Winston Churchill's 1939 quotation regarding Russia may apply to answering the question - what Trump will do as president with respect to his businesses concerns.
"I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia [Trump]. It [He] is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest [Trump's self-interest]."
In short, as between the US interest and Trump's, he will prevail, absent an expressed criminal prohibition.
"I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia [Trump]. It [He] is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest [Trump's self-interest]."
In short, as between the US interest and Trump's, he will prevail, absent an expressed criminal prohibition.
34
Trump does not seem to understand the concept of 'conflict of interest'. Where are Orrin Hatch, Lindsey Graham and other Republican Party bigwigs? Do they believe him?
48
More evidence that American voters don't make their decisions based on fact but on emotion. The more you point out that all their assumptions are based on lies, the more they insist on their own reality. Tragically, Trump's most ardent supporters will suffer the most.
59
I must have missed the "Hillary Clinton's Cauldon of Conflicts" article. Let's see how much the Clinton Foundation pockets next year, with the Clinton's unable to return any favors.
21
If I were Trump I would rip off the US for as much as I could get. America knew he was a snake and they still elected him because he promised to make America white again. Go Donald do your thing. America don't care. Rip us off.
26
Trump is acting exactly like one of the oligarch leaders of the failed Soviet Union. He's intent upon pedaling influence for his own (and his family's) advantage, accruing wealth for himself and his chosen collaborators, and making foreign deals that are not in the best interests of the country he is supposed to represent. This is not going to end well.
68
If a foreign diplomat stays at the Trump Hotel and pays a higher price than anyone else for that same room, that might violate the Emoluments Clause.
If the Trump Hotel charges the diplomat nothing for the same room, that doesn't violate the Emoluments Clause. If the diplomat's host country gives the President a free hotel stay when he visits the host country in return for the diplomat's free stay in the USA, that doesn't violate anything either.
Specialty pricing for a hotel stay seems like a poor example of concealed opportunities for conflict of interest, much less bribery. Such opportunities surely exist, but the solution is not to ban them, but to require transparency. After all, the Constitution nowhere requires the President to give up all business dealings as a condition of taking office.
If the Trump Hotel charges the diplomat nothing for the same room, that doesn't violate the Emoluments Clause. If the diplomat's host country gives the President a free hotel stay when he visits the host country in return for the diplomat's free stay in the USA, that doesn't violate anything either.
Specialty pricing for a hotel stay seems like a poor example of concealed opportunities for conflict of interest, much less bribery. Such opportunities surely exist, but the solution is not to ban them, but to require transparency. After all, the Constitution nowhere requires the President to give up all business dealings as a condition of taking office.
10
It’s good to be King! It appears that those who voted for Trump and the politicians who supported him believe: “the ends justifies the means”. If a concern for ethics really matter to the Republican led House and Senate, they will also apply pressure and demand the expected transparency by the Office of the Presidency. If they try to deflect the charges against perceived unethical behavior, ask them if their response would be the same if they replace the name of President-Elect Donald Trump with Hillary Clinton. Would they abide by the same low standards?
America needs to see his tax returns and he needs to divest his glaring business interests by placing them into a true Blind Trust – not managed by his family members. There is no reason that that we as citizens should expect anything less than ethical behavior from the highest office of this nation. Again, if this were Hillary Clinton, what would their response be?
America needs to see his tax returns and he needs to divest his glaring business interests by placing them into a true Blind Trust – not managed by his family members. There is no reason that that we as citizens should expect anything less than ethical behavior from the highest office of this nation. Again, if this were Hillary Clinton, what would their response be?
50
The people who will be most conflicted will be those voted for him but will be wondering why can't I afford healthcare now that the ACA is gone, where are the promised jobs, and most of all, what was I thinking when I voted for Trump. After all of that has sunk in, deep resentment for having to pick up the bill for the mess he and the GOP has left them.
33
"Trump's cauldron of conflicts threatens the integrity of government". This assumes there is integrity to be threatened.
17
Since the government on both sides of the aisle seem unable or unwilling to stop this travesty of presidency it is up to us - the citizens of the United States who know this is all wrong and do not want to sit by helplessly while our country is destroyed. We have to protest, boycott, and never stop until this corrupt psycho and his family are driven out of our government. We owe it to our ourselves, our children and grandchildren.
40
Trump is fundamentally corrupt. This will not end well.
60
GOP Electors: Where does your duty lie? Party? Or country?
If you elect trump, you own all he breaks.
Vote wisely. Abide by the popular vote.
If you elect trump, you own all he breaks.
Vote wisely. Abide by the popular vote.
39
The Trump family cannot separate itself from its foreign entanglements, but can it resist self-dealing? I am reminded of Aesop's fable of the frog and the scorpion: "It's not my nature," the scorpion replied.
26
The Republican Congress is going to try to shove the agenda of their rich backers down our throats as quickly as possible. They will then deal with any mess Trump makes prior to the 2018 election. Cynicism personified.
28
It is hard to believe after reading all the editorials that the NYT cannot find ANYTHING positive to say about this man.
11
Please enlighten us...
60
Congress should prepare the articles of impeachment now and can fill in the blanks for the impeachable offenses later as there will be many. The potential for bribery and extortion is HUGE and the security of the country is at stake. For someone who consistently lies, it shouldn't be too difficult to subpoena him and get him to lie under oath. That was the basis for the previous impeachment proceedings for a living ex-President and the threat of impeachment proceedings that forced the resignation of Nixon, both of these in our lifetime.
The mainstream media has to step up (finally) to its responsibilities and repair the damage it inflicted by legitimizing a candidate without vetting his background thoroughly. By the time they started this in the waning days of the campaign, it was too late. Unless they truly monitor and investigate what now happens, they will completely lose their legitimacy and will no longer hold any sway over any segment of society. Then we will be left to the many partisan and "false news" entities that drove this campaign. The world is watching...
The mainstream media has to step up (finally) to its responsibilities and repair the damage it inflicted by legitimizing a candidate without vetting his background thoroughly. By the time they started this in the waning days of the campaign, it was too late. Unless they truly monitor and investigate what now happens, they will completely lose their legitimacy and will no longer hold any sway over any segment of society. Then we will be left to the many partisan and "false news" entities that drove this campaign. The world is watching...
33
At this time, I see only one recourse: calling our legislators to complain. I have called all three of mine, and programmed them into my phone.
Later: we must identify and unite behind an inclusive leader that will help us pick and choose the best fights to wage against this presidential menace to our society, I am hoping for someone moderate that can be embraced by all people disgusted with the Trump Family Swamp.
Later: we must identify and unite behind an inclusive leader that will help us pick and choose the best fights to wage against this presidential menace to our society, I am hoping for someone moderate that can be embraced by all people disgusted with the Trump Family Swamp.
24
An inclusive leader, Karen? Who might that be? Certainly not the candidate who name called at least 25% of the voters. Did you have her in mind?
7
Mr. Trump's "draining the swamp" apparently didn't include his real estate dealings that can lead to self-serving profit-making decisions over what's in the best interest of our country. And no "trust me" isn't sufficient.
21
Every property overseas and even here in the US with the Trump name on it is a potential target of terrorists. He might actually lose business.
8
Insurance alone will put him in the red!
