ETHICS/LAWSUIT/NEW YORK/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP BUSINESS: “The existence of the Donald J. Trump Foundation ended Tuesday [12-18-18] with a whimper, as the much-maligned organization agreed to dissolve itself as part of an important lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood. Citing a ‘shocking pattern of illegality’ stretching back more than a decade, Underwood explained that the Trump Foundation functioned “as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests.’ This is, of course, illegal for a charitable foundation, as our watchdog organization, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, has extensively documented in a series of complaints that preceded the New York lawsuit. American tax laws give preference to organizations that engage in truly charitable work — feeding the hungry, or housing our homeless veterans, or countless other activities that serve the public interest. To encourage this charitable work, our laws confer significant benefits on foundations that engage in it. But the Trump Foundation flouted this preferential status over a long period, using its tax-preferred status to settle President Donald Trump’s personal debts, boost his political image, and even curry favor with politicians who could assist him. It was an early sign of the disregard for ethics and law that would come to characterize the Trump presidency.”
–Noah Bookbinder and Norman Eisen, “Trump Foundation dissolves, but Trump abuses and pursuit of personal gain live on,” USA Today, December 20, 2018 7:44 pm