Lol. It's funny how Trump keeps pushing further and further into the dark realm of absurdity, doing crazier and crazier things--because, so far, Congress keeps letting him do it. Why stop? He's making a fool of the entire Legislative branch of our government, Democrats and Republicans alike. He's making a fool of the electorate. He's making a fool of the press as well--which prints every stupid Tweet Trump spews into the digital universe. He's the Teflon president--nothing sticks to him.
9
No, it is a blatant violation of the Emouluments clauses plus a few other laws.
Definitely an Impeachment infraction. Just because it is announced from the White House that is not a get out of jail free card.
15
Can only imagine the red ink Dade county will be forced to eat. Dade county must have been forced to turn on the security spigot today.. a year in advance of this fiscal nightmare. This event will be the target of the year for all of Trumps many enemies.
4
How many blatant crimes can this man commit before we stop him? What is wrong with this country that there are still people who support him? Politicians talk about corrupt 3rd world countries, and now we have become one. I am infuriated, sickened and ashamed by my country.
20
@Mist Move then
@Cory Oh, the old “love it or leave it”. Nice.
7
Sleaziest, most corrupt President since George Bush.
8
Please make it stop .
11
Speaker Pelosi: Please keep investigating. There is clearly more corruption, more witnesses, and more evidence to uncover. Do not stop with just Ukraine and Doralgate; Get his taxes, root out everything, and bring sunshine to bear on all this....filth.
13
What about Sea Island, Georgia? It was held there in the past so that's obviously a suitable venue.
And what if Trump has been removed from office by then?
9
@LauraNJ Do you seriously think that will happen? Trump 2020!!!!!!
@Cory
Do you seriously think that this criminal will be allowed to destroy our country for personal gain and that sane, patriotic REAL Americans will let him get away with it?
4
I really wish Nancy Pelosi would stop saying no one is above the law. Trump clearly is, and the sooner she and other Democrats acknowledge that and put the blame where it belongs—on the gutless Republicans who adamantly refuse to hold this man to the same standards they would have held any other president to—the sooner Americans will be forced to admit what has happened to their vaunted democracy. Maybe then they’ll put down their cell phones and TV remotes and $1.99 Big Glugs and all-they-can-eat hot wings and take a stand. But I’m not holding my breath.
5
Shame you didn’t so much as vote, Rich.
2
Keep your eye on the ball folks. Trump won't even be president when this summit rolls around.
5
Is this just another attempt to ramp up the corruption and distract attention from the ethical implosions that define this administration? Will Trump even be in office that long? The G7 should refuse to allow this to occur, and member states should boycott if the US government does not prevent it happening.
4
I’m sort of glad he’s doing this. Are his supporters going to shout “fake news!” when he flaunts his corruption and violates the Constitution in front of the whole world?
I understand many of his supporters will insist black is white if Trump says so and that what we’re seeing and hearing “isn’t really happening.” However, if he loses just a small number of his supporters, that could make all the difference in our election system. Maybe he could lose Florida, if the summit creates a lot of logistical problems for the local residents?
6
It still amazes me how far 45 percent of the population has capitulated to absolute tyranny. The brazen law breaking by Trump goes with a shrug.
The Republicans and their supporters are openly tearing down democracy for autocracy.
That is the real story; not Trump’s own corruption. The real story is so many Americans prefer tyranny if it protects their anti-abortion, guns rights and ethnic purity views.
Obama once said “That’s not who we are”. Sadly, he was wrong.
17
Can’t wait for us liberal, tree-lovin’ Democrats tote reciprocate. It’s a new day now
1
Reciprocating tyranny by putting it under a liberal looking mask is just as wrong as this Republican descent into totalitarianism.
The right answer is to return to real representative democracy and respect for all citizens.
1
How is this legal, when it is the exact embodiment of conflict of interest to the nth degree; a no bid self awarded government contract that reeks of corruption. How can the General Accounting Office permit it? Who or where is Waldo, the IG for this crime ? This is what Moscow Mitch and his cohorts are enabling: Grand Larceny. Let's take it from the top, and the band played on.