8
It seems that a main tenet of Donald Trump’s business and tax dealings has always been “gaming the system”. He was surely fully aware of the conflict of interest rules regarding the POTUS when he considered running for the office and most certainly intends to fully exploit those rules for his and his family’s benefit.
31
I was so glad when the 18 month long presidential campaign ended. However two weeks or so later, I find myself looking forward to the next one.
25
I can't help but think that every day the walls around the USA are getting thicker and higher. The death of Fidel Castro will see Latin America move away from the USA orbit. Canada is probably the least American (European ) nation on the planet.
I suspect the celebration in little Havana is a prelude to a discovery that Cuban Americans are neither welcome either as Cubans or Americans. They possess neither the culture education and health of Cubans nor the inherited wealth that supported them for almost 60 years.
We are in a period of transition and I am beginning to suspect that the November 8 decision was neither logical nor reasoned but is looking more correct by the day both for America and the rest of the world.
In reading the best of the free world's newspapers American leadership is neither wanted nor valued.
It is my fervent hope that America can prosper in the new reality and the 21st century.
I suspect the celebration in little Havana is a prelude to a discovery that Cuban Americans are neither welcome either as Cubans or Americans. They possess neither the culture education and health of Cubans nor the inherited wealth that supported them for almost 60 years.
We are in a period of transition and I am beginning to suspect that the November 8 decision was neither logical nor reasoned but is looking more correct by the day both for America and the rest of the world.
In reading the best of the free world's newspapers American leadership is neither wanted nor valued.
It is my fervent hope that America can prosper in the new reality and the 21st century.
4
He's just following his role model and guide--Vladimir Putin.
17
Or perhaps blackmailer.
12
I cannot comprehend why NOTHING can be done to nullify this election. If everything this articles describes is so totally against any US accepted rules, why, o why, is it impossible to contrast this horrendous not- really-elect- president? Are we so powerless against this infamy? An America who wanted to impeach Bill Clinton for a ridiculous fait divers is sitting powerless facing unthinkable misdeeds from a despot?
37
Where are you right now? In a cave or in a bubble? Get a life and move on. The election is over and no amount of whining is going to change the course of history.
9
Election is not over till Dec. 19.
32
When will the NY Times learn...the more you trash talk after 8 years of silence related to President Obama and his nonsense the more we will not believe you. This newspaper practices a GROSS double standard.
Just looking at the disastrous ACA...no republican voted for it...and this paper said the party was finished and they would all be punished at the polls. They were all a disgrace for not supporting the ACA. And now, as premiums sky rocket, we see it is the democrats that are being punished at the polls. It was called wealth redistribution and for good reason.
I could write a book about the double standards of this newspaper.
Just looking at the disastrous ACA...no republican voted for it...and this paper said the party was finished and they would all be punished at the polls. They were all a disgrace for not supporting the ACA. And now, as premiums sky rocket, we see it is the democrats that are being punished at the polls. It was called wealth redistribution and for good reason.
I could write a book about the double standards of this newspaper.
7
Actually, I'm about to sign up for Obamacare and my monthly premium (no subsidy) will be about $300 less than it was for my COBRA premium. Far from being disastrous, Obamacare has been a godsend for me and my family.
41
And in Pennsylvania premiums are skyrocketing. It varies state to state, which was the flaw in this legislation from day one. This is what republicans correctly said would happen. Some states premiums aren't bad, although coverage is lacking, while in other states premiums are through the roof.
6
I love the fact that the great Charles M. Blow's eloquent dismissal of Donald Trump -- "No, Trump, We Can't Just Get Along" -- remains, fully 2 1/2 days after it was published, front and center on nytimes.com's Homepage.
Of course, it would even be better if this perfect summary of Trumpianism were raised in Large Type to the top of the Homepage as its permanent headline in this dark time in America.
Of course, it would even be better if this perfect summary of Trumpianism were raised in Large Type to the top of the Homepage as its permanent headline in this dark time in America.
23
Trump trump told us all: he pays no taxes because laws allow him to do it. If there is a law he can follow where he can financially benefit himself, he will use it or judge himself a fool for not doing so. Please, someone change the laws; please resolve this problem. If not America is the fool.
17
The most stupefying thing to me about Trump voters is their belief that he will work for their betterment. Trump is in this all for himself. How can people not see this? I would amend the description of Trump voters to "basket of gullibles."
45
How is a president who's always on the campaign trail any different from one who spends that same time on business affairs? Both are time spent on self interests that have nothing to do with government of the people.
5
What a brilliant analogy. Not. A true politician on a campaign trail is campaigning for a particular political agenda, one which he or she believes will best serve the PUBLIC interest. You know, PUBLIC interest versus PRIVATE interest.
15
If a blind trust took over, it would know how much he is truly worth... Is he close to a 4th bankruptcy?
Even if the properties were controlled be a third party, he would still surely see the end results of deals. He would know that diplomats stayed at his hotel, for example, even if he is not controlling it.
All told, very diminishing to the USA as a beacon for democracy. It's time we used democracy to save it: ballot initiatives for rank-choice voting and a constitutional amendment getting money out of elections.
Even if the properties were controlled be a third party, he would still surely see the end results of deals. He would know that diplomats stayed at his hotel, for example, even if he is not controlling it.
All told, very diminishing to the USA as a beacon for democracy. It's time we used democracy to save it: ballot initiatives for rank-choice voting and a constitutional amendment getting money out of elections.
14
Foreign governments will rules against using public money for corrupt purposes ought to be encouraged to boycott Trump owned businesses. Expenditure by governments such as the UK, Japan or Germany on Trump owned businesses could well break their own domestic rules against conflicts of interest.
7
There will be those ethically conservative Republicans who are, or will be, surprised or even shocked at his actions, but truly this is who he is. These conflicts of interest have been anticipated and should have been expected by Republicans before they voted for him.
His actions (including bringing family members to international meetings) are those of a man who bristles at the confining shackles of president. He wants to be king or a dictator. If we as the American people, as Congress men and women, and the supreme court don't keep him in check, we might just end up with one.
His actions (including bringing family members to international meetings) are those of a man who bristles at the confining shackles of president. He wants to be king or a dictator. If we as the American people, as Congress men and women, and the supreme court don't keep him in check, we might just end up with one.
19
The man has no discernible, stable set of political beliefs or values other than the profit and self-aggrandizement motives. So it seems very likely that the goal of further enriching himself and expanding the reach of his business influence will be a driving force for President Trump (can barely write his title).
It will fall upon the free press, Democrats, conscientious Republicans and the people to protect the interests of the United States during the Trump administration.
It will fall upon the free press, Democrats, conscientious Republicans and the people to protect the interests of the United States during the Trump administration.
25
Taking a page from the gun lobby, why not keep score cards for politicians? Let's grade them on whether their actions support their words.
On the ubiquitous use of elected office for lining personal wallets (of which Trump is only the most gross, vulgar and soon to be the most powerful), I would like to know what our liberal politicians actually do to combat/thwart this blatant corruption. We have many famous liberals in office who sound wonderful in chastising the abuse of power after the fact. But that's not enough. What are they doing other than sounding off?
I'm sorry to bring up the tired case of Hillary, but this one I've read up on. So in her senate confirmation hearings in 2009, when she was nominated for Secretary of State, she asserted there will not be even the appearance of a conflict of interest. However, the NYT editorial board in early September 2016 wrote there is reason to wonder "where the foundation ended and the State Department began." The silence of our famous Washington liberal politicians is deafening. Are they going to sit this one out also?
