Trump Foundation Dissolved for Illegal Self-Dealing
The Trump charity was dissolved by court order after a "shocking pattern of illegality." Trump used foundation money to buy a portrait of himself, settle business debts, and make an illegal political donation to the AG investigating Trump University.
The Donald J. Trump Foundation, a tax-exempt charity, was dissolved by court order after the New York Attorney General filed suit alleging "a shocking pattern of illegality."
The investigation revealed Trump used charitable funds for personal and business purposes:
- Purchased a $10,000 portrait of himself at a charity auction — using foundation money
- Settled business debts with charitable donations
- Made a $25,000 political donation to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi while she was reviewing whether to investigate Trump University — the donation was illegal under charity law
Trump was ordered to pay $2 million in restitution and admitted to misusing foundation funds. The Foundation's remaining $1.7 million was distributed to court-approved charities. His adult children — Don Jr., Ivanka, and Eric — were required to undergo mandatory training on nonprofit governance.
A president's personal charity being shut down by court order for illegal self-dealing — using money donated for charitable purposes to benefit himself — was without precedent.