Brushing aside questions about the ethics of hosting the G-7 summit at one of President Donald Trump's own golf properties, the White House announced Thursday that the 2020 meeting of the G-7 will take place at the President's Doral resort in Miami, Florida.
“Doral was by far and away - far and away - the best physical facility for this meeting,” said Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.
Pressed repeatedly by reporters in a rare Q&A in the White House Briefing Room, Mulvaney gave the back of the hand to any ethical concerns.
Democrats in Congress said the decision just screamed self-dealing by the President.
“This is corruption in the open,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA).
“Corruption in plain sight is still corruption,” said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA).
“Unbelievably brazen. Taxpayer and foreign money funneled right to his own club as a result of a decision he is making as President,” tweeted Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY).
“This is just open corruption,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
“Congress should block any taxpayer money from going to G7 while it's at Trump's resort,” said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH).
“This is a textbook case of unconstitutional conduct,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).
“By holding G7 summit at his own resort, the President is using his office to enrich himself,” said Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL).
“This is corruption, plain and simple,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who is running for President.
Outside ethics watchdog groups chimed in immediately.
“By treating the G7 summit like a commercial for his businesses, inviting foreign governments to line his pockets and hold their next meeting at his Doral, FL golf course next year, he mocks the Constitution he swore to uphold,” said Constitutional Accountability Center President Elizabeth Wydra.
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