Is Trump's Pay for Play Legal?

Post # 335, Bob McKnight's Florida Commentary

Is "Pay for Play" What our Founders had in mind for a Democracy for all the people?

Not much shocks America in terms of national politics today. Last month, the probable Republican nominee for President, former President Donald Trump proposed that if oil company executives raise $1 billion for his campaign, he would deliver a repeal of President Biden's electric vehicle promotion legislation. That repeal could result in higher gas prices, and staggering profits for the oil industry, much more than a $1 billion campaign contribution. Our country's founders probably did not envision being able for the rich to obtain favorable legislation in exchange for campaign contributions. It remains to be seen what proof exists of Trump's proposal to the oil executives.

For Democrats, Trump's latest campaign tactic is not surprising. He is under intense pressure to raise enough money to run a national campaign, pay for his massive legal fees, and find new sources of personal wealth. He also is trying to help fund the GOP down-ballot candidates. Trump's proposing to attach future legislation to campaign contributions is not surprising, but is it illegal?

As expected, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, has asked multiple federal agencies with campaign laws jurisdiction for an opinion on Trump's proposal. It is highly probable that a pay-for-play proposal, if serious and provable, would be against the law under federal and some state laws. Then the question is whether the Democrats or perhaps concerned citizens would take action to enforce the law?

Part and parcel of Trump's campaign strategy is to test the government's administration of our election of a president. If he can build on his strategy of "the system is rigged, they are out to get me," it will only build on his victim narrative.

But will he succeed?