Thread by @iarnsdorf

1/ This is a story about how lobbyists try to influence the president:
propublica.org/article/trump-…

2/ Meet Albert Hazzouri, a cosmetic dentist and Trump’s golf buddy.

3/ In late 2017, Hazzouri sent Trump a handwritten message on Mar-a-Lago stationery. “Dear King,” it began...
propublica.org/article/trump-…

4/ This was not the only instance of Mar-a-Lago membership leading to special privileges at the VA. As I reported last year, Trump handed sweeping influence over the department to three associates at Mar-a-Lago. @VetAffairsDems are now investigating. propublica.org/article/ike-pe…

5/ What became of Hazzouri’s proposal? He said there never was a meeting. “David S” (@DavidShulkin) doesn’t recall ever getting the message.
propublica.org/article/trump-…

6/ What did @AmerDentalAssn want from @DeptVetAffairs? Their spokeswoman wouldn’t say exactly. In general, the ADA wants the gov’t to pay for more dental services, which could mean more billable patients.
propublica.org/article/trump-…

7/ As for Hazzouri, he invoked the project in applying for a license to practice in Florida so he could open a new office there. He didn’t get the license. politico.com/states/florida…
h/t @aglorios

8/ What’s “Dear King” about? Hazzouri wouldn’t say.

CC @TimOBrien

propublica.org/article/trump-…