5
As a Miamian: yes, indeed,"the world will be able to see what Doral and South Florida are about”-- and it ain't pretty.
8
Can you say, “Emoluments?”
9
@James Bundy
I'm sure trump can't spell it let alone say it.
5
Florida in the summer is the best place for a world meeting? Hot and humid. Why on earth would anyone feel that is the best location? Oh, someone who wants to impress as powerful and rich? Or perhaps he wants to fill the coffers during the down season of the year? The narcissistic president of the United States of America.
13
@Mary Ann It's the same time as the annual Hurricane Festival where they crown Miss Perspiration
8
What if they held a G7 and nobody came?
7
Yet another crime done in broad daylight.
14
The 2020 G7 (Group of Seven) meeting is being scheduled to be held on a Trump's property. Being facetious, we can say the seven countries that must pay-to-play are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdon, and United States.
3
The G6 needs to seriously consider throwing out the USA. Then the USA can form a new Axis Powers League as Russia’s Junior partner with Saudi Arabia, The Philippines, Turkey and North Korea.
5
How can this be legal? trump is making money on this from other governments.
9
If Doral really is the best location for the G& conference, and if the President is really concerned about corruption, then the Trump Organization should simply donate the use of the facility. Make it for free and put your good intentions where your mouth is.
14
Thanks again Democrat leaders for stepping right up to the plate and defending the constitution on this issue, as you always do with trump, holding him accountable. You never let him get a way with anything do you, and requested his Taxes from NYC the instant they became available and how quickly you took the eleven counts of obstruction of Justice in the Mueller report and acted on that makes my head spin. What back bone, what courage to always do your job which is to not let the president ever get away with breaking the laws of the land.
Sooo interesting why the Dems never ever want to touch Trump's business interests crimes. So interesting when given a chance today Nancy would not admit she is concerned for trump's mental state. He is mentally unfit and we all know that. What is it really that is making the Dems so spineless and inept at their job ? What is Nancy so scared of? She will not look good in the history books, it must have something to do with losing power or her personal wealth, you know the money she made from taking money from corporations and pocketed. She really goes all out to protect Trump. Is she not breaking the law herself by not enforcing the law ? And what is she doing for the kids at the border?
3
Not a single mention of the responsibility of Republicans here. They did have control of both houses of Congress the first 2 years, but bash Democrats that makes sense
7
So, Cartoonist...I’m sorry, “Dramatist,” how is it being a fellow traveller and/or useful idiot these days?
Asking for a Republican. And Jill Stein’s sheet company.
3
Talking to colleagues across the world this week. We’re a banana republic in the eyes of the world.
This is the stuff of Mugabe and other despots. If you saw the same behavior by a developing country leader you’d all mock them. We’ve sunk to that level. And we do nothing. These are dangerous times
15
To the other 6 world leaders - please do us Americans a favor and boycott this event. Do not enable this corruption.
13
There must be a way to put a stop to this sooner than elections.
9
@SMB Agree. I love the candidates who say it's better to vote him out rather than impeach. What? And give him over a year to commit daily crimes? Are these people out of their minds?
5
“I think the president has pretty much made it very clear since he got here that he doesn’t profit from being here,” he said. “He has no interest in profit from being here.”
Hahahah! Good one, Mick. That's hilarious! Tell me another one!
10
Grifter in Chief? It’ banana republic time!
14
Trump is obviously raising his middle fingers (both hands) to all Americans, especially those of us who know that he's nothing more than a corrupt criminal who thinks he can do whatever he wants to do, and no one will stop him. Time to make it clear - he's going down, just a matter of months - 13 at most.
15
Seriously, now he's just punking his fellow Republicans.
9
Miami in June will be not as hell.
Florida is plagued by traffic, bad air, flooding due to global warming, and frequent hurricans.
What can happen at a G7 meeting anyhow?
Probably nothing much.
Time for new institutions.
