Trump’s secret transition donors raise ethics concerns, Times

President-elect Donald Trump is withholding the identities of donors funding his transition efforts, breaking with transparency norms, according to the New York Times. By refusing to sign agreements with the Biden administration under the Presidential Transition Act, Trump avoids federal funding limits, enabling unlimited, undisclosed contributions, including from foreign nationals. These actions have alarmed ethics experts.

Despite promises to sign the agreements, the Trump transition team, led by Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick—both recently nominated to cabinet positions—has missed deadlines, and without agreements, the FBI cannot conduct necessary background checks for appointees, leaving the transition to rely on private firms.

Historically, transitions have disclosed donor lists and complied with ethics requirements. For example, the Biden transition raised $22 million in 2020 and made public its donor reports. Trump's current approach mirrors his controversial 2016 transition and inaugural fundraising, which faced legal scrutiny for alleged misuse of funds.

This year, the Trump transition has registered as a “dark money” nonprofit, shielded from public disclosure of contributors, even as it seeks large donations for inauguration planning. Ethics experts and lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have raised concerns, urging transparency to safeguard public trust.