Murphy: ‘Somebody becoming a millionaire’ in White House ‘grift operation’

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday accused the White House of running a “24/7 grift operation” that has allowed officials in President Trump’s orbit to personally profit off public donations.  

Trump has faced backlash after a political action committee tied to him sent out a fundraising email last week that included an image of Trump saluting during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Base of six U.S. servicemembers who were killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.

The email, sent by Never Surrender, Inc., offered access to “private national security briefings [and] unfiltered updates on the threats facing America” directly from Trump and linked to a donation page.

“Spots are extremely limited to keep it powerful and focused. They’re running out fast since this just went public. Once they’re filled, no more, no exceptions. Secure your place in this elite group RIGHT NOW,” the email read.

Trump, who was also criticized for wearing a “USA” hat to the solemn affair, told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night that he “didn’t see” the email.

“I mean, somebody puts it out. We have a lot of people working for us, but there’s nobody that’s better to the military than me,” Trump said.

Murphy said during an appearance on MS NOW’s “All In with Chris Hayes” on Tuesday that it was plausible that Trump had not seen it.

“Yeah, it’s probably true the president didn’t know that email went out, but he has hired people to work for him that are just like him, using their proximity to power to make money,” he told host Chris Hayes.

The Connecticut Democrat claimed the donations were no longer funding Trump’s campaign — because he is not eligible for reelection — and were instead being funneled into a “vast consultancy” operated by Trump’s close allies and family members.

“So, when you are donating to get your national security briefing, you’re just giving money to the grift. There is somebody becoming a millionaire,” Murphy said.  

Trump has been heavily scrutinized for what critics view as attempts to use his political position for personal financial gain, from peddling Trump-branded merchandise such as gold sneakers and “Gold Bless the USA” bibles to launching a meme coin ahead of his inauguration.

A January report by House Oversight Democrats alleged that President Trump and his family have generated about $2.25 billion — and counting — in profits from digital‑asset ventures involving foreign interests.

“The Trump Family’s corruption is deeply disturbing and should concern every American,” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking member on the committee, said. “President Trump was elected to serve the people of this nation, not enrich himself or his family. These actions blatantly disregard the public’s trust, and signal to foreign entities that our institutions are for sale and that the White House can be bought and paid for.”

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