As the gun lobby kept their politicians in check with report cards, so we also should publicly grade the politicians we voted in as progressives on how well they serve our interests.
On the ubiquitous use of elected office for lining personal wallets (of which Trump is only the most gross, vulgar and soon to be the most powerful), I would like to know what our liberal politicians actually do to combat/thwart this blatant corruption. We have many famous liberals in office who sound wonderful in chastising the abuse of power after the fact. But that's not enough. What are they doing other than sounding off?
I'm sorry to bring up the tired case of Hillary, but this one I've read up on. So in her senate confirmation hearings in 2009, when she was nominated for Secretary of State, she asserted there will not be even the appearance of a conflict of interest. However, the NYT editorial board in early September 2016 wrote there is reason to wonder "where the foundation ended and the State Department began." The silence of our famous Washington liberal politicians is deafening. Are they going to sit this one out also?
As the gun lobby kept their politicians in check with report cards, so we also should publicly grade the politicians we voted in as progressives on how well they serve our interests.
3
Conflict of interest is only the tip of the iceberg. After January 20th, we can expect intimidation of the press and other critics, massive illegal spying on citizens, suppression of the vote, politicization of the Justice Department, and militarization of the FBI and local police forces. In other words, fasten your seatbelts; we are in for a form Putinism, or what might be called fascism light.
42
Depending on your perspective the same could have been said, but not by the New York Times Editorial Board, about Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation. Thank you.
6
I wish I got paid $10 each to compensate me for reading every juvenile false equivalence "You did it first!" posting to these blogs I have read.
25
Is it too soon to begin impeachment proceedings?
13
No morals. Didn't he prove that during his campaign?
24
In a short two years we will be able to provide Trump with a Congress that WILL hold him to account.
It is never too early to plan.
It is never too early to plan.
16
We deserve this. It has been in the works for 30 years. Finally come to fruition. Sitting back and not voting, not paying attention, totally ignorant of politics or ANYTHING going on in the world, much less this country. The population of this country is simply ignorant.
35
You can thank Jill Stein for this mess
4
I haven't done the calculation. If each Stein voter had voted for Hillary, would that have shifted the electoral college? I suspect a lot of Stein voters were in states that were safely in Hillary Clinton's camp. Am I wrong?
4
NOW the questions come. Too little, too late.
10
heh! his slogan was "make america great again" but nobody heard the "for me" he whispered after each time he said it.... his administration will be a test for republicans..... are there really any responsible, moral republicans out there?
16
Where was the deep investigative journalism into the REAL conflicts presented by the Clinton Foundation and CGI during the Hilary Secretary of State era? Pretty much ignored. Question - if Hilary had won, would today's editorial have been about Hilary's Cauldron of Conflicts with the Foundation and CGI. I think not.
5
Nothing to hide or go after, look at HRC's and CF's TAX filings, meanwhile Donald never wants to show his tax returns!! Why?
29
We have elected a narcissist who does what is best for himself. He changes his mind whenever "the truth" fits his needs. His unpredictability has been known from the beginning and now maybe some of his supporters will see the truth. This man will not make America Great Again he will just work to make a better America for Donald Trump and his heirs.
10
Thank you for the editorial. I was drawn to read it again. The headline conjures up an image of what is to come. Donald Trump's caldron of conflicts will boil over. Your bullet point examples from only a few days show the beginning brew is getting heat. Even without his tax returns, the Trump family's business interests are subject to scrutiny as never before. Their battalion of lawyers can't win the kinds of battles waged by a free press. Do keep calling for his tax returns though.
11
Donald J. Trump promises to convert the presidency into unregulated part-time work. What can go wrong? Will an unsupervised, at liberty Alabaman Attorney General and Cabinet be part-timers? Will our military test drones on Scottish wind mills? Issues, issues. Trump Industries will do well throughout the world with assistance of the CIA elsewhere and FBI here. If the President orders it, it will be legal. No capitalist business wants coal mines, so the United States government will operate them. Heads spin contemplating the GOP managing socialism to help the poor.
3
He promoted his businesses whenever he was on the campaign trail so I can't see how you are surprised that he would suddenly not cease and desist. He's a user. Addicted to wealth, fame and breaking rules.
17
New meaning to the words "The selling of the American Presidency." In my 70 years of life, I certainly never thought it would come to this in America. How naive I was.
16
Yes, but the question is, will the GOP controlled Congress try and reign this guy in? or will they let him get away with it since they control all three branches of government, and don't want to alienate Trump's supporters? The hypocrisy of the GOP who condemned Hillary Clinton for every real or imagined possible conflict or appearance of undue influence should be ashamed of themselves. Why aren't the leaders of Congress immediately stepping forward to warm their President elect that they will not tolerate a mix of Trump Inc. and the Presidency, that nepotism laws will be strictly enforced, and that a failure to clearly separate his business interests from his official duties could result in impeachment. They need to put Trump on notice. However, given the craven self interest shown by GOP politicians, I expect none of those things to happen. Trump's presidency will make former scandal ridden governments look like child's play.
9
The conflicts were obvious and well reported on prior to the election. Those who voted for Trump just did not care. No matter what he did, they did not care. Reporting on ethical breaches is important, but Republican leaders have no interest in challenging Trump because those who did, based upon his horrendous campaign behavior, had few followers. Trump kept his voters no matter what. Maybe if the Democrats had had a "clean" candidate, (i.e. one whose husband did not make 10 million dollars supporting a for profit university, etc), but instead a candidate like Obama ethically, then Democrats could have won more arguments when speaking with those who constantly said "They're all corrupt, so what?) Conflicts of interest do not justify voting for a dog whistling candidate like Trump in my mind. But for those Trump voters who really don't mind the dog whistling, faced with two candidates who have been enriched from circumstances with conflicts of interest, they took Trump. I just hope they don't put Chelsea Clinton (and the foundation) up for Congress when Nita Lowey retires. Democrats need candidates without conflicts, or otherwise they have no ground to stand on when pointing to conflicts.
5
It is truly sad that the US, a nation that can accomplish the high ideals of getting to the Moon and supporting finding cures for AIDS and hepatitis C, has been bamboozled by a con man. Trump had help - much of it foreign help - but he also had media attention that did not focus on his hatred of women, embrace of the KKK and anti-Semites, fraud case and multiple bankruptcies. Trump built himself an idol of himself, based on lies, corruption and the destruction of other human beings - and sold it to those desperate for "change." Moving backwards to the 1950s is not the change they want - but it is what they will get. We have to pray that the recounts overthrow this pretender, this traitor, this acknowledged fraud. The actual ballots, the true working agents of democracy, are our only wall against total destruction of the US.
11
We need a Caldron of Corruption flag. A warning to anyone stepping foot where his corruption lies. A red flag. With a burning flame. And the words: "Trump Terrorism Territory." The flag should be flown at all his properties. To warn the public.
Trump constitutes the greatest danger to our Republic. He is a home-grown terrorist. And should be treated as such.
Trump constitutes the greatest danger to our Republic. He is a home-grown terrorist. And should be treated as such.
19
I still can't believe we just elected someone who apparently views the Presidency as a part-time job.
