Republican candidate Donald Trump could soon be facing criminal charges after Dr. Ben Carson let it slip that the real estate mogul offered him a quid pro quo for his support in the presidential race, according to reports.
In an interview with the conservative TV program “The Steve Malzberg Show,” Carson admitted that Trump allegedly promised him a cabinet position in exchange for his endorsement last month.
A criminal complaint was also filed with the Department of Justice by the watchdog group American Democracy Legal Fund on March 15th :
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 599, “[w]hoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.”
Dr. Carson’s comments strongly suggest that Mr. Trump promised him an administration position in return for his endorsement. In his interview, Dr. Carson stated that he would “certainly” have an advisory capacity within a potential Trump administration. When asked directly whether this role was discussed during their endorsement meeting, Dr. Carson responded, “Yes.” Dr. Carson’s assured answers lead to the reasonable conclusion that Mr. Trump promised Dr. Carson an administration post in order to secure his endorsement in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 599.
According to Think Progress, Trump may be guilty of a felony due to the fact that Federal law expressly prohibits candidates from directly or indirectly promising the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his/her candidacy. The penalty for violations could include fines or a year in jail — two years if the violation was willful.
Watch Carson’s interview on The Steve Malzberg Show below:
Featured image via TV Guide
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