Watchdog: Foreign groups among spenders at Trump properties

WASHINGTON – An ethics watchdog group says foreign interests, political campaigns, business entities and other groups spent a total of more than $600,000 over the past year at Trump-branded properties across the U.S.

The watchdog group says the frequent use of Trump Organization properties by more than 60 interests pose potential conflicts despite President Donald Trump’s insistence he no longer directly controls his company.

The report out Tuesday by Public Citizen says Trump’s campaign organization spent nearly $750,000 at Trump properties over the past year.

Trump gave up direct management of his company, but a trust allows him to continue withdrawing funds.

Critics contend that the arrangement has allowed a growing number of foreign and corporate interests to press their interests with the new administration by hosting events at Trump properties.