29
Politics is increasingly about benefiting the financial backers of candidates and parties. It is no wonder why people are becoming cynical about the electoral process where the 1% of people in our society receive the benefits and the rest of us take what we are given.
4
I'm sure Jared is on the ground now with a blueprint for Trump Havana.
7
Perhaps you buried the lead at the very end. The Republicans -- in Congress and the White House -- would share the responsibility of a scandal arising from violating the Constitution which should push them toward impeachment proceedings in such a scenario. Norman Eisen and Richard Painter speak openly in agreement on this point.
4
I, for one, would not be surprised at all if the Republicans actually impeach him. They really want Pence in as President anyway.
8
Useful idiots just ushered in a Banana Republic
11
You can't be dumber than to believe "Anything else is better than this."
1
Oh Boy! For those of us who didn't vote for Trump, this feels like we're all caught up in a horror flick, with a very predictable ending, called "Revenge of The Swamp Monster." For those voters who voted for Trump we tried to warn you. I am shocked that, despite all evidence to the contrary, Trump supporters forgot one of the essential lessons from kindergarten" "The Swamp Monster Never Drains Swamps!"
6
"the law is totally on my side..the president can't have a conflict of interst". I doubt Trump made this up all by himself. Don't know who "told" him this but I would love to have been in the room. I'll bet his face lit up like the Times Square Christmas tree.
5
It was probably the lawyer Trump just put up for White House Counsel.
5
The practices you describe are common in the third world. How sad to see the United States become a third world country with your new president.
24
Distortion of US role as leader of free world is what is at stake: that is the conflict of interest.
4
Holding the Republicans responsible for any scandal is the key to hurling this charlatan from office. But it must be an impropriety of such magnitude that it will clearly threaten their hold on power. Were it not for the Russian meddling, the outstanding investigative work done by the NYT and The Washington Post might have prevented Trump from being elected. It's going to be a tall order for the "lowest form of humanity" but somebody has to do it.
6
It's sad to think that so many were worried about Clinton, the foundation, the emails, etc. while not being as worried about Trump and the things he did or might do. She had to disclose things to receive a thumbs up from Congress to be Secretary of State. She had been through the wringer as First Lady and as the junior senator from New York. All Trump has done is to spout hot air and false allegations about Clinton but those received more attention from the media than what he's done with his businesses.
When he or his cabinet or his inner circle become embroiled in a juicy, disreputable scandal who will the GOP impeach if it reaches up to Trump: Clinton? Or will they impeach Trump and realize that they did a huge disservice to all Americans when they refused to govern for 8 years? Somehow I doubt it because the GOP is not given to thoughtful reflections or actions when it comes to being in power.
When he or his cabinet or his inner circle become embroiled in a juicy, disreputable scandal who will the GOP impeach if it reaches up to Trump: Clinton? Or will they impeach Trump and realize that they did a huge disservice to all Americans when they refused to govern for 8 years? Somehow I doubt it because the GOP is not given to thoughtful reflections or actions when it comes to being in power.
28
And Trump and family are, no doubt, dreaming of lining Havana with golden Trump towers.
4
The NYT's aversion to conflict of interest was strangely quiescent during its support of Ms. Clinton. Trump must sort out this issue, but one wonders how the Clinton Foundation and the State Department would have been examined had Ms. Clinton prevailed in the election. Wait to judge Trump until after he proposes a resolution of his potential conflicts of interest. Everyone will be watching. As far as tax returns are concerned, let the apolitical IRS sort that out. If his actions were illegal they should act. If we don't like the way he utilized IRS tax codes, tell Congress to change the laws.
4
The shame of this country is that love of Party is greater than love of country.
17
Surely Donald Trump will face conflicts, just as surely as many others inside the Beltway face conflicts. Perhaps Mr. Trump could place his children in charge of his company and that would lessen the conflicts.
But is the Times Editorial Board ready to examine the incoming wealth (or lack of it) and outgoing wealth of all nationally known politicians?
One example: Hillary Clinton told ABC's Diane Sawyer in a June 2014 interview, "We came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt." Fast forward to a $250 million fortune.
Will the Times push for the same insider-trading laws for lawmakers as for business insiders? Think Martha Stewart, jailed at Alderson Federal Prison Camp in stock trading case? Think Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner exposed by 60 Minutes for insider knowledge - but the same laws don't apply to Members of Congress?
From 60 Minutes: " The fact is, if you sit on a healthcare committee and you know that Medicare, for example, is-- is considering not reimbursing for a certain drug that's market moving information. And if you can trade stock on-- off of that information and do so legally, that's a great profit making opportunity. And that sort of behavior goes on.
Kroft: Why does Congress get a pass on this?
Schweizer: It's really the way the rules have been defined. And the people who make the rules are the political class in Washington. And they've conveniently written them in such a way that they don't apply to themselves.
But is the Times Editorial Board ready to examine the incoming wealth (or lack of it) and outgoing wealth of all nationally known politicians?
One example: Hillary Clinton told ABC's Diane Sawyer in a June 2014 interview, "We came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt." Fast forward to a $250 million fortune.
Will the Times push for the same insider-trading laws for lawmakers as for business insiders? Think Martha Stewart, jailed at Alderson Federal Prison Camp in stock trading case? Think Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner exposed by 60 Minutes for insider knowledge - but the same laws don't apply to Members of Congress?
From 60 Minutes: " The fact is, if you sit on a healthcare committee and you know that Medicare, for example, is-- is considering not reimbursing for a certain drug that's market moving information. And if you can trade stock on-- off of that information and do so legally, that's a great profit making opportunity. And that sort of behavior goes on.
Kroft: Why does Congress get a pass on this?
Schweizer: It's really the way the rules have been defined. And the people who make the rules are the political class in Washington. And they've conveniently written them in such a way that they don't apply to themselves.
5
"New York Times Squawking Over First Non-Politician to be Elected"
Americans know he is a businessman with extensive interests. That's partly why they elected him. He will need a good lawyer, just as Obama advised him.
These are not insurmountable problems but ones with which the first businessperson president will have to deal. As in all things, Trump seems to be forging a new (and his own path). The Times needs to take a timeout and give him time to adapt; otherwise, it will burn itself out before he is inaugurated.
Americans know he is a businessman with extensive interests. That's partly why they elected him. He will need a good lawyer, just as Obama advised him.
These are not insurmountable problems but ones with which the first businessperson president will have to deal. As in all things, Trump seems to be forging a new (and his own path). The Times needs to take a timeout and give him time to adapt; otherwise, it will burn itself out before he is inaugurated.
5
At best, he is a crony capitalist, a re-invented P.T. Barnum; at worst, a grifter, conman, and fraudster.
7
NYT: Please cover all of these "conflicts" with the same rigor and dedication you pursued the Clinton email "scandal." And hire 5 reporters to cover climate change. Support the left and street action, and stop trying to aim for some appeasing middle ground. This country is at war -- with each other, with the constition, with the ideals of democracy, with science, with education, with refugees, with the world as a whole -- just not Putin.
23
I seriously doubt that Donald Trump can seriously affect the integrity of the government - it is what it is.
2
The Donald threatens to undermine the most essential ingredient of peaceful government: consent of the governed.
8
That was probably said in Weimar, Germany.
