Trump faces potential campaign finance violation over gifts after controversial livestream with Adin Ross

After Donald Trump’s interview with Adin Ross, he received a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch, which might breach campaign finance laws
UPDATED AUG 7, 2024
Adin Ross gifted Donald Trump a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch (Getty Images, @adinross/Instagram)
Adin Ross gifted Donald Trump a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch (Getty Images, @adinross/Instagram)

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: After a controversial interview with social media influencer Adin Ross, former president Donald Trump is now facing potential legal troubles, as reported by The Guardian.

Ross, known for his contentious guest list and provocative online presence, gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch. These high-value items might constitute a campaign finance violation.

Donald Trump faces potential legal troubles due to Adin Ross

Trump’s campaign has responded by stating they will seek guidance from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on the appropriate handling of these gifts.

Ross has not publicly addressed the legality of his contributions, which exceed the $3,300 limit for individual donations to political candidates.

Ross, a 23-year-old video game streamer, has built his fame on hosting polarizing figures such as Andrew Tate, who faces rape and human trafficking charges, and White supremacist Nick Fuentes.

Banned from Twitch for making homophobic and racist comments, Ross now streams on Kick, where he recently interviewed Trump for 80 minutes. Far-right influencers typically express their support for Trump through vocal endorsements, but Ross’ gifts took this support to a new level.

During the live stream, Trump was presented with a Tesla Cybertruck, valued between $60,000 and $100,000, and a Rolex watch, starting at $5,000.

(Will Sommer/X)
Adin Ros gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch (Will Sommer/X)

"Wow! That’s an Elon," Trump exclaimed upon seeing the Cybertruck, adorned with a photo of him raising his fist.

He praised the vehicle as "incredible" and "beautiful," showing similar enthusiasm for the Rolex. The extravagant gifts far exceed federal limits for political candidate contributions, potentially violating campaign finance laws.

Most of the live stream occurred in the Cybertruck’s front seat, with Ross providing a platform for Trump to express his views.

Among his statements, Trump called Ye (formerly Kanye West), a rapper with a history of antisemitic remarks, "a really nice guy."

Despite Ye’s apologies following backlash and lost sponsorships, his comments have been widely condemned by anti-antisemitism organizations like the Anti-Defamation League.

Trump and Ye share a history; in 2022, Ye and Fuentes dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, prompting criticism.

Trump later claimed he knew nothing about Fuentes before the meeting. Reflecting on Ye, Trump told Ross, "You know, he’s got a good heart. But he’s complicated – Kanye."

(Adin Ross/X)
Donald Trump was sitting on a potential campaign finance violation due to Adin Ross' gifts (Adin Ross/X)

Donald Trump attracts trolling online in wake of potential campaign finance violation

The internet reacted swiftly to news of Trump’s extravagant gifts, with many users mocking him.

One Facebook user commented, "The 'law and order' candidate," while another remarked, "Donald J Trump will always break the rules. He’s criminal minded and has been for years, a wolf in sheep’s clothing."

Others expressed similar sentiments: "Just more corruption. Can always count on Trump to break rules," and "Weird ass guy with another weird ass guy."

Another user stated, "Maga is astonishingly stupid," while others added, "Seems it's the only this kind of people that he attracts. They are just as bad as he is," and "Trump has been a thug his entire life."

A final user remarked, "As if the convicted criminal cares about laws."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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