Trump smears reporter, insists his foundation is not a scam

A Washington Post report published yesterday found that Donald Trump used Trump Foundation money for his personal benefit, including more than $250,000 to settle legal problems for his business interests. Those instances appear to violate laws prohibiting charities from “self-dealing.” The report comes on the heels of the Trump Foundation paying a $2,500 tax penalty for an improper political gift to a committee supporting Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R).

Tuesday night, Trump responded to the Post’s reporting. But instead of refuting any specific factual claims, his campaign released a statement baldly asserting “there was not, and could not be, any intent or motive for the Trump Foundation to make improper payments.” The campaign did not deny, however, that the improper payments occurred. Trump also smeared Post reporter David Fahrenthold, who has published a string of incriminating reports about his foundation....
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-foundation-statement-6ceae1474b4d#.uind25q67