Donald Trump Paid Millions Of Dollars In Campaign Funds To His Businesses During The Election Race

In this Nov. 9, 2016 file photo, police officers help to install concrete barriers around Trump Tower, the home of President-elect Donald Trump, in New York, Trump's neighbors are now having to navigate swarms of police officers, cement barricades, street closures and checkpoints. CREDIT: SETH WENIG/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Donald Trump paid millions of dollars of his presidential campaign finances to his own businesses and family arising from their provision of campaign services, a review of government reports show.

The president-elect paid almost $12.5 million (£10 million) to his companies and to family members in during the 18-month election bid, reportedly running more funds through his private enterprise than any other candidate.

"I don't think we've ever seen one like this," Larry Noble, general counsel of the Campaign Legal Centre told CNN, who scoured the government reports.

Tag Air Inc. the Trump-owned company that operates his private airplanes received $8.7 million of campaign spending.

Mr Trump's hotels and golf clubs received $1.4 million. Some $238,000 went to Trump restaurants and food services. And Eric Trump Wine Manufacturing, his son's company got $32,196.

The practice is legal so long as it is in the course of "ordinary business", Mr Noble said, and not for profit. There is no evidence the Trump campaign was actively trying to inflate the profits of the companies.

The revelations came amid concerns that Mr Trump's refusal to divest himself from his businesses - a standard practice for past presidents - will lead to conflicts of interest during his presidency.

Mr Trump has promised to divorce himself "in total" from his business, but postponed the announcement of how he plans to do this until January.

He has so far insisted instead that his children will run the company and that he will have "nothing to do" with the management.

“Under no circumstances has Mr Trump requested nor would he participate in briefings regarding the business during his presidency,” Hope Hicks, his spokeswoman, told Politico.

“Additionally, he is not against restrictions on speaking with his family regarding the business.”

But a large bipartisan group of good government groups, and prominent lawyers sent a letter to Mr Trump earlier this month warning him that turning over management of his business, especially to his children, would not be enough.

They fear that his business interests, which include real-estate and branding deals in at least 18 countries and territories around the world - including in countries with questionable human rights records such as Azerbaijan - could impinge on diplomat relations during his presidency.

A source close to Mr Trump however told Politico that the former real-estate mogul was simply struggling with the idea of divorcing himself from a family-run business that has governed his whole life.

“All he cares about is his name and the business,” said a source familiar with the Trump business discussions.

“Having to give it up is a bit of a pride shock.”