In January, the former First Lady announced that she would be the honored guest at a “high tea” in Naples, Florida, with revenues benefiting the “Be Best” campaign that she promoted during her husband’s presidency.
However, there are no charities with that name in the Florida state government’s public charities database, nor any associated with the “Fostering the Future” program that the event is supposed to assist.
The New York Times reported that a spokesperson for the Florida consumer services department told: “Consumer Services Division is currently investigating whether this event involves an entity operating in violation of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes.”
Anyone soliciting charitable donations from the general public is required by law to identify their identity and the aim of the fundraiser, as well as register with the state government.
After the New York Times’ story, Mrs. Trump hit back on Twitter, saying: “Dishonest reporting at it again. Everything has been done lawfully, and all documents are in the works. Read with caution – typical corrupt media.
“We are working with [the] Bradley Impact Fund, a donor-advised fund, to select charities that will receive the donations to foster children.”
Mrs. Trump’s office did not immediately respond to The Independent‘s request for comment.
Dishonest reporting at it again. Everything has been done lawfully, & all documents are in the works. Read with caution-typical corrupt media.
We are working w/Bradley Impact Fund, a Donor-Advised Fund, to select charities that will receive the donations to foster children. https://t.co/5ZKr5SwIZz
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) February 12, 2022
The Bradley Impact Fund is a charitable foundation that has apparently given money to groups that promote conspiracy theories advanced by former President Donald Trump.
In January, Mrs. Trump’s office announced that she would be a special guest at the “Tulips and Topiaries” high tea, which is described as “an afternoon of sophisticated elegance set in elaborate, lush floral gardens designed to inspire giving, hope, possibility, and dreams”.
It goes on to explain that the event would assist “Fostering the Future,” a program that provides computer science scholarships to children leaving the foster care system.
The Bradley Impact Fund, on the other hand, is not mentioned in her statement or on the event’s website. Mrs. Trump has also never addressed the fund on Twitter.
Mrs. Trump promoted Be Best as a public awareness campaign while she was First Lady, intended to “focus on some of the major issues facing children today”.