Donald J. Trump enters the general election campaign laboring under the worst financial and organizational disadvantage of any major party nominee in recent history, placing both his candidacy and his party in political peril.
Mr. Trump began June with just $1.3 million in cash on hand, a figure more typical for a campaign for the House of Representatives than the White House.
The important point to remember is that Trump promised to fund his campaign himself. He boasted of his wealth in excess of $10 billion. Why is his campaign bankrupt?
One explanation is that he has the money to pay for his campaign, but his word means nothing. Instead, he will let others pay for his campaign. So far very few people are willing to do so. After all, why should anyone give money to a billionaire who doesn't keep his word? If this is true, then it raises serious questions of his ability as a leader.
The other explanation is Trump doesn't have the money.
Trump has been bankrupt four times in the past. If he is bankrupt again, the voters have a right to know. This is a serious national security matter. A bankrupt person in public office is subject to all manner of corrupting influences. This is why we require disclosure.
If he runs his personal finances the way he runs his campaign, then Trump is insolvent and absolutely disqualified from being president. We need to see the tax returns. Pronto.