3
Once again Trump will do something unethical and outrageous, and no Republican will question it. The swamp has never been deeper, and Mr Pence needs to show us some indication of that vast moral compass he professes to possess.
16
Instead of hearing the strains of Hail to the Chief, I'm hearing a tune that smells like Hail to the Thief. Hey G6, America's hotel King will keep the light on for you! Mulvaney's message: move on, fellow citizens, nothing to see here, no conflict of interest here, or a violation of the Emoluments Clause of our abused Constititution.
This administration's flaccid justifications cannot only pass the smell test, they don't care if it stinks. They think you'll get used to the smell. But more important, what time is tee time?
14
This is another outrageous abuse of the Constitution, but he doesn’t care as long as he still has the Republican senators in his back pocket. After almost three years, he still pays no price for his criminal acts.
11
let's pray they all boycott this meeting
6
No. No.
5
"Might' violate the Constitution??? Will the NYT ever take off the kid gloves and call trump what he blatantly, obviously is: a gangster who is wholly owned by the Russian mob? Of course this violates the Constitution! As he rounds up his critics and executes them on the White House lawn, the NYT will report it 'might' violate the Constitution.
14
Emolument clause be damned eh? Between trashing subpoenas, quid pro quo's, etc., etc., etc...are we at the point of just trashing the Constitution? What an absolutely disaster.
8
This is truly Kafka-esque. Reading across the headlines it becomes clear that the President will be impeached...and at this rate he may even be convicted by the Senate and removed from office. And yet in the next column he's putting the G7 in his own property.
What! Does he expect that the G7(8 with Putin) will still just dance into the Doral and tens of millions of dollars will still merrily skip into his coffers?
Would that happen? Is that the "lovely parting gift chosen just for him"?
Also I would be concerned about security if I were a foreign leader about staying at a Trump property given Trump's being a total dupe for the Russians.
6
Obviously this is another shiny object dangled before the media to distract attention from the debacles unfolding in Syria, and elsewhere.
3
I will be lobbying my own Prime Minister to boycott. This is an absolute joke. I am hoping he slipped it in there to just rile up the media.
17
This is just downright WRONG! Classic Trump though, disregarding his oath daily! It’s not just that he’s not qualified for the job, he’s mentally incapable of doing the right thing. His oath started with “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."” He certain has executed the office of the presidency. He refused to divest from his businesses during the first day of his presidency. Quoted from another source, “Over the past year, President Trump made 118 visits to properties he still profits from in office, bringing his two-year total to 281 visits. CREW also identified 119 federal officials and employees who visited Trump properties over the past year, up from 70 the prior year.”
8
With the rule of law and a senate that will do what they swore under oath to do the G7 will not have to stay in a bug infested property during hurricane season.
9
Hmmmm. No he won't.
3
This is exactly what we should expect when we hire a hotel manager to run the country.
15
I just cancelled a magazine subscription that was inviting me to an event at Mar-a-Lago. I told them under no circumstances would I spend another dollar with them while they are prepared to encourage corruption by this President.
17
trump and his staff have realized if you pull off a bigly enough crime then it is too big to punish. With the help of a completely complicit senate and "justice" department complete slime is out in the open but fully protected. Never mind , you are watching an amazing democracy implode in r/t. At least in Florida , trump won't have to shoot someone on 5th ave. but can do it at mar a lago and still get away with it.
3
I guess since George W Bush got away with lying to the american people about Weapons Of Mass destruction and then killing thousands in the war that followed, the republican presidents can get away with just about anything. I think this is all a test to see. Can we flirt with racists and nazis? Can we get away with threats to out political opponents? Can we get away with using american foreign policy to dig up dirt on their political opponents? Can we bend the rules to fit our needs? Can we win elections without getting the popular vote? Can we lie to the american people about trickle down economics? Can we continue to enrich ourselves and the .1%? Can we get away with lying about everything and have entire networks to blast the propaganda?
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
8
Our very own Berlusconi
11
You have to admit he is bottomless.
13
An outrage to distract from the outrage created to deflect from the original outrage! A DDoS attack on our conscience!
