Trump adviser says Trump Foundation data is secret because Donald Trump is 'a private individual'
Over the weekend, Fox News looked at the questions surrounding the Donald J. Trump Foundation, bringing on the reporter who has done the most digging into Trump's charitable foundation, The Washington Post's David Farenthold. In the interest of fairness, they followed that interview with a rebuttal from Trump campaign senior adviser Boris Epshteyn, who began by asserting that "David doesn't have anything right factually," adding that Farenthold has "a very sick obsession with Donald Trump." Fox News host Leland Vittert interrupted, saying that if Epshteyn answers the question about "what facts David has wrong," he'd give Epshteyn "as much time as you want."
Vittert noted that Farenthold has tried to verify that Trump has given away "millions of dollars of his own money," as Trump claims, and asked if Epshteyn has any proof that's true. Epshteyn said that CNN found three charities that did find donations from Trump, forcing Farenthold to update his report, and citing an article from "The New York Times, believe it or not," that raised doubts about the pay-to-play allegations regarding Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Vittert asked why Trump would want to hide his charitable giving, assuming he really gives away millions. "Well, because he's a private individual," Epshteyn began, and Vittert jumped in, "Boris, he's a private individual who's running for president." Epshteyn began attacking the Clinton Foundation, and then things started getting a bit comabtive.
"Well, we don't know anything about the Trump Foundation because you guys won't tell us about it," Vittert said. "We don't know what it does. You won't release donors, you won't release what you give." Epshteyn protested that it is a private foundation run by a private individual, but when he said that Trump has "given hundreds of millions of dollars to charity," Vittert asked for proof. "Come back with some documents on that, we'd love to see them," he said. "Well, actually, Leland, he's a private individual, he doesn't owe you any documents," Epshteyn said. You can watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 12, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - tips for Mom, worm regards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 brain-busting cartoons about RFK Jr.
Cartoons Artists take on candidate suitability, the Kennedy family, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Right to roam: the battle to access England's green spaces
The Explainer A battle is being fought over access to England's green spaces
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published