My MBA Career: Navigating the Business World

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 White House campaign fundraising operation has come under scrutiny for increasing spending at his own properties in recent months. According to reports, the campaign has funneled over $400,000 to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, and another $62,337 to Trump National Doral Miami.

While using campaign funds for personal businesses is legal, it has raised ethical concerns among campaign finance experts. They argue that when a candidate is profiting from their own campaign, it could create conflicts of interest and ethical issues.

Trump’s need for fundraising is understandable, as he faces significant legal costs from multiple civil and criminal cases. With potential financial judgments looming, the former president has reportedly spent at least $4.9 million on his businesses since the start of 2023, primarily on air travel.

Trump is not the only GOP candidate to spend substantial amounts at his own properties. Others have also utilized Trump’s venues for various events, further fueling concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Throughout his political career, Trump has faced criticism for his business conflicts, with questions about potential ethical issues. Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School, noted that while Trump’s use of campaign funds for his businesses may not be illegal, it is still concerning.

In addition to campaign spending, Trump’s leadership PAC Save America has also reportedly spent millions on legal bills since the 2020 election. As the former president continues to navigate a web of legal challenges, his campaign spending habits have come under intense scrutiny, raising further questions about ethics and conflicts of interest.