Report: Trump and casino executive being investigated

Monday, July 17, 2000 | 9:42 a.m.

The state Lobbying Commission has begun a "formal investigation" into efforts by Trump and Park Place Entertainment president Arthur Goldberg to influence action on a bill before the state Legislature this year that would have required local and state legislative authorization before Indian tribes could open casinos on non-tribal lands.

The bill, which was not approved, could have affected an agreement between Park Place and the St. Regis Mohawks to build a casino in the Catskills. Trump, operator of casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., was trying to keep casinos out of New York while Goldberg is trying to become the major promoter of the Mohawk casino in New York.

While Trump and Goldberg reported paying lobbyists working on their behalf, neither man registered as a lobbyist himself in the required timeframe. The Post, citing unidentified sources, said commission investigators believe Trump and Goldberg did lobby on the measure.

Under state law, anyone whose tries to influence the Legislature, and whose efforts are worth $2,000 or more, must register with the Lobbying Commission within 10 days of their activities. Violations can lead to civil fines and criminal misdemeanor charges.

State Lobbying Commission executive director David Grandeau said Monday that the commission: "does not comment on pending investigations."

Trump told the Post he did "virtually no work on a personal basis" on the measure and said he followed the law.

Goldberg spokesman Matt Rose told the newspaper the gaming executive had "casual conversations with not more than two people" about the legislation. The Post reported that Goldberg belatedly tried to register as a lobbyist. Rose said Goldberg had decided to "play it safe" and register.