Ranking Member Connolly’s Statement on President Trump’s Hypocritical Memorandum on Campaign Fundraising

Washington, D.C. (April 24, 2025)—Today, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s hypocritical memorandum undermining his opponents’ fundraising efforts:

“There is no room for grift, foreign influence, or corruption in our elections.  Full stop.  But if Donald Trump was at all serious about cracking down on foreign corruption of U.S. elections, he would start by taking the For Sale sign off his own back.  Selling access and influence is the defining feature of the Trump White House.  Trump has accepted millions in foreign payments while a sitting President and as a candidate.  His hotels and properties are ground zero for pay-to-play operations and guzzling up taxpayer dollars.  New reports show that if you cut a big enough check to Trump’s inauguration fund, you too could buy yourself a nice ambassadorship or cabinet position.  And if you’re a top purchaser of Trump’s personal memecoin — or, more plainly, if you put enough money directly into Trump’s personal pocket — you get a private dinner with the President and a tour of the White House.  Donald Trump has turned the White House into an auction house and he’s both the auctioneer and the largest benefactor.”

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