Conflicts of Interest

Donald Trump sees his businesses and foundations as no big deal, however expert ethics advisers insist his properties be put into a blind trust to expel any conflicts of interest when it comes to his personal dealings. This imperative duty of using a blind trust is critical as we can see that every president has done this for 40 years. Previous scandals of Trump funneling money from the Trump Foundation to his own businesses has resulted in unrest by politicians and experts, leading to further controversies over his businesses. And while President Trump promised to further himself from these controversies by handing his business over to his sons, he ruins this mediocre image of him being a sensible man by inviting his son-in-law to take high-level government positions. This clear sign of nepotism has resulted in scandal as his actions are under investigation for Russian ties. This issue is important to remember because Trump’s businesses and nepotism may bring other political leaders to the conclusion that Trump may be bought.

A letter sent to the President-elect stated the bipartisan expertise of government officials urging him to “divest your business enterprises into a true blind trust managed by an independent trustee, or the equivalent, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ethics in Government Act.” It’s interesting to see this bipartisan unionship as well as how devout Trump supporters are not afraid to be vocal when it comes to his misconducts. These requests to use a blind trust is not some personal ploy of upset politicians to destroy his businesses, but a valid decision government officials are advising him to take. The letter also states Trump’s lack of political skill when saying, “We write to you again as organizations and individuals from all parts of the political spectrum with expertise in government issues, including ethical conduct and conflicts of interest.” This is an important aspect to his presidency, considering he is not a politician or from a military background. Hopefully, Trump appreciates this guidance and acts upon it. I believe it’s important for him to divest his businesses as the experts advise him considering if he does not do so, other countries may take the opportunity to take advantage of his holdings.

It can be expected that some Trump supporters do not care of his business dealings and prefer him to own his companies considering he was a businessman before becoming President. However, this does not matter considering he has transferred his power from a businessman to the president. His influence may be swayed when it comes to his businesses that will always be in his rear-view mirror if he does not put them into a blind trust. Despite giving his holdings to his children, domestic and foreign affair leaders may still blackmail and hope to achieve their own personal agenda.