In defending the millions she’s made giving speeches before companies with business before the federal government, Hillary Clinton said giving paid speeches is a “much better thing than getting connected with any one group or company as so many people who leave public life do.”
But after leaving the White House, her husband Bill Clinton became entangled with controversial investor and long-time donor Ron Burkle’s equity firm Yucaipa Companies. As “one of Hillary and Bill Clinton’s biggest patrons,” Burkle gave generously to the Clintons over the years – and used his star power to ink eyebrow raising business deals.
Clinton made between $12.6 million and $15.3 million from his work for Yucaipa through complex investment vehicles shrouded in controversy, such as as a joint partnership with the ruler of Dubai and partnerships based in tax havens, like the Cayman Islands.
Soon after scrutiny grew, Bill Clinton left Yucaipa amid growing controversy.