Donald Trump's Involvement In Starrett City Is Subject Of New House Investigation
One of the prevailing storylines leading up to President Donald Trump's inauguration — the conflicts of interest due to his business involvements — has cropped up again.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has officially requested documents covering Trump's involvement in Brooklyn's government-subsidized Starrett City housing project. Trump most recently reported 4% ownership in the project, which opened in 1974, the New York Daily News reports.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to which Trump appointed Ben Carson as secretary, oversees the inspection and awarding of federal funds to Starrett City, and its New York arm is led by Lynne Patton, formerly the Trump family's event planner.
Reps. Elijah Cummings and Hakeem Jeffries wrote the letter the House Committee sent to Trump and Carson. Jeffries represents the district containing Starrett City.
“There are numerous actions that the President or his administration could take to financially benefit himself, his family members or his business associates in Starrett City,” the letter reads, pointing out that Trump “is on both sides of the negotiation — he oversees the government entity providing taxpayer funds and he pockets some of that money himself.”
The committee sent a letter to Trump and Carson informing them of the investigation and demanding they turn over documents and emails by July 28. HUD's annual inspection of Starrett City, which in recent years has noted deteriorating conditions, is scheduled for the coming weeks.
