Who replaced Allen Weisselberg? Trump Org executive removed from top roles amid tax probe
The Trump Organization has booted former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Allen Weisselberg, state reports. As of July 12, the longtime Trump employee is no longer in charge of dozens of subsidiaries following his high-profile indictment on July 1. Interestingly, despite his being removed from these roles, Weisselberg will reportedly remain at the company, where he has been since 1973.
Weisselberg's indictment was part of the Manhattan DA's investigation into former president Donald Trump's company on numerous tax-related charges. It is widely believed DA Cyrus Vance wanted to use the indictments to get Weisselberg to flip on Trump, but that so far hasn't happened. As a result, prosecutors have begun to probe other angles and opportunities, including Trump's former bodyguard and Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Calamari.
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Trump's outspoken niece Mary has also revealed that the Trump children - Don Jr., Eric, and Ivanka - could cooperate with investigators to save their own necks. It is unclear as of now if prosecutors have specifically targeted them, but it is widely believed that they are within the scope of the investigation. In the meantime, it appears the company is preparing for a change of guard, should Weisselberg be found guilty.
Who replaced Allen Weisselberg?
Donald Trump Jr is now listed as executive vice president, director, secretary, treasurer, and vice president of Trump Payroll. Eric Trump is now also listed, as the president, director, and chairman of the subsidiary. It is unclear if this is a permanent change or a temporary one. The updated records were filed "last week" according to the WSJ. Handing over the reigns to his sons is also an indication that Trump has an increasingly small circle of people he can trust, with many looking to distance themselves from him. It is reported even Ivanka and Jared Kushner want little to do with Trump as he is now being viewed as a liability.
The Wall Street Journal broke the news of Weisselberg's booting, based on insider information and public filings. According to Florida Department of State business records, Weisselberg is no longer listed as the treasurer, director, vice president, and secretary of Trump Payroll, the subsidiary that handles all of the salaries of the Trump empire. Last week, he was also removed as the director at Trump International Golf Club Scotland Limited.
As one of Trump's oldest employees and confidants, Weisselberg reportedly has a huge role in The Trump Organization. It's unclear where else he was involved, but removal from Trump Payroll is a significant move for the organization. However, he will reportedly remain an employee of the firm. Despite being indicted, he was spotted at the Trump Tower in Manhattan last week, indicating that he is still indeed at the company. It is unclear what role he has been given, but it appears to be a change of guard for the organization. Weisselberg has pleaded not guilty and is expected to face a lengthy trial. In the case he is found guilty, the business could be left struggling to adapt as he would be in jail for a long time. In order to ensure a smooth transfer of power, it is likely the firm made the change now.
Along with the behind-the-scenes changes, Trump has come out to publicly defend Weisselberg. At a rally in Sarasota on July 10, the former president said, "It's reminiscent of a communist dictatorship targeting their political opponents." However, it appears Trump may not be as fluent with the tax code as he often proclaimed. During the rally, he also asked, "You didn't pay tax. Or education for your grandchildren. I don't even know. Do you have to? Does anybody know the answer to that stuff?"
