Listening to the Republican Debate caused me to ask some questions about what is the truth on some of the issues raised.
Let's start with Trump's bankruptcies. Trump has never declared personal bankruptcy. Companies bearing his name have filed for Chapter 11 protection 4 times. Chapter 11 allows for restructuring so that the business can continue to operate. In every case Trump gave up half or more of his ownership so that he lost value along with creditors. Chapter 11 is a law on the books to allow a struggling business to regroup via a deal negotiated and (this is important) agreed to by creditors so it can continue forward, minimizing the pain. In 2 of Trump's Chapter 11s, subsequent bankruptcies followed, several years after Trump had left the companies.
Let's talk about the Jeb Bush allegation that Trump tried to get casino gambling in Florida. What we know: in 1997 Trump threw a fundraiser for the Bush Gubernatorial Campaign. We know that Trump did explore expanding his casinos into Florida, an idea he dropped after Jeb's election. There is no proof that the fundraiser was held to curry favors and there is no proof of why Trump abandoned the idea.
Both Trump and Bush know that large donors give to candidates who are likely to make decisions that will benefit the donor, directly or indirectly. You'll have to decide who is the more truthful.
Victoria Vaughn
Englewood, FL
