Quid pro quo: Presidential candidate Donald Trump is facing criminal charges alleging that he promised former candidate Ben Carson a job in exchange for his endorsement.
The American Democracy Legal Fund has filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice over Donald Trump’s alleged promise of a cabinet position to Ben Carson in exchange for his endorsement last month.
In an interview with a conservative news outlet last month, Carson admitted that he sold his endorsement of Trump after being promised a position in a future Trump administration.
Appearing on “The Steve Malzberg Show,” Carson said he was assured by the billionaire candidate that he would be “doing things” in at least an “advisory capacity” during a Trump administration.
In the interview, Carson implied Trump had promised him a role in his administration.
In a post announcing the criminal complaint, the American Democracy Legal Fund notes:
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 599, “[w]hoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.”
Dr. Carson’s comments strongly suggest that Mr. Trump promised him an administration position in return for his endorsement. In his interview, Dr. Carson stated that he would “certainly” have an advisory capacity within a potential Trump administration. When asked directly whether this role was discussed during their endorsement meeting, Dr. Carson responded, “Yes.” Dr. Carson’s assured answers lead to the reasonable conclusion that Mr. Trump promised Dr. Carson an administration post in order to secure his endorsement in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 599.
Think Progress reports Trump may be guilty of a felony, noting:
Federal law expressly prohibits candidates from directly or indirectly promising “the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy.” The penalty for violations could include fines or a year in jail — two years if the violation was willful.
The criminal complaint against Trump was filed March 15 with the Department of Justice. If convicted, Trump could face a fine, jail time, or both.
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