Big Trump checks to vets groups sent on day of media report

[webfact]

Big Trump checks to vets groups sent on day of media report
By MICHAEL BIESECKER, JILL COLVIN and STEVE PEOPLES

NEW YORK (AP) — More than a dozen big checks flowed out of New York last week, bound for veterans' charities from Donald Trump. On Tuesday, he announced he had made good on his promise of last January to give the groups millions of dollars from a highly publicized fundraiser.

The announcement by the presumptive Republican presidential candidate came in the midst of a 40-minute rant against "dishonest" and "sleazy" reporters who have been pressing the issue.

The largest donation, a $1 million check dated May 24 and drawn from Donald J. Trump's personal account, was addressed to a small Tuckahoe, New York, group that provides scholarships to the children of fallen Marines.

Trump had been interviewed that same day by The Washington Post, which for weeks had been raising questions about where the promised money was, urging him to disclose recipients of the millions raised during a splashy telethon-style fundraiser he held in Iowa in January in place of a Fox debate he was boycotting.

At a news conference Tuesday, Trump released a list of 41 groups he said had received $5.6 million.

"Most of the money went out quite a while ago," Trump said. "Some of it went out more recently. But all of this has gone out."

Throughout Tuesday's confrontational event, Trump repeatedly slammed the media as "unbelievably dishonest" for its treatment of the issue and dismissed an ABC reporter as "a sleaze." He said many times that he didn't want credit for the fundraising but seemed peeved that he wasn't thanked for it.

"Instead of being like, 'Thank you very much, Mr. Trump,' or 'Trump did a good job,' everyone's saying, 'Who got it? Who got it? Who got it?' And you make me look very bad," Trump complained, taking on reporters in the room. "I have never received such bad publicity for doing such a good job."

The Associated Press spoke or left messages with each of the organizations Trump named. Of the 30 groups that responded by Tuesday, about half said they had received checks from Trump just last week.

Several said the checks were dated May 24 — the same date as Trump's interview with The Post, and shipped out overnight express.

Among them was the big check from Trump himself, written to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. Trump's campaign had previously told the newspaper that his promised $1 million personal donation had already been distributed.

Though the foundation had received a $100,000 check from Trump's charity in March, last week's $1 million donation came as something of a surprise.

"It is obviously a wonderful donation," said Sue Boulhosa, the group's executive director and sole employee. She said the group had "an inkling" that more might come but the amount was a happy surprise.

Trump has a longstanding relationship with the group, which Boulhosa said typically raises a total of between $2 million and $3 million a year. The foundation had presented Trump with an award at its 2015 gala held at a New York hotel.

Appearing on CNN Tuesday, Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said she was glad that Trump had given out the promised money.

"The problem here is the difference between what Donald Trump says and what Donald Trump does," Clinton said. "He's bragged for months about raising $6 million for vets and donating $1 million himself, but it took a reporter to shame him into actually making the contribution."

Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski had originally told the Post that the event had raised about $4.5 million — less than the $6 million originally announced by Trump — because some who'd pledged had backed out. Lewandowski also said all the money had been given out.

Trump had claimed during the fundraiser that he'd raised $6 million through a combination of pledges from wealthy friends, the public and $1 million from himself.

But the campaign refused for months to disclose which charities had received the money, leading to questions about whether the money raised was less than he had said.

"It was very unfair that the press treated us so badly," Trump complained Tuesday.

He suggested he had hoped to keep the donations private. However, Trump hadn't appeared shy about giving away poster-sized checks at campaign events in the weeks after the fundraiser.

On Jan. 30, just before the campaign's leadoff caucuses in Iowa, he gave a $100,000 check to the Puppy Jake Foundation, which provides service dogs to wounded veterans. Representatives from the foundation, accompanies by several service dogs, accepted the check at the Adler Theater in Davenport, Iowa, where Trump was being interviewed on stage by Jerry Falwell Jr.

The next day, in Council Bluffs, Trump presented another check, also for $100,000, to Partners for Patriots, which also provides service dogs to disabled veterans.

The public presentations trickled off within days, though some of the groups contacted by AP did report receiving checks in February, March and April.

But the biggest batch appeared to have gone out May 24, with several of the groups saying they had no contact with the Trump organization before that.

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks denied Tuesday that timing had anything to do with questions from the media.

"Mr. Trump's team worked very hard to complete this lengthy process prior to Memorial Day Weekend," she said. The campaign also said it had taken months to carefully vet each of the groups receiving money.

___

Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire contributed from New York.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-06-01

[OMGImInPattaya]

Donations made...end of story. No need to try and slant a story one way or the other...REPORT THE NEWS!

It takes time to vet organizations...otherwise the campaign would be accused of stupidity or incompetence for giving to fraudulent or inefficient charities.