7
In reply to the repeated quetions about who are the members of the Electoral College, here's a link providing their names by State:
http://heavy.com/news/2016/11/electoral-college-names-list-of-electors-v...
http://heavy.com/news/2016/11/electoral-college-names-list-of-electors-v...
2
And what will happen when the tax-bill for President-elect Trump's incompatible policy agenda and proposals lands at the feet of the middle class? Will his followers realize that they have been swindled and have been subsidizing the Trump family business agenda? Will it matter?
16
Supposedly, Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”
But he also said, "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."
Of course we didn't get democracy. Hillary won the popular vote by more than 2 million.
We got the Electoral College, the winner take all version.
But he also said, "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."
Of course we didn't get democracy. Hillary won the popular vote by more than 2 million.
We got the Electoral College, the winner take all version.
8
We just had the bulk of our votes rendered meaningless by this artifact of slavery will still labor under, here in NYC.
People don't vote because this system just makes it an idiotic waste of time and a ludicrous exercise of narcissism.
People don't vote because this system just makes it an idiotic waste of time and a ludicrous exercise of narcissism.
As it turns out, the 24th amendment, according to John Oliver, may make it possible for controlling Republicans to basically dismiss Trump without solid evidence, hearings, impeachment proceedings, or indictments, of any kind. Any comments on that? So, we could soon have a president Pence, who was never elected, and never participated in any of the preliminary activities preceding a legitimate election. So, what next? Recount the votes in at least 3 states, and file suit.
4
I've lost all confidence in the Republican Congress and do not expect them to consider ethics instead of power. One can only hope there might be 2 or 3 in the GOP controlled Senate that would join with the Democrats to hold Trump and his cabinet's feet to the fire. But I'm not holding my breath!
8
To think that even a single Republican member of Congress would stand-up for the good of the country as a whole is a pipe-dream I'm afraid.
6
Why are we even discussing this? Donald Trump want to cloak his personal life in gold...he did not aspire to the presidency out of any sense of duty, a desire to share his experience in the betterment of our nation, or a moral code. He did so for power and to prove that his "Art of the Deal" mentality holds water (or gold). So let us not delude ourselves by trying to measure him with any patriotic, morally or ethically responsible ruler. He is in this for his own personal aggrandizement and nothing else. He wants to do it because he thinks he can, and too bad if the country goes to hell in a handbascket!
25
The fact that Trump is unwilling to give up his business interests while president disqualifies him. The electors should refuse to vote for him on December 19 if he will not disentangle his business interests from the presidency. He has already made it clear that he is not concerned about violating the Constitution.
20
"But Mrs. Clinton’s possible conflicts pale beside the ones he’s now intent on embracing."
Don't be ridiculous. Trump's family are the only people that can run the organization. It is a family business.
Hillary was selling access via a "foundation". Pay to play. Money from foreign governments as secy of state.
The Board needs to grow up.
Don't be ridiculous. Trump's family are the only people that can run the organization. It is a family business.
Hillary was selling access via a "foundation". Pay to play. Money from foreign governments as secy of state.
The Board needs to grow up.
8
Here in Connecticut a former governor got into major trouble for hiring a state contractor to renovate his summer house for less than the rest of us would pay. The FBI was all over him like a cheap suit. I wonder what the agency will do about Trump and his personal enrichment plans?
23
Sadly, the FBI has already proven itself to be protectors and advocates of Trump. They'll find nothing because they won't look.
16
Hold on. Everyone knows you have to hold two jobs in this economy. He's just another working poor...
On a more serious note, don't his foreign businesses and entanglements make multiple, easy and conveniently located targets for terrorists? And how easily rattled would he be in such a case? It is not only the corruption side of the issue we have to worry about.
On a more serious note, don't his foreign businesses and entanglements make multiple, easy and conveniently located targets for terrorists? And how easily rattled would he be in such a case? It is not only the corruption side of the issue we have to worry about.
6
I spent most of my career as a government employee. It would have been illegal for me to run my own private business from a government office building. If I had done that, i would get walked out the front gate. Why should it be okay for Mr. trump to run his business from the White House?
29
Why on earth is the president exempt from ethics rules anyway? It's a bit naive to think that all presidents are saints and several have proved not to be.
11
Imagine the insurance costs for each and every trumpery/property.
Each property is a target for terrorists. Who will go there?
Each property has to be insured. Insurance bills will be staggering.
Each property is a target for terrorists. Who will go there?
Each property has to be insured. Insurance bills will be staggering.
7
Conflict of interest is a very normal state that accompanies all political office, and effectively all business, even all social, relations. They merely have to be managed. Management means, in this case, disclosed, isolated or removed. All branches of government, as they draw on the private sector, are larded with conflicts. The President-elect has no more or less than nearly all senior-level positions, or Congressmen, ex-presidents, candidates, or the media itself. Business conflicts (old news, really), ran from Washington to Clinton and beyond: farms, agriculture, business, manufacturing, oil and gas, banking, investments, foreign relationships and more. Except, that the president-elect's are perhaps more visible and dramatic: skyscrapers, public domain litigation, media programs, employees (thousands over the years), airplanes and development projects, with his name flashing on nearly all of them. If only more politicians had their conflicts so open, visible and advertised. He is real, engaged, experienced and full of all the rough and tumble that makes up an American businessman. The alternative? Perhaps a candidate like the current potus, who was effectively created in a test-tube; his past completely sterilized. Mr. Trump may be the most open book in politics for some time. Otherwise, the NY Time's unfortunate use of such inflammatory and immature language as "caldron," "threaten" and others, utterly diminishes what editorial credibility it sought.
3
Everyone in business makes referrals. Many of these referrals are made by people who are asked to do something they believe poses a conflict to them.
How much will it cost the taxpayers to paint TRUMP, Inc. on the sides of Air Force One and change-out the lav's commodes to gold?
3
Why do soldiers even think of following a leader like Trump? He's a classic military academy barracks brat martinet.
4
We shall see if Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would rather have Donald Trump as president or Mike Pence.
10
Trump agreed to Pence for their support.
Perhaps we shall see who conned whom.
Perhaps we shall see who conned whom.
3
We already know the answer to that one -- that's why they chose Pence to begin with.
5
Exactly
2
After the headline for your editorial, perhaps you could have just written "and the Republican Congress will, as usual, do absolutely nothing at all."
15
If that were only true.
Paul Ryan is already at work to make Medicare a voucher system, which is to say, privatize.
And pay attention to the deficit the next 4 years. Paul Ryan's budget cuts taxes for the rich and social programs for the rest and puts the deficit on the government credit card to be paid for by our children and grandchildren.
Paul Ryan is already at work to make Medicare a voucher system, which is to say, privatize.
And pay attention to the deficit the next 4 years. Paul Ryan's budget cuts taxes for the rich and social programs for the rest and puts the deficit on the government credit card to be paid for by our children and grandchildren.
9
Obama,Clinton,Sanders,Warren,etc... have got to go to work,and convince Republicans that a very disturbed man is about to become president. He can't be sworn in. As bad as Pence is, he isn't a sociopath.
13
Will Mitt Romney grovel to Trump? Anyone care to lay odds?
10
I'm betting he won't grovel. He has his own standing. He is a proud man. He has history as his Judge. And he will answer history's call.
I'm no Romney apologist, but the man does have a conscience and sense of responsibility.
I'm no Romney apologist, but the man does have a conscience and sense of responsibility.
