Trump slammed as watchdog group CREW seeks bribery probe for alleged solicitation of donation from Big Oil

WASHINGTON, DC: The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has filed a criminal bribery complaint, calling on the Justice Department to investigate the alleged agreement between former President Donald Trump and oil industry executives to solicit campaign donations.

It was reported by The Hill last month that during a meeting in April, the 2024 presumptive GOP presidential nominee requested $1 billion in campaign donations from fossil fuel executives.

According to The Washington Post, the former POTUS referred to the contributions as a "deal" and stated that in his second term, he would roll back regulations on the industry implemented by the Biden administration.

While a person familiar with the meeting confirmed the request to the aforementioned outlet, they denied that it constituted a quid pro quo arrangement.

The chairs of the Senate Budget and Finance committees have also announced a collaborative inquiry into the meeting.

What did watchdog group and Senate Committee say regarding meeting between Trump and oil industry execs?

The 78-year-old purportedly assured oil industry leaders that he would lift a temporary halt on new natural gas export permits under the Biden administration and urged attendees to “be generous” in their contributions at a fundraising gathering toward the end of May, although allegedly without specifying a particular sum.

Budget Chair Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) called it the “definition of corruption.”

CREW president Noah Bookbinder said in a statement, “We cannot have government officials making important policy as a result of corrupt exchanges that benefit them, rather than what is in the interest of the American people. That’s why the law is clear that a request for a benefit, including campaign contributions, in exchange for an official act is a bribe.”

“Donald Trump’s actions here follow a pattern of Trump opening himself up to corrupt influence, courting conflicts of interest, and using official positions to enrich himself–and in this case may run afoul of the criminal law,” he added.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and Corey Amundson, chief of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are the recipients of the letter from the watchdog group.

CREW has previously lodged a complaint against then-President Donald Trump, claiming that he breached constitutional bans on federal officials receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments.

After the MAGA strongman left office, the Supreme Court directed the lower court to dismiss the case in January 2021.

In a statement to the aforementioned outlet, Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Washington Post article “false,” adding, “Joe Biden is controlled by environmental extremists who are trying to implement the most radical energy agenda in history and force Americans to purchase electric vehicles they can’t afford. President Trump is supported by people who share his vision of American energy dominance to protect our national security and bring down the cost of living for all Americans.”

Internet lambasts Trump as CREW files bribery complaint

One X user remarked, "It's the old "QUID PRO QUO" trick. Not very creative."

Another user said, "This should have been looked into as soon word got out about it !!"

Another user argued, "We need the FBI to investigate even further into this. This can't be ignored for any reason."

One user claimed, "I swear, the man conducts himself like a mobster. He’d sell his own mother for money. Why does a billionaire need to beg for money or resort to extortion when he can contribute as much of his own money as he wants? Is he a liar ( ) or are his donors ‘losers and suckers?’"

Another X user quipped, "The top 500 CEO’s are ALL passing on Trump!!!! Loser!!!!!"

Finally, this user tweeted, "The only reason they didn't give him a billion is because even they know he won't win the election."

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.