Border Official Denies Wrongdoing Amid Controversy

On Monday, Border official Tom Homan stated that “the criminals did nothing,” but he opted not to pay $50,000 in cash.

MSNBC reported on Friday that Homan had accepted cash payments last September during the FBI’s undercover investigation. This probe was initiated after President Trump received indications that Homan was allegedly receiving kickbacks to assist businesses in obtaining favorable government contracts, should he be elected.

Initially, the White House responded to this report by claiming that Homan did not take the money. They asserted that the Border Czar was not involved in any contractual decisions and had done nothing wrong.

However, on Monday, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt came to Homan’s defense, stating, “Mr. Homan has never received the $50,000 you mention, so you should straighten your facts. No. 1,” during a press briefing.

In an appearance on Ingraham’s Angle, Homan refuted any allegations of misconduct but did not echo Leavitt’s denial. “Look, I did nothing criminals do. I did nothing illegal,” he asserted. He expressed relief that after the contentious report, both the FBI and DOJ clarified that no illegal actions had occurred.

Democratic lawmakers are now urging for the release of the tape to counter the White House’s insistence that no money was received.

Legal experts, speaking to MSNBC, highlighted that Homan’s actions could still be deemed illegal, regardless of whether he accepted the cash or held up his end of the deal regarding the contract.

Even the promise of a favor in exchange for money constitutes an illegal act when it comes to federal contracts. However, it’s noted that federal bribery laws can’t be enforced until someone is a civil servant.

According to MSNBC, prosecutors decided to hold off on any charges against Homan until he assumed his role in the Trump administration, but the matter was ultimately dropped once he took office.

While Homan didn’t directly address whether he accepted the money, he mentioned the sacrifices he made to return to public service. “You’re talking about a person who enforced the law for 34 years. I left a very successful business to go back to government,” he told Fox’s Laura Ingraham. “I’m earning government pay again.”

Homan added, “I’ve not only sacrificed, but so have my family members. I face daily threats. I mean, I haven’t lived with my wife lately because I worry about her safety with all these threats.”