WASHINGTON (AP) — Money pouring into the presidential election from super political action committees appears so far to be strictly American, donated by U.S. companies, unions and millionaires. But U.S. officials and tax law experts warn the growth of super PACs has made conditions ripe for illegal foreign donations.
Foreign political money has been outlawed in U.S. campaigns since 1966, and a U.S. Supreme Court order last month upheld that ban.
But the landmark 2010 Supreme Court ruling known as the Citizens United case also enabled corporations and other well-financed donors to give money to political committees that avoid direct coordination with campaigns. The decision led to super PACs, and more recent court and government rulings gave the groups more latitude by allowing donors to make unlimited donations with minimal disclosure requirements.
