White House Defends CBP Head Amid 50,000 Dollar Allegations

The White House has firmly denied allegations that the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accepted 50,000 dollars in cash from an undercover FBI agent. The denial came on September 22, with the White House stating that the official "did not take the money" and "did nothing wrong." This statement follows recent reports from various sources that suggested the CBP head had received the cash as part of an FBI sting operation.

The allegations have sparked significant controversy, as they involve high-ranking officials and federal law enforcement agencies. The FBI's undercover operation, known as a "sting," is designed to catch individuals engaged in illegal activities by posing as willing participants. In this case, the operation targeted the CBP head, who was allegedly offered a substantial sum of money in exchange for unspecified favors.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt told reporters that President Trump and the White House fully support the CBP head, stating that he "obviously did nothing wrong" and "never took the 50,000 dollars you mentioned." According to Leavitt, the undercover agent's meeting with the CBP head was orchestrated by the previous administration with the intent to "entrap the president's allies and supporters," knowing that the individual would assume a role in the Trump government.

Another White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, added that the CBP head was not involved in any contract decisions and that the previous administration initiated a "political investigation" rather than focusing on "real criminals and the millions of illegal foreigners entering our country."

Multiple sources reported that the investigation into public corruption began during the previous administration and continued into the Trump administration, initially targeting someone other than the CBP head. However, sources claim that the undercover agent photographed the CBP head receiving a bag containing 50,000 dollars during a meeting, with the CBP head allegedly promising government contracts in return if Trump won the 2024 election.

FBI Director Chris Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch confirmed the existence of the investigation in a joint statement on September 20, but stated that due to a lack of conclusive evidence of criminal behavior, the investigation has been concluded.

The CBP head served as the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term and was a key figure in the administration's strict immigration policies and large-scale deportation efforts.

The sudden conclusion of the investigation related to the CBP head has once again raised concerns about potential interference by the Trump administration in judicial matters. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized the Trump administration for applying "double standards," stating that while the CBP head "clearly accepted a bag of 50,000 dollars," the investigation was dropped after Trump's election. Murphy argued that being a friend and loyal supporter of the president almost guarantees immunity from punishment, whereas opponents of the president may find themselves incarcerated.

In response to the controversy, White House spokesperson Leavitt emphasized that neither the FBI agents nor prosecutors found any evidence of illegal or criminal behavior by the CBP head.

The CBP head also denied accepting the money, stating that he had "committed no crimes or wrongdoings." During an interview with Fox News, he highlighted his 34 years of law enforcement experience and the sacrifices made by his family to support his government service, emphasizing his daily commitment to his duties.