Donald Trump fined $ 2m for misusing charity for political ends – The Guardian, Theguardian.com

A New York judge has ordered Donald Trumpto pay $ 2m to settle a lawsuit alleging he misused his charitable foundation to further his political and business interests.

Judge Saliann Scarpulla also signed off on an agreement on Thursday to close the Trump Foundation and distribute about $ 1.7m in remaining funds to other not-for-profit groups.

In the agreements, Trump admitted to personally misusing Trump Foundation funds and agreed to pay back $ 11, 525 in the organization’s funds he spent on sports memorabilia and champagne at a charity gala. He also agreed to restrictions on his involvement in other charitable organizations.

New York’s attorney general filed a lawsuit last year alleging Trump and his family illegally operated the foundation as an extension of his businesses and his presidential campaign.

The attorney general, Letitia James, had been seeking about $ 2.8m in restitution from the president. Scarpulla cut that amount to $ 2m.

James heralded the resolution of the case as a “major victory in our efforts to protect charitable assets and hold accountable those who would abuse charities for personal gain”.

“No one is above the law not a businessman, not a candidate for office, and not even the president of the United States,” said James, a Democrat.

Foundation lawyers have previously said the lawsuit was politically motivated.

A Trump Foundation spokesperson said in a statement: “Now that this matter is concluded, the Trump Foundation is proud to make this additional contribution.”