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An invitation for a Jan. 21 fundraiser, viewed by The Wall Street Journal, listed Donald Jr. and Eric Trump as “honorary co-chairmen” and said the event would be hosted by the Opening Day Foundation, a nonprofit where the younger Trumps were registered as directors, according to the Texas secretary of state, less than a week ago.
In a statement Tuesday, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks disputed the younger Trumps’ association with the event. “The Opening Day event and details that have been reported are merely initial concepts that have not been approved or pursued by the Trump family,” she said. “Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are avid outdoorsman and supporters of conservation efforts, which align with the goals of this event, however they are not involved in any capacity.”
The filing with the Texas secretary of state shows the Trumps were registered as directors for the nonprofit on Dec. 14. The registered agent for the group is Gentry Beach, a longtime friend of Donald Jr. whom the president-elect last month appointed to his inaugural committee.
Mr. Beach didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
Donors who give $1 million (“Bald Eagle” status) are offered a “private reception and photo opportunity for 16 guests” with Eric and Donald Jr. and a “very special guest”—confirmed by a person familiar with the event as the president-elect. They are also promised a “multi-day hunting and/or fishing excursion for 4 guests with Donald Trump Jr. and/or Eric Trump, and team.”
An earlier version of the invitation, published by TMZ.com and first reported by the Center for Public Integrity, was blunter and named the president directly. A spokesman for the event didn’t return a request for comment about the change.
During the campaign, Mr. Trump pledged to “drain the swamp” and said that as president, he wouldn’t be beholden to special interests and major donors. He also railed against Democrat Hillary Clinton and her family foundation, accusing her of engaging in “pay-to-play” politics as secretary of state.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2016/...-access-to-president-on-inauguration-weekend/