4
During the 2012 election, Mitt Romney's fortune, estimated at $250 million with the majority earned by his venture capital firm, Bain Capital, was an issue. Democrats attacked the $250 million in earnings.
A few prominent Democrats stood up for Romney - including Deval Patrick, Massachusetts governor, and Bill Clinton. Clinton said, "Mitt Romney has a sterling record at Bain Capital". Clinton knew of the thousands of jobs created by Bain's investments in Staples, Toys 'R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Weather Channel, Survey Monkey, and others.
I've been puzzled for years: Democrats seem to love inherited wealth but hate earned wealth. Mitt Romney: earned wealth bad. Caroline Kennedy: inherited wealth good. Both with about the same estimated $250 million.
Bill and Hillary Clinton have a fortune estimated at about $250 million. Not sure how it should be categorized, as giving a 30 minute speech isn't much work. So is the Clinton fortune inherited from 8 years in the White House and 4 years in the State Department?
A few prominent Democrats stood up for Romney - including Deval Patrick, Massachusetts governor, and Bill Clinton. Clinton said, "Mitt Romney has a sterling record at Bain Capital". Clinton knew of the thousands of jobs created by Bain's investments in Staples, Toys 'R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Weather Channel, Survey Monkey, and others.
I've been puzzled for years: Democrats seem to love inherited wealth but hate earned wealth. Mitt Romney: earned wealth bad. Caroline Kennedy: inherited wealth good. Both with about the same estimated $250 million.
Bill and Hillary Clinton have a fortune estimated at about $250 million. Not sure how it should be categorized, as giving a 30 minute speech isn't much work. So is the Clinton fortune inherited from 8 years in the White House and 4 years in the State Department?
5
As opposed to Mrs. Clinton's "charity" donations or Mr. Clinton's speaking fees?
5
So we're back to the old, " if everyone else is doing it, that makes it okay" argument? The election is over. We're talking about the President-elect now.
1
So will the GOP party simply roll-over on these and cast aside their "Ethics Police" costumes? Will they have a press conference where they literally have to eat their own words?
As a nation we should demand that all those in the GOP who wasted millions and hunted the Clintons over such practices, to sit on camera with several bowls of their shredded committee transcripts and eat them!
It will be fascinating to see how the GOP moral and ethics Police factions manage to coddle and otherwise look the other way when Trump abuses his position and disrespects the Peoples House, the White House, with his business shenanigans.
How much disrespect to every tradition and convention, and in some cases breaking of laws, will the Trumplodites tolerate from their Savior? Will they just shrug it off as, "thats what businessmen do..." ?? As they did re; his many lawsuits, and other shady business dealings. Will they conjure some other excuses for their orange Savior?
How about when the GOP manages to whittle away their health care safety nets? Not what they wanted or voted on their glorious leader to do.
The Republicans and all those "Im hurt'n!" voters who handed over this questionable win - NOW must OWN each and every hypocritical step of this new administration and those of the GOP party.
Will the Trumplodites have the character and morality to admit their mistakes, or will they turn a blind-eye and slink back into the shadows?
As a nation we should demand that all those in the GOP who wasted millions and hunted the Clintons over such practices, to sit on camera with several bowls of their shredded committee transcripts and eat them!
It will be fascinating to see how the GOP moral and ethics Police factions manage to coddle and otherwise look the other way when Trump abuses his position and disrespects the Peoples House, the White House, with his business shenanigans.
How much disrespect to every tradition and convention, and in some cases breaking of laws, will the Trumplodites tolerate from their Savior? Will they just shrug it off as, "thats what businessmen do..." ?? As they did re; his many lawsuits, and other shady business dealings. Will they conjure some other excuses for their orange Savior?
How about when the GOP manages to whittle away their health care safety nets? Not what they wanted or voted on their glorious leader to do.
The Republicans and all those "Im hurt'n!" voters who handed over this questionable win - NOW must OWN each and every hypocritical step of this new administration and those of the GOP party.
Will the Trumplodites have the character and morality to admit their mistakes, or will they turn a blind-eye and slink back into the shadows?
10
Just like their presidential nominees, neither the Democratic nor the Republican Party have a moral compass. There may be a few individuals who will try to their party's example, but the leadership has gone down the road of "power above all else".
4
While all of this is true, this forum is an echo chamber. So, New York Times, how about reaching out to the rural areas with a message that will be taken up by those who voted for Trump. And how about not trashing the next Democratic candidate that comes along with false equivalences to see papers and help turn out the base that stayed home and gave Trump the white house and all its spoils. You are right, he cares about enriching himself, not the country. Oh, and every day, the DNC needs to pound home how many jobs Trump has returned to to the rural areas from Day 1 of his administration (remember Boehner? Where are the jobs ? as he was doing everything to thwart Obama's ability to clean up the Bush Cheney disaster), Enough echo chamber talk , let's act.
22
The press has so demoralized thinking people that it has become a leading agent of political decapitation in the US.
3
If a Democrat had done even half of this stuff, the Republicans would have been calling for his or her head.
29
Many of them still want to jail Hillary for emulating Colin Powell's use of a back-channel e-mail server as Secretary of State.
If an approved Republican does it, it is legal, no matter what it is.
If an approved Republican does it, it is legal, no matter what it is.
5
I don't think it would take that much. Just the hint of a conflict of interest with a President Clinton would be enough to form a congressional committee to investigate. If Hillary were President, the Republicans (as they had promised) would be scouring her emails looking for things they can investigate.
1
These are all extremely worrisome things, but the article and others who have noted these conflicts seem to be missing an important, darker and potentially more dangerous aspect: who Trump already owes money or favors to. Simply put, we don't know what, banks, businesses, people or governments have leverage over our incoming president, and to what extent.
It's an established fact of human behavior that losses loom larger than gains. All of the discussion of his conflicts seem to be about the potential gains he could make, but what is even more concerning is what he stands to lose, and therefore who can exert power over our foreign policy.
Congress needs not only to put safeguards in place for his prospective business dealings but more importantly it should act quickly to compel the president-elect to disclose his tax returns and any other information that would shed light on where he already owes money and favors.
It's an established fact of human behavior that losses loom larger than gains. All of the discussion of his conflicts seem to be about the potential gains he could make, but what is even more concerning is what he stands to lose, and therefore who can exert power over our foreign policy.
Congress needs not only to put safeguards in place for his prospective business dealings but more importantly it should act quickly to compel the president-elect to disclose his tax returns and any other information that would shed light on where he already owes money and favors.
36
Add to this mess the fact that we know nothing about Trump's financial situation--how highly leveraged are his various businesses and, thus, how much incentive does he have not to create a truly blind trust but, rather, to directly profit during his tenure as president? Is a Trump presidency likely to "shake things up"? Yes! But in all the wrong ways.
15
Have we forgotten about Trump's bragging during the debates how he used tax loopholes not to pay taxes? So many, many indications that he wouldn't give up his business interests if he became president. He lied about that as he lied about so many other things- he will attend to his businesses first and the country second.
His slogan 'Make America Great Again' should have read 'Make Trump Great Again.' He's already in the road to making himself even richer.
I am so disappointed with the misguided people who used their vote to protest Hillary. Look what we have now? To the people who actually believed him, you will be greatly disappointed during the next four years. He will do nothing for you. His promises are already down the tubes.
