Some businesses are now refusing to fund either party's convention — and it's all Trump's fault

If planning a major party's presidential nominating convention — a stadium event that also involves voting and conversations with empty chairs — weren't already complicated enough, Donald Trump's candidacy has made it more difficult than ever.

A number of corporations which in previous years sponsored the Republican and Democratic National Conventions are staying on the sidelines in 2016. The reasoning: They don't want to be tied to the Trump name, and they don't want to boycott just one convention out of fear of looking partisan.

"Corporations don’t want their name or brand near Trump, and if they don’t participate in Cleveland, that means they can’t play ball at the Democratic convention," an unnamed source who is involved with planning both events told The Hill. "They have to do both or nothing, [so] people who have typically been a part in a big way are just saying no."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up