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Trump's $102 million in charitable giving: no cash, only gifts

Donald Trump has touted his philanthropic ways since he started his bid for the Republican nomination for president, claiming to have given $102 million to charity over the last five years.

The Trump campaign released a 93-page report of the candidate's gift giving.

An analysis by The Washington Post of the 4,844 contributions reveals that many of the "charities" that received gifts were not charities. The largest gifts were agreements for conservation easements on various properties that Trump owns and most of the gift giving ultimately was for the candidate's personal gain.

Here is how the $102 million breaks down: $63.8 million for conservation easements; $26.1 million for land donated to New York state; $7 million in gifts from the foundation and $6.4 million in gifts made by Trump's golf courses, hotels and at his Mar-a-Lago mansion.

Trump has not given a personal check to the Donald J. Trump Foundation from 2009 to 2014, the most recent year for which tax returns are available. But Trump claimed credit for donations including:

  • 2,900 free rounds of golf
  • 175 free hotel stays
  • 165 free meals
  • 11 gift certificates to spas

The documents were provided to The Associated Press last year. The AP did not publish the list but did provide it to The Washington Post.

Trump listed an $800 donation to a man identified only as "Brian."

Trump agreed to a plan that would prevent him from building 16 luxury homes near his Los Angeles golf course. However, Trump has continued profiting from the land, which is a golf range.  

Another donation was to the Martin B. Greenberg Foundation for $158,000. The donation was given on the day Trump settled a court battle with Greenberg.
Trump's Republican rivals, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, have not disclosed their charitable giving. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton said she gives 11 percent of her yearly income. Sen. Bernie Sanders said he donates 5 percent of his yearly income.