And we will all suffer for it.
His slogan 'Make America Great Again' should have read 'Make Trump Great Again.' He's already in the road to making himself even richer.
I am so disappointed with the misguided people who used their vote to protest Hillary. Look what we have now? To the people who actually believed him, you will be greatly disappointed during the next four years. He will do nothing for you. His promises are already down the tubes.
And we will all suffer for it.
7
Putin has enriched himself from public funds while Premier of Russia and now is one of the world's richest people. Trump admires him for a reason. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
16
Will taxpayers be paying Trump for Secret Service to live in his hotel?
Talk about conflict of interest. He could put each one of his children in a different Trump hotel and make money and get paid by taxpayers, although I heard he might take just $1/yr. In that case, it's OK?????
Talk about conflict of interest. He could put each one of his children in a different Trump hotel and make money and get paid by taxpayers, although I heard he might take just $1/yr. In that case, it's OK?????
13
I bet Trump, Flynn and Bannon already have deals set-up with their buddy Putin to be awarded the hotel franchises in the Baltic States and Ukraine when the Soviets, I mean Russians, march in next year en force to take their former republics back.
10
I bet Putin is smart enough to realize that every property with Trump's name on it is a target for terrorism.
Why would Putin waste money protecting such a target?
Better not to build it.
Why would Putin waste money protecting such a target?
Better not to build it.
3
I believe we have just entered a new place in our politics from which there is no turning back.
It is still hard for me to grasp how we could have done this to ourselves.
A country as blessed as this country is with rich resources and golden opportunities that are available to most of us stooping to the abysmally low level of this man.
He maligned, insulted, ridiculed and spread lies about his Republican opponents, women, blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, handicapped people, “international bankers,” gold star parents, a federal judge, our President, our generals, Mrs. Clinton, the media, you name them, he has insulted and degraded them, all without ever once apologizing for any of it.
And In the process of doing this has not just broken the mold of our traditional politics, but set a new standard which politicians of the future -- interested in winning -- are certain to adopt.
Be very careful of what you ask for. Sometimes you get it.
Interested in a politics without anger, fear, hostility and hate? Forget about it.
A hard rain is starting to fall.
It is still hard for me to grasp how we could have done this to ourselves.
A country as blessed as this country is with rich resources and golden opportunities that are available to most of us stooping to the abysmally low level of this man.
He maligned, insulted, ridiculed and spread lies about his Republican opponents, women, blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, handicapped people, “international bankers,” gold star parents, a federal judge, our President, our generals, Mrs. Clinton, the media, you name them, he has insulted and degraded them, all without ever once apologizing for any of it.
And In the process of doing this has not just broken the mold of our traditional politics, but set a new standard which politicians of the future -- interested in winning -- are certain to adopt.
Be very careful of what you ask for. Sometimes you get it.
Interested in a politics without anger, fear, hostility and hate? Forget about it.
A hard rain is starting to fall.
22
We have come a long way from when President Kennedy announced on TV that he had converted all of his investments into Treasury bills. The problem now is that we'll get used to these conflicts of interest and no longer feel outrage. Then we will become just another corrupt country where cynicism prevails over idealism.
12
Where are the Republican members of Congress who vowed, had Hillary Clinton been elected, to launch investigations into everything she has ever done? Will they establish committees to look into Trump's "foundation," his self-reimbursement for his campaign expenses, or his business conflicts?
No. They will ignore it all, probably with the claim that the new "president" should not be sidetracked by distracting attacks.
After all, how can we expect the Party that refused to even hold hearings on Judge Garland to have any integrity?
And speaking of the appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice -- Mitch McConnell said that he would not move forward with Garland's nomination because he wanted to let "the American People" pick the new Justice. Since Clinton beat Trump by more than 2,000,000 votes, shouldn't she make the choice?
No. They will ignore it all, probably with the claim that the new "president" should not be sidetracked by distracting attacks.
After all, how can we expect the Party that refused to even hold hearings on Judge Garland to have any integrity?
And speaking of the appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice -- Mitch McConnell said that he would not move forward with Garland's nomination because he wanted to let "the American People" pick the new Justice. Since Clinton beat Trump by more than 2,000,000 votes, shouldn't she make the choice?
36
I work at a bank where I can be fired for using company letterhead for non-business use, hold a second job that interrupts my work day, trade stock that are on the prohibited list because of potential appearance of insider trading or conflict of interest. I was even required to decline a box of cookies from a vendor. But the same rules don't apply to the President of the United States. He can have as many cookies as he likes.
32
Trump will use the POTUS for enriching himself. And the feckless republicans in congress will do nothing to stop him. The ethos of the gop is to make money not serve the citizens of the US. We are on our way to becoming a thirld world country. Very soon the poor people who suported hom will rrealize they were duped.
11
During the campaign, much was made of Donald Trump's racism, contempt for women, and religious bigotry. Some attention, though not enough, was paid to his habitual lying.
But the press failed us in failing to attend to his long history of associations with criminals and his relentless flirtation with criminality. How did he get away with it for so long? That is a question for the press to pursue full bore, now.
But the press failed us in failing to attend to his long history of associations with criminals and his relentless flirtation with criminality. How did he get away with it for so long? That is a question for the press to pursue full bore, now.
14
Donald knows that a good tweet can derail media coverage of even the most egregious offenses. If he sold the White House to the Russians, the story would be buried by a string of tweets scolding Mitch McConnell for slow-walking his appointments.
Trump knows how to dominate the news cycle and the media, bless their hearts, are overworked and underpaid, as evidenced by the drivel that typically fills the empty space.
Trump knows how to dominate the news cycle and the media, bless their hearts, are overworked and underpaid, as evidenced by the drivel that typically fills the empty space.
7
It's obvious to me that Trump will be a part time president. When at the White House he'll attend to state affairs, but will spend most of his time with his family in his home at Trump Tower in New York making more business deals worldwide using the presidency as his newfound bargaining chip. And the lapdog Republicans in Congress will sit back and watch too afraid to say or do anything about it except shout down any Democrat who does try to speak out. In 4 years we will need a calculator to count the Trump scandals about to take place.
19
For the first time since being admitted to a nursing home, I am counting the unknown hours till my death--and hoping (I think) that they are rapidly approaching. Jan, 86 in December.
3
True. The utter corruption of Hillary cost her the election. Donald needs to be careful. At least he seems not to have solicitly bribes as she did donations for the Foundation. It will be interesting to see if donations remain at the same level.
5
Donald won the election by exploiting 30 years of false witness against Hillary Clinton.
You psychopaths exhibit a consistent pattern of behavior that is clearly under-studied by psychiatry. You project your own worst sides on everyone else to justify them. It is so blatant and so obvious people cannot believe that the sheer gall of it is real.
You psychopaths exhibit a consistent pattern of behavior that is clearly under-studied by psychiatry. You project your own worst sides on everyone else to justify them. It is so blatant and so obvious people cannot believe that the sheer gall of it is real.
32
First of all. "Careful" is not in Trump's vocabulary -- besides it's too late for that.
And of course you can point the finger at Clinton, if that's as far as you are able to go-- But in actuality, the problems facing this country with Trump's conflicts of interest is far greater than that.
