The foundation of criticisms of the Clinton and Trump Foundations

There are new allegations that the private foundation of Donald J. Trump may have broken the rules prohibiting such entities from engaging in political activities.  Specifically that some of the checks written to the charities supporting veterans by the Trump foundation had his campaign slogan "Make American Great Again" on them.  If this is true, it would appear to be a direct violation of Federal Election Commission rules regarding non-profit participation in urging election of a candidate.  It could cost the foundation its non-profit status and result in Mr. Trump being hit with substantial excise taxes.

Now there are those who are saying the Bill, Hillary and Clinton foundation has much bigger issues.  They were placed on the Charity Navigator's Watchlist after issues were raised regarding information omitted from the foundation's tax returns for 2010 through 2013.  But they've been removed from that watchlist, after filing amended tax returns and addressing other concerns raised.  Republicans in the House are demanding the IRS investigate the Clinton foundation.

Fine.  Investigate them both.  But bear in mind there is no credible allegation that the Clinton's foundation was engaged in inappropriate campaign activities.  Especially two other issues involving the Trump foundation. One is that in 2013 it made an illegal campaign contribution to a group seeking to reelect Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. That $25,000 contribution was blamed on a "clerical error" but came at a time when Bondi was looking into the Trump University issue.  She personally sought the donation and then chose not to pursue legal action against Trump University.  Sure sounds like pay for no play, but who knows?

Then there's the $12,000 Mr. Trump spent to buy a Tim Tebow autographed football helmet and jersey.  The check to the Susan G. Komen foundation came from the Trump foundation.  If the helmet and/or jersey are in Trump's personal possession, then the 2012 tax return for the Trump foundation is improperly filed, as it claims the foundation did NOT violate the rules prohibiting "self-dealing."

The Trump foundation is inextricably linked to the Trump Organization.  Phone numbers for the foundation ring in the Trump Organization offices.  There have been several media outlets who have attempted to find a staffer of the Trump foundation but they're wasting their time.  The Trump foundation's tax return for 2012, 2013 and 2014 show no expenditures for paid staff.  All of the members of the foundation's Board of Directors are named Trump or work for the Trump Organization.

Apparently the rules don't exist in Trump's world as far as being applied to him.  To be fair, that's a criticism that can be aimed at Hillary Clinton.  But what Trump is doing with his foundation appears to be running afoul of the rules.  And the laws.