14
World leaders should demonstrate their regard for the law and their disdain for Trump and by boycotting the summit if it is held at Trump's property.
11
I am ashamed that I live in the Emperor Trump era.
Our constitution is humiliated, shattered and trashed by Your Majesty, Trump.
Long live Emperor Trump!!
3
Clearly another head fake designed to distract from impending impeachment. One thing at a time. Let's indict him on emolument (and a host of other) crimes after we impeach and remove him from office.
5
Can't allow symbolic takeover of white house by Trump properties
2
@Nan Patience Not symbolic. If you enter now, your raffle ticket may well win you 3 days and 2 nights at DC's most desired property. And best of all, it's an ALL White House.
3
Give us the list of the properties that were considered for this summit Moscow Mulvaney. We as taxpayers who are paying for this demand it. What a disgrace this country has become under this failed real estate developer. I'm ashamed to be an American with DT at the helm.
12
Just when I thought he might be re-elected, Trump is running his presidency into the ground - just like his casinos. And because of all his shenanigans, including Ukraine and this brazen attempt to enrich himself and self-aggrandize, he will lose the 2020 election. He is becoming so toxic and unattractive, yes, only his base will vote for him. I say he should be more brazen.
Keep on coming, Mr. President. Double down on the next shenanigan.
6
The people of this country need to standup and say NO! Democracy is not a "pay to play" scheme. Come on, Republicans -- stand up for something for a change.
8
My first thought upon seeing this is that we need a coup to remove him from office.
That shocked me. I’m a 44-year-old proud American citizen and have only ever known life in a stable democracy, but I had the kind of thought I would expect from a citizen of a corrupt, unstable country.
Then again, maybe that’s what we’ve become.
11
Business at Trump’s properties is way down to the point where he is hemorrhaging money. Trump has no choice but to engineer a corrupted bailout for himself by forcing US & other agencies to pay to “use” his properties. The Trump business brand is crippled. I know of no one who willingly wants to use his properties. Look out for a repeat of what happened to his casinos, his “university,” & his “foundation.”
8
Everyday the Trump administration heaps on more insult to injury. The next G7 cannot be allowed at a Trump property. If this carries out, we might as well surrender to the mad dictator.
10
It's just nuts. He's trying to fit it in before he's gone in January 2021. Now he's plainly in the Russian's pocket, no hiding it, so he'll push for Russian inclusion. I'm always amazed how our country does blatantly stupid things like attack Iraq on false reasons and elect this president through obviously false qualifications. Who doesn't see this or who condones it?
4
Will be awkward if he is in jail during the G7. And, if there are any Trump supporters reading this, this IS a conflict of interest and he will be making money from these people staying at his resort. Ethics watchdogs have every right to be concerned as should every other law abiding citizen.
8
Like a deranged 2 year old Trump continues to push the limits of what he can get away with. The fact that he doesn’t seem to recognize how utterly inappropriate it is to host an international conference at his private resort begs the question of his mental stability.
15
This is like when the stag finally turns to face the hounds rather than pursue the futile dream of escape?
I can't imagine any other reason for Mulvaney to just hand it all over to those working on the impeachment inquiry.
Or is this just MIck's way of signalling now he's on the side of the good guys even as he feints ongoing loyalty to the Don?
Mulvaney should resign acting CoS slot and go back to budgets if he dares... and let the never-Trump wing of the GOP pick a new chief of staff to babysit the King Baby for the remainder of Trump's time in office.
Trump won't like that, but it might save the GOP from complete disgrace. Trump's already a lost cause and has been doing a pretty god job of impeaching himself: he doesn't take good advice from anyone, and his alternative seems to be falling in love for six or eight hours each with the last three people who whispered in his ear some brilliant ideas from their own self-serving agendas.
@Liz R
No, this is not someone who has had an epiphany and left the darf side, Mick isn;t cirtue signaling. This is Mulvaney's way of saying, speaking for his Prez, "yeah we did it, big deal, whatcha gonna do about it?"
