The Chinese company has a history of corruption allegations.
The company partnering on President Trump’s new golf course in Dubai awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to a firm owned by the Chinese government — violating Trump’s promise to avoid foreign government transactions while he’s in office.
Trump’s partner, DAMAC, gave a $32 million contract to the Middle East subsidy of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation to help build part of the upcoming Trump World Golf Club in Dubai.
DAMAC and the Chinese company both announced the deal in press releases earlier this year, with barely any mention of Trump. McClatchyDC first reported the connection to the President’s company.
It is unclear when the deal was struck, but both companies announced the agreement after Trump took office. The course is scheduled to open in 2018.
The Chinese company has a history of corruption allegations, and the World Bank in 2009 banned it for years from taking any contracts financed by the bank.
Trump has promised his company would not enter any foreign details unless the “normal and customary arrangements” had been made before his victory.
Doing so could potentially violate the Emoluments Clause, an anti-bribery provision in the Constitution that says federal officials cannot accept gifts from foreign governments. Breaking the clause is a potentially impeachable offense.
Trump’s company has entered into numerous major business deals this year with foreign governments — including some Trump has claimed he will hammer with tough economic negotiations.
The deals include dozens of trademarks approved in China, Mexico and Russia. Leaked documents have also revealed Trump was working with the Russian government during the presidential campaign on a $4 million deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, which ultimately never happened.
A federal lawsuit accusing Trump of violating the Emoluments Clause begins oral arguments in October.
Trump has remained in charge of the Trump Organization while sitting in the Oval Office, even as he has turned over its daily operations to his sons Donald Jr. and Eric.
Through a clause in his trust, Trump can take profits from his business empire at any time without having to report it.
