The White House Counsel’s office advised President Biden to stop giving high-dollar donors tours of the Oval Office because it raised thorny legal issues, according to a report Thursday.
Mr. Biden hosted donors inside the White House for private meals and briefings to address concerns about his age and energy level and reassure them he has a plan for defeating former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Under federal law, a president is legally permitted to meet with and entertain donors at the White House, but they can’t solicit a campaign contribution or receive one there. The places allowed are the White House Map Room, the old family dining room and the tennis pavilion on the South Lawn.
Mr. Biden took donors into the Oval Office until his counsel’s office last year told him to stop, according to a report by Axios.
The White House defended the meetings while stressing that Mr. Biden didn’t violate any ethics laws.
“It is typical for all presidents, regardless of party, to host supporters at the White House complex, which is both his working office as well as his personal residence,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “We take rules concerning the White House and reelection seriously.”
The gatherings were organized by Jeffrey Katzenberg, campaign co-chairman and A-list Hollywood producer. It’s not known publicly whom he invited to the meetings.
The Oval Office is off-limits because meeting donors there may run afoul of the Hatch Act, which bans federal workers from using their position to advance political causes or solicit donations. It also bans the White House staff from organizing campaign activities.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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