New York sues Trump’s charitable foundation

A lawsuit filed by New York’s attorney general today says US President Donald Trump used his charitable foundation to settle personal business disputes and bolster his political image with donations directed by his staff.

The Donald J. Trump Foundation “was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr. Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality,” Democratic Attorney General Barbara Underwood says, as she sues to dissolve the foundation and seek $2.8 million in restitution.

The lawsuit says the foundation illegally helped support the Republican’s campaign by raising money at a nationally televised fundraiser in January 2016, then allowing campaign staffers to dictate how the money was spent in grants.

In a couple of tweets, Trump calls the case “ridiculous” and says he will not settle the lawsuit.

— AP