Ray Washburne
FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2016, file photo, investor Ray Washburne waits for an elevator in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York. As much as $273 million in federal coronavirus aid was awarded to more than 100 companies that are owned or operated by major donors to President Donald Trump's election efforts, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data that was released Monday, July 6, 2020. Irving, Texas-based M Crowd Restaurant Group, which owns 27 Texas restaurants including the Mi Cocina chain, was approved for between $5 million and $10 million. Washburne, one of the company’s founders, was vice chairman of the Trump Victory Committee in 2016 and donated $100,000 to the PAC last August. The company did not respond to a request for comment. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Trump donors among early recipients of coronavirus loans

By Brian Slodysko And Angeliki Kastanis Jul. 07, 2020 12:11 AM EDT

FILE - This Dec. 13, 2019, file photo shows Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaking about his plans for the coming year during an interview at the Governor's Residence in Columbus, Ohio. The Treasury Department on Monday, July 6, 2020, released the names of more than 650,000 companies that received funds from the government's small business lending program, a massive effort intended to support the economy as states shut down in April to contain the viral outbreak. A company owned by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is among those that have received loans. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
The Latest: Financial firms among big relief fund recipients

Jul. 06, 2020 11:37 AM EDT

FILE - In this March 19, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump attends a teleconference with governors at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Washington. From left, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx and Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health. There’s the standard process for getting urgently needed coronavirus equipment: send a request to FEMA. Then there’s the other way: have a buddy who can pick up the phone and call the Trump White House. Trump’s team has proudly recounted instances where a call to the White House has produced fast results for those who have an in with the president. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Poolm, File)
Calling Trump: When connections help steer virus supplies

By Jill Colvin Apr. 11, 2020 12:18 AM EDT