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New York attorney general sues Trump and family over charity, claiming 'illegal conduct' for 'more than a decade'

* New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood sued President Donald Trump, three of his adult children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, and the Donald J. Trump Foundation charity on Thursday.

* Underwood alleges "a pattern of persistent illegal conduct" for more than a decade that included "extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign."

* The AG is seeking $2.8 million in restitution and wants to dissolve the foundation.

Dan Mangan | @_DanMangan Published 26 Mins Ago Updated 3 Mins Ago
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/14/new-york-attorney-general-sues-trump-and-family-over-charity.html

VIDEO

New York AG sues Donald Trump, his family and the foundation New York AG sues Donald Trump, his family and the foundation
8 Mins Ago | 01:37
New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood on Thursday sued President Donald Trump, three of his adult children and their charitable foundation, claiming "a pattern of persistent illegal conduct" for more than a decade.

Underwood claims that the Donald J. Trump Foundation engaged in "extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign."

She also alleged, "repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trump's personal and business interests," and that the foundation violated "basic legal obligations for non-profit foundations."

In addition to Trump and the foundation, Underwood is suing Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and their sister Ivanka Trump, a senior adviser to the president. The family members are all board members of the foundation, according to Underwood.

"As our investigation reveals, the Trump Foundation was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr. Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality," said Underwood.

"This is not how private foundations should function and my office intends to hold the Foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets."

The attorney general said that President Trump used the foundation's name and funds it raised from the public to pay off his legal debts, promote Trump-branded hotels and other businesses "and to purchase personal items."

And her office said that at his behest, the foundation "illegally provided extensive support to his 2016 presidential campaign by using the Trump Foundation's name and funds it raised from the public to promote his campaign."

Underwood is seeking restitution of $2.8 million, plus penalties. She also is asking to dissolve the foundation and to bar President Trump from serving as a director on a non-profit group in New York for 10 years, and each of his children named in the suit for one year each.

In a press release, the attorney general's office said Underwood has sent referral letters about her allegations to the IRS and the Federal Election Commission for further investigation and possible legal action.

The White House had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/14/new-york-attorney-general-sues-trump-and-family-over-charity.html