Bill Clinton: Foundation's done nothing 'knowingly inappropriate' [View all]

[cali]

Former President Bill Clinton dismissed the controversy over foreign donations to his family's foundation, saying in a testy interview that the charitable organization has "never done anything knowingly inappropriate."

"There is no doubt in my mind that we have never done anything knowingly inappropriate in terms of taking money to influence any kind of American government policy," he said in an interview that aired Monday on NBC's "Today" show. "That just hasn't happened."

The Clinton Foundation's fundraising practices have drawn scrutiny as Hillary Clinton launches her second run for president. Critics have raised questions about donations from foreign governments that had projects or financial interests under Clinton's jurisdiction during her time as secretary of State.

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But his defense of the Clinton Foundation weren't his only comments from Monday morning that are likely to spark controversy. Republican attack group America Rising was already blasting Clinton's comments confirming he'd continue giving paid speeches — which can draw half a million dollars in speaking fees — even as his wife runs for president.

"I gotta pay our bills," he said. "And I also give a lot of it to the foundation every year."

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/politics/bill-clinton-defends-clinton-foundation/