Democrats Introduce Bill to Restrict Presidential Library Donations

Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, have introduced the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act of 2025 to impose transparency and restrictions on donations to presidential libraries, specifically targeting President Donald Trump's future library. This legislative push follows several high-profile settlements and donations to Trump's library, including $16 million settlements from Paramount Global and Disney to resolve lawsuits, a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, and millions from other corporations like Meta and Elon Musk's X. The bill aims to cap donations at $10,000 while a president is in office, ban contributions from lobbyists, foreign nationals, federal contractors, and individuals seeking pardons, and prohibit the use of library funds for personal expenses. Lawmakers warn that current practices present loopholes that could allow Trump's library to function as a vehicle for bribery and influence while he remains in office. Despite the bill’s strict provisions, it faces slim chances of passage due to Republican control of Congress, although Democrats see it as a critical step to prevent corruption and restore integrity to presidential libraries. The White House has declined to comment on the proposed legislation.