Former President Donald Trump has defended his decision to retain ownership of his businesses if re-elected, arguing that the profits from foreign visitors to his hotels were insignificant compared to the broader scope of his business activities.
Trump Defends His Businesses
During a Fox News town hall, Trump dismissed calls for divestment from his companies, citing scenarios where foreign hotel guests represented only a fraction of his business revenue.
The House Oversight Committee's report highlighted Trump's businesses receiving approximately $7.8 million from foreign entities in 20 countries, including China and Saudi Arabia. Critics raised concerns that these transactions might breach constitutional prohibitions on foreign government financing.
Scrutiny on Trump's Finances
Trump countered these claims, stating that the earnings resulted from legitimate services. He emphasized that guests stayed at his luxurious hotels and paid for their accommodations, implying that the revenue was fair compensation for services provided.
The comments from Trump come amid ongoing scrutiny over his financial practices and potential conflicts of interest during his tenure in the White House, according to a report by The Independent.
Trump has previously claimed that the first American president managed his private companies while in government. He made a similar claim in 2019.
Trump maintains a commanding lead in the race to be the party's nominee against President Biden in the November 5 election, according to a countrywide Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. The poll had him at 49%, ahead of Nikki Haley at 12% and Ron DeSantis at 11%.
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