Calls for Independent Federal Investigation Into Pam Bondi "Pay For Play" Scam Intensify

Donald Trump with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi

The editorial board of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel published an op-ed today calling for an independent federal investigation into Donald Trump's $25,000 donation to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's reelection fund.

Trump loves to call his presidential opponent "Crooked Hillary" although she has never been charged or found guilty of anything. But in this tawdry campaign donation escapade, it clearly looks like Trump is the one guilty of "pay for play."

The timing is certainly curious, with the contribution arriving just three days after Bondi's office said it was considering whether to join a class-action lawsuit against Trump University, an education company that promised to turn students into successful real estate investors, but left many empty-handed. Bondi's office decided not to join the suit.

The donation from the candidate's foundation also violated tax rules governing nonprofit organizations. As a result, the GOP presidential nominee recently paid the IRS a pocket-change fine of $2,500.

Maybe there is nothing untoward here. Maybe it's nothing more than coincidence, as Bondi and the Trump campaign maintain.

[snip]

It's hard to tell who looks worse in this, Bondi or Trump.

It was learned this week that in 2014, after Bondi decided not to investigate Trump U, the billionaire hosted a $3,000-a-person fundraiser for her at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

So, to recap: Trump University investigation comes up, three days later $25,000 appears from Trump, the next day Bondi decides not to prosecute, and then Trump throws a $3K a person fund-raiser for Bondi at his resort.

Nope. Doesn't sound fishy to me. How about you?

For a more entertaining look at the story, check The Late Show's Stephen Colbert looking into the debacle.