The State Department denied Wednesday that donors to the Clinton Foundation received "preferential treatment" while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, one day after the Associated Press reported that the majority of non-governmental people who met with Clinton during her tenure were foundation donors.
State Department Press Director Elizabeth Trudeau made the comment during the department’s daily press briefing.
"In light of recent reporting on the relationship or the ties between the Secretary Clinton State Department and the Clinton Foundation, is it still the Department’s contention or determination that there was no conflict of interest, that everything that was going on was appropriate and above aboard and followed the rules?" Associated Press reporter Matt Lee asked.
"The department’s actions under Secretary Clinton were taken to advance administration policy as set by the president and in the interest of American foreign policy," Trudeau said. "The State Department is not aware of any policy decisions influenced by donations to the Clinton Foundation."
"Okay, not policy decisions, the latest reporting is about access and meetings," Lee pointed out. "Is it also the case that you determined or that you’re not aware of any preferential treatment given to donors?"
"No, as we’ve spoken to and you know and I’m sorry to belabor this–" Trudeau said.
"No, I asked the question and I’m asking the question because more and more keeps coming out," Lee interjected.
Trudeau then launched into a common defense by the State Department that it maintains contact with a wide range of individuals.
When Fox News’ James Rosen asked a similar question about the number of donors who were able to secure time with Clinton, Trudeau first said that she disputes the term "preferential treatment" being used in the case.