Clinton ally Brock promises sustained attacks on Donald Trump
WASHINGTON — Strategist David Brock, one of Democrat Hillary Clinton’s staunchest defenders, announced plans Tuesday to use one of his well-funded super PACs to challenge President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and police potential conflicts between Trump’s new job and his vast business empire.
“Our country did not vote for Trump-style change,” Brock told reporters, citing Clinton’s advantage in the popular vote. “Trump has the legal authority, but his opposition has the moral authority and the moral responsibility to resist his dangerous policy plans, corrupt deals and bad-actor nominees at every turn.”
Brock said American Bridge 21st Century, a super PAC launched in 2011, has created a new anti-Trump “war room” to dig into real-estate developer, his hires and far-flung business operations.
Clinton, who has maintained a low profile since the election, does not appear to be engaged in Brock’s anti-Trump push. However, Brock said he has spoken with the former secretary of State, and “she was happy to hear we were staying in the fight for our progressive values.”
Brock, who sits at the helm of several outside groups that raised nearly $75 million in the 2016 election, said no budget has been set for the Trump effort but said he is “confident” donors will step up.
He is planning a January summit for Democratic contributors in South Florida to rally them to fund liberal efforts for the next four years.
Trump’s allies also are beginning to lay the groundwork for an outside group to advance his political and policy goals.
Senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told The Washington Post this week that she is considering leading the new organization, which she said would provide a “surround-sound super structure” to support Trump’s agenda and defend his Cabinet nominees.
Trump has faced intense scrutiny over some of his Cabinet picks and his business dealings.
Last week, Trump tweeted that he plans to leave “his great business in total” to focus on the presidency, but he has not said whether he will divest his branding and real-estate empire — a step recommended by ethics watchdogs.
He plans a Dec. 15 news conference to disclose those plans.