“The call came from the White House"

                                           

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Hi Reader,   Last week, a ProPublica investigation revealed that a top aide to the president had intervened to secure a $620 million Pentagon loan to a startup linked to the president’s eldest son.   Days later, a group of lawmakers are demanding answers from the White House.   Here's what happened: The Pentagon announced the loan to Vulcan Elements last year, about three months after Donald Trump Jr.’s venture capital firm took a stake of undisclosed size in the rare-earth magnet company. Our reporting revealed that the request to lend to the firm was made by Peter Navarro, who serves as the president’s senior counselor for trade and manufacturing and is a friend of Trump Jr.’s. The Pentagon was considering funding for dozens of companies at the time, but Vulcan’s was the only deal initiated by a top aide to the president. And after defense officials got the White House request, they asked Pentagon staff to move at an unusually rapid pace.   “The call came from the White House: We have to get this done,” a person who was involved in the deal at the Pentagon but not authorized to speak about it told ProPublica.   Once our story exposed those facts, lawmakers took action. Their letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said that ProPublica's reporting “reveals a staggering level of corruption and influence peddling that superseded this process, enriching the President’s son at the expense of U.S. national security and taxpayer dollars.”    This is investigative journalism in action: public servants demanding answers on the record about how public officials have managed the responsibilities of their office.   Our reporter sent Navarro detailed questions before our initial article was published. He did not respond. Asked later to respond to the lawmakers’ allegations and ProPublica’s reporting, Navarro in a text message wrote, “Staggering level of hyperbole. More fake news,” but did not elaborate. The White House also did not respond to questions but said that the administration is working “in the best interest of the American people.” Trump Jr.’s spokesperson said that he does not discuss companies he has invested in with federal government officials and did not speak to Navarro about Vulcan. He “has no knowledge about how this deal came together,” the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for the venture firm said it played no role in Vulcan getting the loan. A Pentagon spokesperson said, “No company receives preferential treatment.” Vulcan has not commented.    As a ProPublica reader, you know we shine a light on corruption so that people, armed with the facts, can confront wrongdoing and work to make things better. Our newsroom has the independence and the resources to investigate those in power — from government officials to corporate leaders — because we’re a nonprofit. We have no owners, no shareholders, no government funding and no regulators to appease. ProPublica exists because readers like you choose to fund it. Your donation ensures that the truth gets out, no matter how embarrassing it is. Join us, and help keep investigative journalism strong, independent and accountable only to the facts.   Thanks so much,   Jill Shepherd Proud ProPublican Donate to ProPublica

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