The Trump campaign is embroiled in a dispute with the city of El Paso over an unpaid bill for police security during a campaign rally, with the outstanding amount now exceeding half a million dollars. The city has begun adding late fees to the bill, further increasing the financial burden on the campaign.
The controversy centers around a rally held in El Paso in 2019, where local police provided security. The Trump campaign argues that they are not responsible for the costs, claiming that it is the Secret Service, which coordinates with local law enforcement, that should cover the expenses. However, the city of El Paso maintains that the campaign is liable for the bill, which now totals over $500,000 due to accumulated late fees.
David Levinthal of the Center for Public Integrity notes that this is not an isolated incident, as the Trump campaign has previously been criticized for failing to settle similar debts in other cities. Levinthal points out that while some political candidates, like Senator Ted Cruz, routinely pay these bills, the Trump campaign has often disputed or delayed payment.
The ongoing dispute highlights the broader issue of how campaign-related security costs are handled and who bears financial responsibility. As the situation escalates, it remains unclear how or when the debt will be resolved. The city of El Paso continues to press for payment, while the Trump campaign appears firm in its stance that the bill is not their responsibility.
This dispute adds another layer of complexity to the Trump campaign’s financial and legal challenges as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle. The resolution of this issue could set a precedent for how such expenses are managed in future political campaigns.
