Melania Trump was paid $237,500 to speak at a fundraiser for the LGBTQ+ conservative group Log Cabin Republicans this year, but the source of the six-figure paycheck is a mystery.
According to Donald Trump’s latest financial disclosure form, the former first lady, who has been notably absent from her husband’s presidential campaign efforts, was paid to participate in a “speaking engagement” for the conservative LGBTQ group at Mar-a-Lago in April.
The disclosure listed the Log Cabin Republicans as the money’s source. But Charles Moran, the organization’s president, claimed otherwise, telling CNN that the group did not cut Melania’s check.
The former first lady hosted a second Log Cabin Republicans event in July at her New York City penthouse, but it is unknown if she was financially compensated for her participation. The Trump campaign has not yet released the financial disclosure for that period, although, a source familiar with the situation said a similar request for payment was made to a donor ahead of the fundraiser.
The same source said Ric Grenell, former ambassador to Germany and Trump ally, allegedly operated on Melania’s behalf in the business deal.