Fact Check: does trump solicit bribes

Does Trump Solicit Bribes?

Introduction

The claim that former President Donald Trump solicits bribes has resurfaced in various forms, particularly in light of ongoing investigations and allegations surrounding his administration. This article examines the context of these claims, focusing on recent allegations of a $10 million bribe from the Egyptian president, as well as broader accusations of corruption and bribery associated with Trump's actions during and after his presidency.

What We Know

1. Allegations of Bribery from Egypt: On September 3, 2024, House Oversight Democrats announced an investigation into claims that Trump received a $10 million cash bribe from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. This investigation is part of a broader inquiry into potential corruption during Trump's presidency 1.

2. Bribery and Corruption Investigations: The U.S. Department of Justice has been involved in various inquiries regarding Trump's actions, including a focus on his pardons and decisions that some critics argue have undermined anti-corruption efforts 34.

3. Changes in Anti-Bribery Laws: Trump's administration has been criticized for rolling back enforcement of laws that prohibit U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials, raising concerns about the implications for corporate governance and international relations 56.

4. Complaints Filed Against Trump: Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a criminal bribery complaint against Trump, urging the Justice Department to investigate allegations related to donations from the oil industry 9.

5. Accusations Against Trump Aides: Reports have surfaced alleging that aides to Trump, including Boris Epshteyn, solicited bribes from individuals seeking positions in the administration, which raises questions about the culture of corruption within Trump's inner circle 10.

Analysis

The sources cited present a mix of allegations, investigations, and opinions regarding Trump's potential solicitation of bribes.

• Source Evaluation:

  • House Oversight Democrats: The announcement of an investigation into the alleged bribe from Egypt comes from a partisan source, which may introduce bias. However, the existence of an official inquiry lends some credibility to the claim 1.
  • GW Law and The Hill: Jonathan Turley's commentary suggests a political bias, framing the issue in a way that may downplay the seriousness of the allegations against Trump while equating them to actions by Democrats 2. This source should be approached with caution due to its opinion-based nature.
  • BBC and NPR: These outlets provide reporting based on established journalistic standards, making them generally reliable for factual information. They highlight the implications of Trump's actions on anti-corruption measures 36.
  • CREW: As a watchdog organization, CREW's filing of a bribery complaint against Trump is significant, although it may reflect an agenda to hold public officials accountable for corruption 9.
  • Yahoo News and MSN: These sources report on allegations against Trump's aides, which, while concerning, rely on claims that may not have been fully substantiated 107.

• Methodological Concerns: Many of the claims regarding bribery are based on ongoing investigations or allegations rather than definitive proof. The reliance on anonymous sources or politically motivated claims can complicate the assessment of their validity.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To better understand the context and validity of the claims regarding Trump's solicitation of bribes, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Detailed evidence from the ongoing investigations, including witness testimonies and documentation.
• Independent analyses from non-partisan organizations examining the implications of Trump's actions on corruption.
• Clarification on the outcomes of the investigations mentioned, particularly regarding the alleged $10 million bribe from Egypt.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Donald Trump solicits bribes is categorized as "Partially True" based on the available evidence. There are credible allegations, including an ongoing investigation into a purported $10 million bribe from the Egyptian president, and various complaints regarding Trump's actions and those of his aides that suggest a culture of corruption. However, many of these claims remain unproven and are often based on partisan sources or ongoing inquiries, which complicates the assessment of their validity.

It is important to note that while there is a basis for concern regarding Trump's actions and the implications for corruption, definitive proof of solicitation has not been established. The political context surrounding these allegations may also influence their interpretation.

Readers should remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases of the sources cited. As such, it is crucial to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims of corruption or bribery.

Sources

1. Oversight Democrats Launch Investigation into Allegations Trump DOJ Covered Up $10 Million Cash Bribe to Donald Trump from Egyptian President. House Oversight Democrats
2. If Donald Trump Is Guilty of Bribery, Democrats Are Guilty of Solicitation. GW Law/The Hill
3. Trump pardons: US justice department unveils bribery inquiry. BBC
4. Trump Curtails Anti-Corruption Efforts, as Aides Seek End. New York Times
5. Trump's halt of US law banning business bribes abroad raises specter of. AP News
6. Trump agencies accused of letting companies off the hook. NPR
7. Trump Says the Corrupt Part Out Loud. MSN
8. Trump Committed Crimes in His Ukraine Shakedown. American Progress
9. CREW files bribery complaint against Trump over oil industry donations. The Hill
10. Trump aide Boris Epshteyn accused of seeking monthly bribes to. Yahoo News