TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — An accountant who works for Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said she tried to return a controversial $25,000 donation from Donald Trump's foundation, but it was not accepted.
The Trump Foundation gave the money to Bondi's political committee in 2013, but renewed questions about it were raised shortly after Bondi endorsed Trump for president.
Nancy Watkins, the treasurer of a political committee run by Bondi, said this week that the group sent a check to the Trump Foundation in March after it became aware that the foundation was a charity, an apparent violation of the rules governing political activities by charities.
Watkins said the Trump foundation refused to accept the check, saying that Trump wrote a personal check to his foundation to cover the amount.
"It's the timing that raises red flags about the contribution," said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.
Sheaffer said the timing of the money and the decision not to move forward with a fraud case against Trump University raise too many questions.
"This situation in and of itself erodes public confidence in the judicial and law enforcement system," said Sheaffer.
In a statement, Bondi said: “Yesterday’s story was false and misleading—including statements that my office “publically announced it was deliberating whether to join a lawsuit” or that I “nixed suing Trump.” My office has made public every document on this issue, which shows no one in my office ever opened an investigation on Trump University nor was there a basis for doing so. Any news story that suggests otherwise is completely false. I have spent my career prosecuting criminals and protecting Floridians and will not compromise my dedication to our citizens.”
Complicating matters further, Trump has boasted on the campaign trail about what he gets when he gives money to politicians.
"When I want something, I get it. When I call, they kiss my ass. It's true," Trump said.
Meanwhile, top Democrats have called for an investigation into the money and Bondi's decision not to follow up on complaints from Florida residents about Trump University.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
