JW wrote:
First, the books were given as gifts/promotional items for campaign purposes, that makes them a legitimate campaign expense. Since Trump is funding a substantial part of the campaign from his own pocket, who is to say his own funds were not used. The only thing that can be said for certain is the campaign is paying the bill... if it actually is.
Second, many campaigns promote their candidates views through giving away books authored by the candidates. That has been done ever since Gutenberg invented the printing press.
Finally, if the campaign did pay the bill, as long as he isn't paid royalties on them, nothing is out of line. If he personally paid for the books, accepting royalties is perfectly legitimate since he paid retail price for them, even if he gave the books as a donation to his campaign. As for other give-aways, shirts, hats, etc., or inducements to solicit donations, the same conditions apply.
First, the books were given as gifts/promotional i... (
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JW, that's what I was thinking, too.
Well said.