The Trump camp has been caught in an illegal Chinese donation scandal through an undercover investigation by one of the UK’s most respected conservative newspapers, the Daily Telegraph:
Senior figures involved with the Great America PAC, one of the leading "independent" groups organising television advertisements and grassroots support for the Republican nominee, sought to channel $2 million from a Chinese donor into the campaign to elect the billionaire despite laws prohibiting donations from foreigners.
In return, undercover reporters purporting to represent the fictitious donor were assured that he would obtain “influence” if Mr Trump made it to the White House.
The co-chair of the pro-Trump Great America PAC suggested that a proposed Chinese donation be laundered through a 501(c)(4) organization, which he claimed would make it legal. Later, a more elaborate plan was suggested that would conceal the $2 million donation by channeling it first through a private public affairs firm and then through two 501(c)(4)s.
Trump has lambasted super PACs in the past but things have changed and Trump’s Great America PAC is supported by both Eric Trump and Rudy Giuliani. The Trump campaign, however, officially disassociated itself from the group back in April.
Organizations supporting Hillary Clinton were also approached but were not drawn in by the Chinese scheme.
This is not the first time the Trump camp has been caught in a foreign donations scandal. Previous targets have included Israelis and foreign leaders.