Trump Could Be Impeached Over $45K Natalie Harp Gift: Ex-White House Lawyer
A former White House ethics lawyer told Newsweek's Trump's $45,000 gift to Natalie Harp may have broken federal rules.
Former White House counsel Richard Painter asserts that President Trump's $45,000 cash gift to aide Natalie Harp potentially breaches federal law, which bars outside compensation for government employees. Painter argues that the gifts, given to aides including Margo Martin and Chamberlain Harris, were meant to supplement their salaries, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 209.
The White House maintains that the gifts are unrelated to their official duties and permissible under the law. Painter contends that prior working relationships between Trump and the aides make the payments suspicious, likening them to supplementing a government salary. The payments, equivalent to around 30% of each aide's annual salary, have sparked debate about presidential gift rules and the limits of outside compensation for federal employees.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Trump’s Mysterious $45,000 Cash Gift to Natalie Harp motherjones.com
- Trump gives Natalie Harp, 2 aides $45,000 each: Why cash gifts are under scrutiny timesofindia.indiatimes.com