[jaidam]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

[NumbNut]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

[charmonman]

Trump is a hypocrite. He wants the donations to remain "private" while he tours around publicly giving out large Publishers Clearing House type checks as props at campaign events. He mails his own 1 million dollar check (about .01 percent of his claimed net worth, equivalent to about $25 or less for an average American), only when he realizes the press is on to him. He insults John McCain for enduring years as a Vietnamese POW while claiming to respect veterans.

His "support" for veterans goes only as far as it can make him look good in the eyes of his gullible supporters.

[charmonman]

Donations made...end of story. No need to try and slant a story one way or the other...REPORT THE NEWS!

It takes time to vet organizations...otherwise the campaign would be accused of stupidity or incompetence for giving to fraudulent or inefficient charities.

Report the news? You mean like the news that Ted Cruz's father helped assassinate John Kennedy, or that the Clinton's murdered Vince Foster, or that Obama was born in Kenya? That kind of news?

[OMGImInPattaya]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

POWs that trade on their "capture fame" for decades to further a political career..,NO!

[OMGImInPattaya]

Donations made...end of story. No need to try and slant a story one way or the other...REPORT THE NEWS!

It takes time to vet organizations...otherwise the campaign would be accused of stupidity or incompetence for giving to fraudulent or inefficient charities.

Report the news? You mean like the news that Ted Cruz's father helped assassinate John Kennedy, or that the Clinton's murdered Vince Foster, or that Obama was born in Kenya? That kind of news?

Yeah, those would be interesting news stories...not the date someone gave money to charity.

[Dagnabbit]

Trump is a hypocrite. He wants the donations to remain "private" while he tours around publicly giving out large Publishers Clearing House type checks as props at campaign events. He mails his own 1 million dollar check (about .01 percent of his claimed net worth, equivalent to about $25 or less for an average American), only when he realizes the press is on to him. He insults John McCain for enduring years as a Vietnamese POW while claiming to respect veterans.

His "support" for veterans goes only as far as it can make him look good in the eyes of his gullible supporters.

Doesn't matter what he does - you will only see negative in it.

He's giving money to worthy causes.

It's a GOOD thing.

[alanrchase]

Donations made...end of story. No need to try and slant a story one way or the other...REPORT THE NEWS!

It takes time to vet organizations...otherwise the campaign would be accused of stupidity or incompetence for giving to fraudulent or inefficient charities.

Report the news? You mean like the news that Ted Cruz's father helped assassinate John Kennedy, or that the Clinton's murdered Vince Foster, or that Obama was born in Kenya? That kind of news?

Yeah, those would be interesting news stories...not the date someone gave money to charity.

Perhaps if Trump was less mouth and more action people wouldn't have to keep asking him if he has kept his word.

[jackh]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

Trump's comment to Mcain was right on. People who consider themselves a "hero" because he was a POW is simply unjustified. I totally agree with his attitude to him. Not to mention the fact Mcain is an idiot politician anyway.

The fact is, being a POW is nothing to be proud of. You got caught which is a bad thing. As a military soldier, it is your duty to fight, not go to sit jail. However, an EPOW(escaped POW) is another matter. This person deserves recognition due to the fact he demonstrated his ability and conviction to continue his duty to fight. This person should be honored.

BTW, your name seems to suit you.

[Katipo]

Not a big Trump fan, but let's be fair and look at the last 4 paragraphs, which in my opinion contain some of the articles most important information.

1) "The public presentations trickled off within days, though some of the groups contacted by AP did report receiving checks in February, March and April." -so he did pay up to half of the cheques priors to the end of May. Why not highlight this earlier rather than spend most of the article suggesting he only paid due to pressure?

2) "But the biggest batch appeared to have gone out May 24, with several of the groups saying they had no contact with the Trump organization before that." - Fair observation, but keep in mind the paragraph above and also #4

3) "Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks denied Tuesday that timing had anything to do with questions from the media." - I would say the the media questioning certainly had some influence. So don't agree with this point entirely.

4) "Mr. Trump's team worked very hard to complete this lengthy process prior to Memorial Day Weekend," she said. The campaign also said it had taken months to carefully vet each of the groups receiving money." - This is quite likely. Who wouldn't do some due diligence when giving away ~$6m.

[charmonman]

Trump is a hypocrite. He wants the donations to remain "private" while he tours around publicly giving out large Publishers Clearing House type checks as props at campaign events. He mails his own 1 million dollar check (about .01 percent of his claimed net worth, equivalent to about $25 or less for an average American), only when he realizes the press is on to him. He insults John McCain for enduring years as a Vietnamese POW while claiming to respect veterans.

