The U.S. Senate finance and budget committees have initiated an inquiry into allegations that former President Donald Trump offered to ease environmental regulations in exchange for $1 billion in campaign donations.

This follows a request from a House oversight panel seeking information from oil companies regarding similar claims made by Trump during a campaign event at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Senate committee chairs Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse assert that Trump’s financial ties to his businesses and reported dealings with Big Oil raise concerns about conflicts of interest.

Trump purportedly made these offers during a meeting with oil executives, where he also solicited campaign contributions.

The committees have requested documentation from energy companies regarding the event and any related policy discussions or proposals, Reuters reported.

The American Petroleum Institute dismissed the investigation as a political maneuver, stating that their meeting with Trump was routine and focused on energy policy.

Reports suggest Trump discussed plans to expand oil drilling and lift environmental restrictions during the event.

Written by B.C. Begley