(PartiallyPolitics.com) – Senate Democrats have announced plans to investigate former President Trump’s solicitation of $1 billion in campaign contributions from the oil industry.
On Thursday, Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who lead the Finance and Budget committees respectively, declared their intention to scrutinize Trump’s fundraising request made during a campaign event at Mar-a-Lago last month.
They have requested documents from eight energy firms and an industry lobbying group concerning materials distributed at the event, policy proposals discussed, and contributions from the companies or their political action committees.
According to a report by The Washington Post, which first disclosed Trump’s solicitation, he pitched the fundraising as a “deal” for oil executives, promising tax reductions and lighter regulations in return.
In their correspondence, however, Whitehouse and Wyden accused the oil sector of deliberating on exchanging campaign donations for policy adjustments.
A similar investigation was recently initiated by a House Democrat. However, with Democrats as the minority in the House and the majority in the Senate, Wyden and Whitehouse are in a stronger position to lead this inquiry.
The American Petroleum Institute (API), the lobbying group addressed in the Democrats’ inquiry, criticized the investigation as an “election-year stunt” meant to divert attention from America’s energy needs.
“API engages with candidates and policymakers to discuss essential energy policies, and this meeting was no exception,” stated API spokesperson Andrea Woods. She emphasized that API’s policy goals are transparently communicated through their website, public statements, regulatory filings, and court activities, asserting their ongoing commitment to advocate for policies that bolster America’s energy strengths.
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