TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump’s actions in Ukraine is now generating political fallout for Florida officials.
Two South Florida businessmen cited in the whistleblower complaint against the President were indicted this week on charges that they funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars from foreign donors into U.S political races – in violation of federal laws designed to protect elections from foreign influence.
The men, who work for President Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani, gave more than $400,000 to Republican candidates in Florida, through their company Global Energy Producers.
According to campaign finance reports, the men donated:
- $50,000 to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Political Action Committee
- $25,000 to the PAC of his Republican primary opponent Adam Putnam
- $20,400 to Sen. Rick Scott’s victory fund
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he will return the $50,000 contribution he received from two South Florida businessmen.
A DeSantis spokesperson called the campaign finance violation allegations “troubling” and said the governor would return the money to the government.
Rick Scott and Adam Putnam have not yet said if they plan to return the donations.