2
Well, we now know for sure that Trump properties are low bid.
5
Is it too foolish to expect the other G7 nations to refuse to be complicit in Trump's gross conflict of interest and not attend? Conflict of interest is not just something that concerns this country and I know the IMF was very careful with Christine LaGarde's contact when she replaced Strauss- Kahn.
2
The G7 leaders should pick another spot and all go there, leaving Trump to capitulate or be left out... His decision.
9
Why is he planning for next June? Why are we reading about it in the affirmative "Trump Will Host..."?
Aren't we (at long last) getting rid of this guy?
4
New rule: you can’t make comments for or against Trump unless you voted in 2016!
3
@Melvyn Magree: So you arbitrarily impose a limitation on the First Amendment? Wonderful. Why do so many alleged "liberals" hate the Bill of Rights?
And I bet you denounce Trump for not defending the constitution...
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
Perhaps a White House attempt at distraction...
1
The day when he shoots someone on 5th Avenue in broad daylight and gets away with it is not far off.
21
Corruption
8
I wish the leaders of the other governments would simply refuse to attend any event at any property owned by the Trump business. They would be pilloried in their own countries for doing this
16
The contracts for this should be made public. The taxpayer should know if cancellation fees have been written into these contracts so that if, 1. Trump is out of office before the G7 or 2. Trump capitulates and moves the summit, because you know, the law, that he is not making more money by losing the business. Either way, it's a crime.
5
Let me re-write the Times sub-headline to make it much clearer and to the point:
"President Trump’s decision to host the economic summit at his luxury resort in Miami is sure to [DELETE - alarm ethics watchdogs and critics of the administration] [ADD - enrich himself]."
5
Trump’s decision is part of his Ukraine-gate defense, and is one of his well worn tactics: doublingdown. Doral-gate and Ukraine-gate are both examples of Trump’s belief that he has the absolute right to do anything, regardless of how outrageously self interested those acts are. As we call him out on Ukraine, he is letting us know he is undaunted. As he likes to say, “Article 2 says I can do anything”; AG Barr, his “Roy Cohn”, is preparing the brief. Hopefully, Articles of Impeachment will say otherwise. THe Senate Republicans may decide as petit jurors to acquit Trump, but history will render the final judgment on Trump’s Reign of Error.
2
Oh, brother! Does that man know how to push buttons and get people to react to him and him alone. Trump is like a kid tapping on the aquarium glass giggling at the fishies as they scurry about at his behest. Remember: "I know how to work the media in a way that they will never take the lights off of me."
Those are the most important words Trump ever spoke.
My advice? Don't be fishies...
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
4
Fascist dictators can do whatever they want, right? They don't work for the people. The people work for them.
11
I don't see the problem. The President is rich, and he's having a meeting at his resort. I assume everything will be provided free of charge to our government, and the other dignitaries attending, right?
Right?
12
@Derek — Check out the Emoluments Clause. Also, the profits that Doral will get from this will go straight to the Trump Organization, and it ensures that the resort will make money during its slowest time of the year. There are other venues in Florida and elsewhere that could have hosted the G7, but a wholly Trump owned location got the contract after he so “generously” offered it as an option.
In sum, he’s using his position as a public servant to line his own pockets.
There is a lot wrong with this.
4
Illegal and unethical, yes. But also far below what I look for in a tasteful event venue.
10
Impeach him.
His behavior continually defiles his oath, and goads Congress.
Uphold your oaths, Senators Graham and McConnell!
Stop enabling the degradation of democracy and the presidency.
Impeach him.
17
Here is my plan: Get this guy impeached, convicted and removed from office BEFORE, the G7. Then it can be held at the Doral and, if I had my druthers, the former president could bus tables for the event...
5
Shameless. Terrible message delivered by an amoral grifter.
6
You left out the part about this being an unprecedented act of self-dealing on the part of a sitting president of the United States.
9
Shameless!
And still an “acting” chief of staff. Who needs advice? Just do whatever puts money in your pocket.
Trump promised all profits from his hotels would be donated to charity. Has one dollar been donated so far?
