Melania Trump's $240k speech fee raises ethical questions

According to Donald Trump's financial report, obtained by CNN, Melania Trump received a payment of nearly $240,000 for a single speech during a fundraiser for an organization affiliated with the Republican Party.

Melania Trump participated in two events this year that raised funds for the Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. For her speech in April, the former first lady received $240,000, reports CNN.

CNN emphasizes that the report indicates that it was a payment for the speech, but it is unclear who actually covered this amount. Charles Moran, president of Log Cabin Republicans, told CNN in September that the organization did not pay for Trump's speech, and the report did not provide additional information on the payment source.

Campaign finance and ethics experts consider the payment for the speech to be a "very unusual move" for the wife of a presidential candidate, raising ethical concerns and needing to be properly recorded in the financial report.

If the Log Cabin Republicans did not pay Melania Trump, this could suggest an "ethical violation," as the report should list the sponsors, not just the venue for the speech, said CNN's Virginia Canter, ethics advisor at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, an organization that monitors political activities.

CNN points out that other U.S. first ladies – Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush – never received payments for speeches during campaign-related fundraisers. However, people close to Melania Trump argue that she has the right to decide how she spends her time and can receive compensation for her engagement.

Although her husband is running for president again, Melania Trump does not participate in his rallies or other public appearances. American media noted that she appeared – but did not speak – only at the July Republican Party convention.