Why is Donald Trump asking foreign nationals for donations to his campaign?

Many SNP MPs have been receiving messages from Donald Trump’s campaign to donate money. Emails entitled “They took their country back”, “Lying Crooked Hillary” among others, contain key phrases asking MPs to donate to Trump's campaign. In fact, Trump promises that he will match any funds raised.

Small problem with his messages. They're illegal. Campaigns are not allowed to receive or solicit funds from foreign nationals. According to the Federal Elections Commis this means that American election campaigns are not allowed to receive funds from:

• Foreign governments;
• Foreign political parties;
• Foreign corporations;
• Foreign associations;

• Foreign partnerships;
• Individuals with foreign citizenship; and
• Immigrants who do not have a "green card.

For the keen-eyed out there you’ve noticed Members of Parliament are both part of a foreign political party and individuals with foreign citizenship.

His campaign may have their own reasons to send these emails to Members of the UK Parliament but simply, they have broken the law.

All campaigns should know some of the basics of campaign finance. Ignoring this rule shows either a foolish disregard for the rules or a dangerous belief that they don’t apply to you.

In either case, I have contacted the Federal Elections Commission asking them to look into this.

The text of my letter to the Federal Election Commission is below.

Dear Mr Petersen,
It has been brought to my attention that Members of the United Kingdom Parliament have received solicitations for donation from the Presidential campaign of Donald J Trump. I have included just a few emails that just one MP has received over the past few days.

As I understand the law, political campaigns are not allowed to receive or solicit donations from
• Foreign governments:
• Foreign political parties;
• Foreign corporations;
• Foreign associations;

• Foreign partnerships;
• Individuals with foreign citizenship; and
• Immigrants who do not have a "green card."

Specifically, the prohibition states that:

“The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly. It is also unlawful to help foreign nationals violate that ban or to solicit, receive or accept contributions or donations from them. Persons who knowingly and willfully engage in these activities may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment.”

Can you please let me know if this is indeed something you are able to pursue and if the campaign could be in violation of Federal election rules.

Best Regards,

Christopher Mullins-Silverstein