Donald Trump said he is open to an investigation into Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. This remark comes in the wake of recently surfaced allegations that the Postmaster-General urged his employees to make donations to Republican fundraising causes, and even reimbursed them through bonuses.
Responding to ABC News Correspondent Kyra Phillips during a conference at the White House on Monday, the president at first admitted that he didn't know much about it, but said he would support an investigation into the issue. Despite claiming that he would be open to an investigation, Trump indicated that he didn't believe DeJoy could engage in unlawful behavior.
A former GOP fundraiser, DeJoy's political connections helped confirm his position at USPS. He allegedly encouraged employees of his former company, New Breed Logistics, to give bonuses and write fundraising checks to handle the costs. His private sector background comprises considerable financial stakes in companies that either do business or compete with the Post Office.
It is against the law for an employer to encourage and reimburse employee campaign contributions. "Let the investigations go. But he's a very respected man," the president said from the White House's North Portico on Monday.
Trump said Postmaster General is appointed by a bipartisan commission, adding that they will see how the investigation goes before reiterating that DeJoy is a "very honest guy." Phillips asked Trump if DeJoy should lose his job if it is confirmed that he was involved in a campaign finance scheme, Trump referenced his own scandal, claiming that wrongdoing is highly unlikely to be proven.
Recalling that his opponents have been trying to find something against him for four years, Trump said if something can be proven, DeJoy could lose his job. A spokesperson for DeJoy told Washington Post that the Postmaster-General believes that he was never ignored campaign fundraising laws and regulations.
A spokesperson for the USPS (U.S. Postal Service) has not yet responded to the reports, and DeJoy has refrained from publicly reacting to the allegations. DeJoy was questioned about potentially using straw donors during his testimony before the House Oversight committee in Aug.
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn asked DeJoy if he reimbursed several top executives for making contributions to Trump's campaign by doling out bonuses. DeJoy described the allegation as an "outrageous claim," adding that he denies and his answer was no.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed for an investigation into DeJoy after the allegations came to light, suggesting he had paid back former employees for making GOP campaign contributions.