Group Alleges Trump Illegally Promised Ben Carson a Position in Exchange for Endorsement

Watchdog Group Asks Department of Justice to Investigate Possible Illegal Quid Pro Quo

Did Donald Trump promise Ben Carson a position in a Trump administration in exchange for his endorsement? A watchdog group has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice alleging just that – and if so, that’s illegal.

“It has recently come to light that Mr. Donald Trump may have willfully offered Dr. Ben Carson an appointment to his administration should he become president in return for supporting his candidacy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 599,” American Democracy Legal Fund head Brad Woodhouse wrote in a letter to the Justice Department on March 29, Politico reports.

Two weeks ago NCRM suggested exactly that.

In an interview with Newsmax, Dr. Carson seemed to suggest that he in fact had wished to endorse another candidate but had not received the same promises that he had from Trump.

“I have to look at what is practical,” Carson told conservative Steve Malzberg at Newsmax. “I didn’t see a path for Kasich, who I like, or for Rubio, who I like. As far as Cruz is concerned, I don’t think he’s going to be able to draw independents and Democrats, unless has has some kind of miraculous change,” Carson said. “Is there another scenario that I would have preferred? Yes. But that scenario isn’t available.” 

“Okay, with one of the other candidates you mean?” Malzberg asked. 

“Yes,” Carson said.

Later, Carson said, “I do believe, and certainly in my discussions with Donald Trump, he does love America and he does want to be successful. He will surround himself with very good people.” 

“And will one of them be Dr. Ben Carson?,” Malzberg asked.

“I will be doing things as well, yes,” Carson said. 

“In the administration?,” Malzberg asked. 

“Certainly in an advisory capacity,” Carson responded.

“That’s been determined, when you sat down with him, that was discussed?”

“Yes,” Carson answered.

“We haven’t handled out all the details but it is very important that we work together in this country,” Carson said. 

“Is it a cabinet position sir?,” Malzberg asked.

“Again, I’m not going to reveal any details about it right now because all of this is still very liquid.”

At the time, ThinkProgress’s Josh Israel, who first noted the legal implications, suggested Dr. Carson might have violated federal law.

Politico notes the American Democracy Legal Fund is backed by David Brock, a Hillary Clinton supporter. 

 

Image: Screenshot via YouTube
Hat tip: Gawker