Watchdog files complaint against Trump Org for displaying presidential seal at golf course

A nonprofit government ethics watchdog filed a complaint Friday with the Justice Department against the Trump Organization for displaying the presidential seal on tee markers at the Trump International Golf Course in Palm Beach, Fla.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) announced in a press release that President Trump’s business, which is controlled by his two adult sons, “likely violated the law” by ordering golf tee markers bearing the official White House seal.

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“According to reports, the Trump International Golf Club, located ‘five minutes’ from Mar-a-Lago, used the presidential seal on tee markers placed on the ground to show golfers where to tee off,” the complaint reads.

“The Trump Organization’s use of the Presidential Seal in support of its commercial endeavors falsely conveys the impression of government sponsorship or approval of its commercial interests and should be investigated to determine if it violates the law,” it continues.

CREW Executive Director Noah Bookbinder added in a statement that a case of the president’s personal business being faulted for using the presidential seal to profit from a presidency was unprecedented.

“Past presidential administrations have vigorously policed unauthorized use of the seal,” Bookbinder says.

“But, as with so many other cases of unprecedented mixing of private business with the presidency in this administration, there has never been a case in which the president’s own business was using the seal to benefit from the presidency.”

Past presidents, including former President Obama, have used golf balls featuring the presidential seal while golfing in office.

The Trump Organization issued a statement earlier this month saying it had discontinued use of the presidential seal, just a day after a ProPublica report revealed the company had ordered the tee markers. It’s unclear if the markers bearing the official presidential seal were ever used on the courses.

“The plaques were presented to the club by a small group of members, who are incredible fans of the President, in honor of Presidents Day weekend,” a spokesperson for the Trump Organization said. “They were temporary and have since been removed.”