Press releases or official statements from the Senate

Senate Democrats Investigate Trump's $1 Billion Quid Pro Quo Request from Oil Executives

May 23, 2024, 04:42 PM

Former President Donald Trump has reportedly asked oil industry executives for $1 billion in campaign contributions in exchange for dismantling federal climate regulations. This request has led to several high-profile fundraising events, including a $500,000-per-couple event in San Francisco on June 6. Campaign finance disclosures reveal that oil industry titan Harold Hamm pumped $1 million into Trump's campaign right after the Mar-a-Lago event where Trump made this request. In response, Senate Democrats have launched an investigation into these alleged quid pro quo arrangements, with key figures such as Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden leading the charge. The investigation aims to uncover whether Trump promised to roll back environmental safeguards in return for financial support from the oil industry. Additionally, Democrats are probing potential collusion among oil companies to manipulate gas prices for profit, with Rep. Frank Pallone spearheading this effort. The Senate Budget and Finance Committees are also involved in examining these claims. The investigation has sparked calls for accountability and transparency regarding the influence of Big Oil on political campaigns and climate policy.