His "support" for veterans goes only as far as it can make him look good in the eyes of his gullible supporters.

Doesn't matter what he does - you will only see negative in it.

He's giving money to worthy causes.

It's a GOOD thing.

Funny, I feel the same way about Trump supporters. Doesn't matter what he does or says - they will see only good in it. In the big man's own words, he could shoot somebody dead in the middle of Fifth Avenue and they would still think he was wonderful.

I have no problem with him giving money to a worthy charity; good for him. What I have a problem with is him bragging about it and using the recipients, in this case veterans, as props in his cynical, pandering political campaign. He is everything that his supporters claim they hate about "politicians".

[NumbNut]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

Trump's comment to Mcain was right on. People who consider themselves a "hero" because he was a POW is simply unjustified. I totally agree with his attitude to him. Not to mention the fact Mcain is an idiot politician anyway.

The fact is, being a POW is nothing to be proud of. You got caught which is a bad thing. As a military soldier, it is your duty to fight, not go to sit jail. However, an EPOW(escaped POW) is another matter. This person deserves recognition due to the fact he demonstrated his ability and conviction to continue his duty to fight. This person should be honored.

BTW, your name seems to suit you.

To have a flea like Trump denigrate ANYONE who's served their country and put themselves in harm's way dishonours their very service. What did he skip out on, bone spurs? <deleted> is that? Puh-leeeeeze! Same as Dubya, defending Texas when the real men were at the pointy end. What is it with you CONservatives that facts don't seem to mean anything?

I honour EVERY man or woman who has served my country. Every single one of them, don't matter who they are, black, white or brindle.

Maybe you 'Muricans should start properly honouring them too, and when you hear hateful unsubstantiated BS call it for what it is.

BTW, takes one to know one. Yep, I am a card-carrying NumbNut, but the difference between your good self and moi is I know it.

Edited June 1, 2016 by NumbNut

[charmonman]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

Trump's comment to Mcain was right on. People who consider themselves a "hero" because he was a POW is simply unjustified. I totally agree with his attitude to him. Not to mention the fact Mcain is an idiot politician anyway.

The fact is, being a POW is nothing to be proud of. You got caught which is a bad thing. As a military soldier, it is your duty to fight, not go to sit jail. However, an EPOW(escaped POW) is another matter. This person deserves recognition due to the fact he demonstrated his ability and conviction to continue his duty to fight. This person should be honored.

BTW, your name seems to suit you.

That is a pretty twisted way to look at it. The fact is, before McCain was captured, he volunteered to serve in a war where he put himself into grave personal danger, as evidenced by the fact the he was shot down over North Vietnam. None of that matters?

Meanwhile, consider the source of the comment; a man who got multiple deferments in order to avoid serving, and then spent his time living it up in NYC bragging about all the beautiful women he was dating. A man like Donald Trump should keep his mouth shut when talking about ANY aspect of John McCain's military service.

[mike324]

As much as I don't agree with Trump, its fair game. No harm done, just propaganda and marketing.

[Berty100]

The Associated Press spoke or left messages with each of the organizations Trump named. Of the 30 groups that responded by Tuesday, about half said they had received checks from Trump just last week.

Several said the checks were dated May 24 — the same date as Trump's interview with The Post, and shipped out overnight express.

So out of a list of 41 charities ABOUT half of the 30 that responded, or probably less than 30% of all the charities that received a donation, said the had received the checks just last week.

SEVERAL of them said the checks were dated 24 May.

Why again no specific number, since they have interviewed them they surely know the exact number, but just some more rumor mongering SEVERAL?

It sounds as if the Democrats, and others of the 1% community, get really desperate.

Go Trump, GO

Edited June 1, 2016 by Berty100

[wabothai]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

The man is just a wicked salesman, who can even sell your grandmother. Keep him away from politics.

[Credo]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

[smotherb]

Mr Trump is playing the game brilliantly. Against the chorus of nay sayers including all of the MSM, and a large number of keyboard warriors who assured us Trump had "no chance" of winning the nomination. It has been a satisfying ride and a rare opportunity to see logic pitted against PC with often hilarious results.

And here we have another Trump masterstroke. All proper Americans love and are proud of their military and vets, and to see them being abused by the far left is wonderful ammunition for the Trump camp. I am happy he is making use of the left's folly to bury them. After Trump wins perhaps the most important duty for him is to ensure that the sensible thinkers are never again silenced by the biased minority. Europe, or what was once Europe, will help him achieve that.

What about the former POW's? Do you love them? Are you proud of them? Your buddy Trump isn't.

In Vietnam, I heard many of our men IN COMBAT--and not the majority who fought with keyboards or wrenches--say they would not be captured, period.

