The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, has blamed President Trump and the Republican National in using Ronald Reagan's name and likeness without permission, writes The Washington Post.
For a donation of $45 or more, the solicitation offered a "limited edition" commemorative set featuring two gold-colored coins, one each with an image of Reagan and Trump. The coins were mounted with a 1987 photograph of Reagan and Trump. According to the Foundation's statement, this year, in addition to being re-elected as your President, it also marks the 40th anniversary of our Nation's 40th President, Ronald Reagan.
Proceeds from the coin sales went to the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, a joint fundraising operation that benefits both the Trump campaign and the RNC.
In the 1990s, both Reagan and his wife Nancy signed legal documents that granted the foundation sole rights to their names, likenesses, and images. However, the Foundation claims the power to block them from being used for commercial purposes and political endorsements.
When Reagan Foundation officials were made aware of the Trump email solicitation, they decided "within seconds" to put a stop to it, said Giller.
Michael Ahrens said in an emailed statement. "Given that the Reagan Foundation recently hosted the Trump family to raise money for its organization and has not objected to us using President Reagan's likeness before, their objection came as a surprise. Even though we believe our use of the image was appropriate, we will stop emailing this fundraising solicitation as a courtesy."
"Even though we believe our use of the image was appropriate, we will stop emailing this fundraising solicitation as a courtesy." – said Michael Ahrens.
