House Democrats Accuse Trump of Overcharging Secret Service at D.C. Hotel

A new report by House Democrats claims that Donald Trump overcharged Secret Service agents for accommodations at his Washington, D.C. hotel during his presidency. This investigation highlights how Trump may have financially benefited from foreign and domestic officials seeking jobs or pardons in his administration.

The report, is part two of an ongoing investigation by the House Oversight Committee into the financial benefits Trump allegedly gained while in office. The inquiry suggests Trump sought to enrich himself at taxpayers’ expense, detailing spending records from September 2017 to August 2018.

One striking allegation involves the Trump Corporation significantly increasing hotel room prices for the Secret Service. For instance, on November 28, 2017, agents paid $600 for rooms while other guests on the same night were charged far less some under the government-approved per diem rate.

The report reveals that numerous U.S. officials stayed at Trump’s hotel during the 11-month investigation period. Notably, eight U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, and state governors were among the guests. Kelly Craft, then U.S. ambassador to Canada, spent nearly $30,000 on 20 nights at the Trump hotel, despite alternative accommodations being suggested.

The investigation also identified individuals who sought Trump’s pardons, such as Albert Pirro, ex-husband of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. He reportedly spent over $2,000 on stays at the Trump hotel in 2018, shortly before receiving a pardon from Trump.

Democratic lawmakers argue that the payments to Trump’s corporation violate the emoluments clause of the Constitution, which prohibits the president from profiting from foreign or domestic governments beyond their official salary. The committee examined $300,000 in payments, suggesting a pattern of unconstitutional financial practices during Trump’s tenure.

While the report does not propose direct penalties for Trump, it urges Congress to create robust legislation that clarifies penalties for violations of the emoluments clause. It highlights significant gaps in the current federal anti-corruption framework that Trump exploited during his presidency.

As the investigation unfolds, Democrats emphasize the urgency for Congress to act against potential future abuses of power. The findings call for stricter regulations to ensure that government officials prioritize public interest over personal gain, particularly regarding the emoluments clause.

This report follows an earlier release that detailed Trump’s private businesses earning at least $7.8 million from foreign entities while he was in office. The ongoing scrutiny reflects a broader concern about transparency and accountability in government dealings.