Trump’s conflicts of interest
Trump Organization holdings 16 hotels 17 golf courses 25+ residential real estate properties Modeling agency Production agency Overseas dealing in 20+ countries (India, Panama, South Korea…) http://time.com/4629308/donald-trump-business-deals-world-map/ Loans (Deutsche Bank (Germany), China…)
What does the law say? 1962 statute – forbids exec branch employees from participating in government matters where there (or immediate family) have a financial interest But, Department of Justice has said doesn’t apply to president or VP. WHY? Emoluments Clause of Constitution No person holding federal office or profit or trust shall accept any “present, emolument, (or) office … from any king, price or foreign state.” Does this apply to Trump?
Blind trusts What is required by law? What have past presidents done? What did Trump do? Liquidating of assets given the branding associated with the Trump name Who will oversee the president? Video on Trump’s conflicts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtlr_vi5G2c
Presidential Nepotism
Nepotism statute after Robert Kennedy becomes AG – 1967 Kennedy situation – media/public response/legacy A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official. (Also says if someone is appointed, employed, promoted in violation of this section… money may not be paid from the Treasury”) (Federal court rules 1993 re: HRC that White House and Executive Office are not “agencies.” Also, Ivanka Trump and HRC not paid for their advisory roles
Other presidents’ nepotism (16 children worked alongside their presidential fathers) - Adams - Grant - Van Buren - Nixon - Buchanan - FDR Hayes - Eisenhower- - Taylor - Polk
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner - situation
Why are Javanka’s roles so controversial? Are there any positives to nepotism?