4
George Orwell, eat your heart out.
8
This is probably nothing more than a distraction to keep us from seeing that Trump is in the midst of ensuring Putin has his sticky hands in the world's oil reserves--from Venezuela to Syria.
3
They need to cancel this meeting rather than have it at Trump’s hotel. Trump is out of control. Impeach now before he can do anymore harm to our country!
8
Perhaps the current lawsuits against Trump and his business for their clear constitutional transgressions can now be amended to seek injunctive relief against this brazen act of hosting the G7 meeting at the Doral club. Corrupt to the core, this Fake President!
3
South Florida in June?! They should be allowed to stay there for free given how miserable it will be. However, we all know that the Trumps grossly overcharged their own campaign during his inauguration. A person can only assume that he and his greedy greedy children will likewise be price-gouging the G-7.
5
The rest of the g7 should boycott or they are no better than Trump.
9
The other six leaders and their delegates can stay at nearby hotels and commute to the resort, simply because their nations do not allow such a conflict of interest.
10
Is this the tipping point?
It is embarrassing imagining what a spectacle we present to foreign nations.
This is the vision of a "greater" America?
7
What a joke! Mulvaney said they looked at less than ten sites in Hawaii, Utah Colorado and Florida, and this one came out on top? Why did they not do an open Request for Proposals like all federal agencies are required to do for high-cost items like this? I'm sure they would get more than a hundred sites more conducive to something like this than Doral.
7
If it’s “at cost” then I expect the trump org to open up their full business records to prove their claim. Never mind that the law says he’s not allowed to accept money and doesn’t really care about profits.
4
I am not American or even live in America, but if you wonder why the rest of the world does not like you, then this story is a perfect illustration.
10
In the entire U.S. there must be dozens of venues suitable for such a meeting. That Trump would just ‘happen’ to pick one whose profits flow directly into his & his children’s pockets is not surprising given his self-serving character. That he would do so in ‘broad daylight’ without any regard for the optics displays his utter lack of respect for the American people.
12
White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney announced that President Trump will host next year's G-7 meeting at his Florida resort Trump National Doral.
This is exactly what an emolument is.
The foreign emoluments clause found in Article I, Section 9 of our Constitution reads ". . . 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.”
Merriam-Webster defines emoluments as “returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites.” The original intent of the constitutional provision was to discourage early American leaders from being influenced by gifts or titles bestowed by European governments or royalty.
The payment for hosting the G-7 at Trump's Doral Resort is an emolument, and, according to our Constitution, that is not permitted. without the explicit approval of Congress.
Trump campaigned by promising to drain the swamp and all of the corruption. Well, he's extended his swamp much further south -- all the way down to Florida and it's Everglades.
This isn't the first time Trump has profited off the office of the presidency, and, frankly, it's not going to be the last.
Trump is shameless.
8
@Eugene Gorrin
Trump is shameless.
So is everyone from Mulvaney, Barr, Giuliani, McConnell and Graham, etc, on down, who continue to enable his blatant abuses. They prop up a would-be autocrat.
4
If this were the only unethical thing trump - or any president - had done it would be grounds for impeachment. Given the avalanche of incompetence, self-dealing shenanigans, this seems pretty small. How far we have fallen.
8
Am I the only one who sees a resemblance between Mick Mulvaney and Tom Wambsgan?
Before or after he is impeached?
1
This decision and all of the POTUS's decisions these last few weeks feels like the craziest patient is running the asylum and the rest of the patients, (congress and the senate,) have all been given thorazine.
7
When I lived in NYC 1991/95, there were 5 recognised Italian 'families'. Now you can add a 6th - a German one.
Ironically, when I was living in NYC, I did not realise that Giulliani - as he took on the mafia - was preparing the way for the German/Scottish family to rise up ! The long term vision and plan was already in place? ha ha
4
You've got to be kidding me. This is so blatant. How does he get away with this? What an absolute disgrace.
9
G7, if you’re listening, just say no.
12
Is this legal?
1