A Saturday New York Times column chose first over factual, to bash former President Donald Trump and First Lady, Melania.
The online publication “RawStory” picked up their ball and ran with, spreading a story of how the former first lady was allegedly flouting Florida laws.
The Grey Lady was attributed for information about a charity “High Tea” event designed to benefit Melania Trump’s “Be Best” initiative and “Fostering the Future”.
A “Tulips and Topiaries” event in Naples, Florida scheduled to be conducted in the afternoon/evening of April 9 features Mrs. Melania Trump. Organizers explain exact details will be released after all guest names have been submitted to the Secret Service for vetting. Entry for the event costs $3,000, except for a lucky person who wins a raffle to receive free admission. Ten seats at tables described as exclusive, luxury seating with up-close and pre-eminent engagement are offered at $50,000 each.
“This very special afternoon will be set among a lush and elaborate floral garden – including tulips, topiaries, and more,” event organizers explain. “Guests will enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres alongside tea and bubbles.” The obvious draw is to see and perhaps talk or be photographed with the former First Lady. Although Secret Service agents will collect mobile phones upon entry, professional photographers will take pictures throughout the event. Organizers added phones will be returned, and may be used, once Mrs. Trump leaves.
The event’s website indicates proceeds will flow to Mrs. Trump’s “Be Best” initiative. “Fostering the Future” will grant computer science scholarships to those aging out of the foster care system, explains the website. A quick check of Fla. charity databases didn’t find those named charities so the Times fired up a flare to cry “foul”.
Mrs. Trump reacted to what she described as a mischaracterization of her event with a post to her Twitter account.
“Dishonest reporting at it again,” responded the former First Lady. “Everything has been done lawfully, & all documents are in the works.”
“Read with caution-typical corrupt media. ”
The former First Lady said she and her staff are working with the Bradley Impact Fund. She described the firm as a Donor-Advised Fund that will select charities that will receive the donations to foster children. “A contribution to a donor-advised fund is an irrevocable commitment to charity; the funds cannot be returned to the donor or any other individual or used for any purpose other than grantmaking to charities,” according to a Fidelity Charitable website.
That would seem to undercut the argument that Mrs. Trump violated a Florida statute requiring registration before soliciting charitable donations. RawStory provided a quote from a Florida oficial, Erin Moffet, to buttress their story.
“Consumer Services Division is currently investigating whether this event involves an entity operating in violation of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes,” Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Erin Moffet reportedly said. It is unclear why an official with the Department of Agriculture would have oversight of charities. The online chat tool available for contacting the agency only functions during regular working hours on regular business days so officials were not immediately available for comment.
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