President Donald Trump’s eldest son was likely paid at least $50,000 for an appearance late last year before a French think tank whose founder and wife are allies of the Russian government in efforts to end the war in Syria.
Donald Trump Jr. addressed a dinner on Oct. 11 at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, hosted by the Center of Political and Foreign Affairs. Its president, Fabien Baussart, and his Syrian-born wife, Randa Kassis, have cooperated with Russia in its drive to end the Syrian civil war, according to U.S., European and Arab officials. In December, Mr. Baussart formally nominated Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Nobel Peace Prize.
A talent booking agency, called All American Speakers, lists Donald Trump Jr. on its website as a client who commands a minimum of $50,000 per appearance. People who have participated in events at the French think tank say it often pays speakers 20% to 30% above their going rate.
Here is Think Tank Watch's previous post on the Center of Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA).
Never heard on that think tank? You're not alone. "I've been dealing with French think tanks and research institutes for 35 years and I've never heard of it," said Daniel Hamilton, the executive director of the Center for Transatlantic Relations at Johns Hopkins University.