[chuckd]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I'm wondering how many wounded warriors the Clinton Foundation has helped. Memorial Day just passed and that would have been a good time for them to announce their donations.

The silence is deafening.

[lungmi]

Egofascists like Trump never accepts a fact admitted by the investigative press. Trumps tax declaration - not open. His cheating starts there.

Egofascists are on the road everywhere, innocent and ignorant people, most social underdogs, follow them. Look to some postings here from people with the gun at the place where normal citizens have a brain.

[NumbNut]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I'm wondering how many wounded warriors the Clinton Foundation has helped. Memorial Day just passed and that would have been a good time for them to announce their donations.

The silence is deafening.

How about you chuckd, how much did you stump up?

[Mansell]

Love or hate John McCain! The reality is he was shot down while doing his duty, and then tortured for refusing to kowtow to his captors. He was held prisoner for many years. How many of you self proclaimed WARRIORS on here ever served any country? Or maybe you are just a bunch of Trumps and Bush's who skulked out of serving. If that is the case Shut The F#+k Up. And you know who you are darlings. And if you served....Thank You. And before I get attacked I spent ten years in the Royal Navy.

[mcfish]

Love or hate John McCain! The reality is he was shot down while doing his duty, and then tortured for refusing to kowtow to his captors. He was held prisoner for many years. How many of you self proclaimed WARRIORS on here ever served any country? Or maybe you are just a bunch of Trumps and Bush's who skulked out of serving. If that is the case Shut The F#+k Up. And you know who you are darlings. And if you served....Thank You. And before I get attacked I spent ten years in the Royal Navy.

Being a POW doesnt take any talent . Hundreds of thousands from all sides became just that

[up2u2]

Trump is just beyond belief.

He organises a Veterans fund-raiser to get votes from Veterans and then pockets the cash.

The Washington Post gets onto the story and on the very day the Post flags the story all the checks start appearing.

A $1M check from his personal account? What was the fund-raiser money doing in his personal account?

How can ANYONE consider Trump a candidate for the highest Office in America.

Republicans have totally lost their minds. I didn't think you could get anything more embarrassing than Palin.

[chuckd]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I'm wondering how many wounded warriors the Clinton Foundation has helped. Memorial Day just passed and that would have been a good time for them to announce their donations.

The silence is deafening.

How about you chuckd, how much did you stump up?

Two years of my life on active duty.

Other than that, around 20 years working with the US Military in Saudi Arabia.

My question was about the Clinton's. If I had been making a quarter of a million US for a half hour speech to Wall Street bankers, I might have donated.

Sadly, I didn't so I don't.

How do you celebrate ANZAC day? Stick that poppy in your lapel and go to the pub?

[up2u2]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I'm wondering how many wounded warriors the Clinton Foundation has helped. Memorial Day just passed and that would have been a good time for them to announce their donations.

The silence is deafening.

How about you chuckd, how much did you stump up?

Two years of my life on active duty.

Other than that, around 20 years working with the US Military in Saudi Arabia.

My question was about the Clinton's. If I had been making a quarter of a million US for a half hour speech to Wall Street bankers, I might have donated.

Sadly, I didn't so I don't.

How do you celebrate ANZAC day? Stick that poppy in your lapel and go to the pub?

The Poppy is remembrance / Armistice day not ANZAC Day.

Rosemary is ANZAC Day

[NumbNut]

It's interesting to hear the excuses that people will make for Trump, but anyone giving money to the Clinton Foundation.....now that's pure evil.

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I'm wondering how many wounded warriors the Clinton Foundation has helped. Memorial Day just passed and that would have been a good time for them to announce their donations.

The silence is deafening.

How about you chuckd, how much did you stump up?

Two years of my life on active duty.

Other than that, around 20 years working with the US Military in Saudi Arabia.

My question was about the Clinton's. If I had been making a quarter of a million US for a half hour speech to Wall Street bankers, I might have donated.

Sadly, I didn't so I don't.

How do you celebrate ANZAC day? Stick that poppy in your lapel and go to the pub?

Yep, sure do if I'm in Oz when ANZAC day rolls around. Was there this year actually and I got stonkered in my local with my brothers, had a top time. You should have seen the place, there was dead japs everywhere, you couldn't get in the pub for all the dead japs... rude bastards were blocking up the doors.

Did alright on the two up too, which was nice for a change.

And I'm sure the Diggers that made the ultimate sacrifice would be sweet with that.

Up2 is right as well, the Poppy is associated with Flanders on the Western Front, not Gallipoli. I think Rosemary was the only greenery that grew there or something like that.

Edited June 1, 2016 by NumbNut

[dunroaming]

Todays media release. Trump living up to his reputation once again but the blinkered supporters think he can do no wrong and it is all a conspiracy against poor little Donald.