Thread by @OmarAslamLugo

Trump's 2020 reelection prospects just nosedived: large-dollar donors don't like Feds sniffing around.

Criminal investigation of Trump Inauguration opened (Apr18) after FBI find audio tape of Wolkoff telling Michael Cohen she's worried about spending by the Inaugural Committee.

Federal investigation into mismatched payments/receipts at Trump Inaugural Committee partially solved:

The Inaugural Cmte for Trump was overcharged by venues, services and sub-contractors managed by... Trump.

Unknown who pocketed difference btwn market rates and quoted rates.

To recap—after two days of reporting, Wolkoff personally expressed concern about how the Trump Inaugural Committee was spending money to:

- Ivanka Trump
- Rick Gates
- Michael Cohen
- Mickael Damelincourt (Managing Director, Trump International Hotel)
propublica.org/article/trump-…

Potential legal consequences.

1. [Very rare] If IRS determines violation, Trump Organization/other subcontractors will be ordered to refund overcharges & incur 25% tax on the money.

2. Inaugural committee was incorporated in Virginia. Attorney General of VA could investigate.

Why did Rick Gates ask vendors to accept money directly from donors, rather than invoiced via Trump inaugural committee?

—To hide donors from public reporting requirements.

Open question is whether anyone else directed or conspired with Gates.