And of course you can point the finger at Clinton, if that's as far as you are able to go-- But in actuality, the problems facing this country with Trump's conflicts of interest is far greater than that.
7
and yet the fec is investigating him and not her.
1
Those gun totin', uneducated, white voters just shot America in the foot.
29
I think they hit the head.
7
He hasn't done anything yet....
2
Which is fitting in that, educated or not, way more Americans are shot by accidental discharges than criminals are in "home invasions."
4
DJT said he wants to be president. Therefore, he should be following ethical and constitutional laws/rules/guidelines of the office. If he is unwilling to do so by Dec. 19th the Electoral College should do their job and hold up their vote until he complies. If the Electoral College cannot find the courage to do what is required if them, then DJT is violating the US Constitution on day one and impeachment proceedings should be started by Congress. The American people do not have to suffer someone who mocks the highest office of our land. This is not about Democrat or Republican. This is about protecting our country.
33
As I understand it, the original primary purpose of creating the Electoral College was to serve as protection against bad choices of the people in the popular vote. Has it ever been more fitting than now?
4
Trump enablers were warned here that a vote for Trump was really a vote for Pence.
2
Mr. Farage stood for election in the UkParliament and failed to get elected. He is only an Mep, a member of the European Union parliament. Therefore not in a position to affect UK laws. Farage has been noted for his regularity in picking up his expenses at the EU but for very little else. For instance: Of 43 meetings which were about the fisheries, which directly affected the UK, Farage attended only 2. He has also resigned as head of his party UKip (although he has currently had to be reinstated while a replacement is found. The first new leader resigned due to lack of respect from her party colleagues and the second hopeful literally had a punch up in Brussels with another member of the party and also resigned) - In Westminister, Ukip only have 1 member out of 600 MP's and that one is not Nigel Farage!!
4
Touting Brexit without the faintest idea of what to do next is just typical behavior for these psychopaths.
1
As for Farage saying he and Trump had discussed returning Sir Winston Churchill's bust to the Oval Office -- Farage forgets that when Churchill declared we would 'fight them on the beaches', he was referring to fascists. And isn't UKIP bankrupt (I mean literally not just morally)? Honour among thieves indeed.
1
Left out of the article is the involvement of Donald's sons and son-in-law in the foreign affairs of the nation. Before Trump meets with the State Department and while still on a restricted Intelligence briefing, he dispatches ill-equipped and uninformed family members -- now relieved of running the business for pop -- to run the country while Dad pushes other countries to accommodate his grand vision.
14
That's all you've got. Start investigating. The thing, no one cares, it can do whatever it damned well pleases, it is emporer of the planet now, now's the time to pay off those billions in debt and attain new riches at the same time. Isn't that what the knuckledraggers who voted for it wanted. to make the donald rich again?
7
This is just another example of how "foolish" or "delusional" the Trump voters were....who should have seen this coming a mile away, as well as all the other "problems" this man will present to our political system, the system I guess his followers want to destroy.
13
This is not a "conflict of interest". A conflict of interest is when a person could potentially be influenced to act in their official capacity by separate self-interest. What Trump is currently doing is---openly, proudly---using his title to leverage deals for his and his family's financial gain. This is called "corruption".
44
Already they are the most crooked administration we've had and they aren't even in office yet.Imagine how much money Trump can make in 4 years by ripping off the government.
20
Seems too much time spent reporting on Hillary's emails prevented earlier release of this story line.
18
Too much time on false accusations (racism, etc.) prevented The Times from researching Trump. It was blinded by its "identity" blinders, which also explains how it missed all the support for Trump.
The Times is still at risk of crying, "Wolf!" Trump hasn't taken even office and The Times is howling. Most non-partisans would give him time to straighten things out.
The Times is still at risk of crying, "Wolf!" Trump hasn't taken even office and The Times is howling. Most non-partisans would give him time to straighten things out.
3
You're right.... and by about 12 months. But there's sure to be more.
Keep digging.
Keep digging.
1
The present stock market rally looks like Indian Summer on Westeros to me.
Fours years of Grifters cheering on a Grifter-in-Chief to breach all ethical limitations can't end well.
Fours years of Grifters cheering on a Grifter-in-Chief to breach all ethical limitations can't end well.
14
Document everything, digitally and on paper. Keep records in a number of places. Trump will screw around with the First Amendment. The "Alien and Sedition Act" was nasty. The "Patriot" Act is a serious danger.
You may soon understand why the Second Amendment exists.
You may soon understand why the Second Amendment exists.
3
One of the lessons of Hillary Cliinton's failure is the need to be relentless. We need to be relentless in going after Trump's corruption. Let's start by calling it by its right name: corruption.
Clinton was not relentless in campaigning. She took the month of August off, and she stopped campaigning after her great debate triumps. All that time she could have been visiting Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, but no.
Clinton was not relentless in demanding Trump's tax returns. Oh, sure, she said some strong things about it a few times, but she needed to hammer at it every day and emphasize that the returns would show past corruption, past illegality, and foreshadow future corruption and harm to American workers.
Can we wake up and smell the coffee now? Every single day the Democratic Party and all people concerned about preservng the republic need to hammer on Trump's corruption and the harm it does to our nation, our national interests, and working families.
Clinton was not relentless in campaigning. She took the month of August off, and she stopped campaigning after her great debate triumps. All that time she could have been visiting Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, but no.
Clinton was not relentless in demanding Trump's tax returns. Oh, sure, she said some strong things about it a few times, but she needed to hammer at it every day and emphasize that the returns would show past corruption, past illegality, and foreshadow future corruption and harm to American workers.
Can we wake up and smell the coffee now? Every single day the Democratic Party and all people concerned about preservng the republic need to hammer on Trump's corruption and the harm it does to our nation, our national interests, and working families.
4
Nation will be fleeced by President-elect TrumpFamily, then hogtied by President-in-waiting Pence.
The 2016 election reached epic proportions of misdeeds. Click bait achieved record profits. Once again, the majority of voters lost. However, come January, the nation will retain it's glow as power is orderly transferred.
The 2016 election reached epic proportions of misdeeds. Click bait achieved record profits. Once again, the majority of voters lost. However, come January, the nation will retain it's glow as power is orderly transferred.
1
Many Republicans were appalled at the nomination of Trump. Many were astonished by his election. Let's see if GOP Republicans have the fortitude to stand up to their president-elect who considers himself above the law. They certainly would have gone after the Clinton foundation had Hillary won.
4
Oh. You mean the many Republicans that said one thing, and then abruptly apologized or, retracted their statements???
And you think we can honestly depend on them to do anything????
And you think we can honestly depend on them to do anything????
I'm sorry but I just need to say this...(tipping my hat to the great C Wright Mills)...the entire governmental process is a conflict of interest! To suggest that this is a complete aberration is to miss the forest for the trees. Certainly something should be done about this but it's the tip of the iceberg! Revolving door, a regulatory bureaucracy underwritten by the industries under regulation, payola for drug patent manipulations, suitcases full of cash handed off to foreign leaders, warlords, bankers...please spare me. Yes, this is huge, but it's a part of something that is the way things are done all the time. Let's not forget that.
4
He is not yet president "elect" - not till the 19th of Dec. If then.
Publish the List of Electors.
They have a sacred duty. The fate of the Republic is in their hands.
They must be held responsible for whatever comes.
Publish the List of Electors.
They have a sacred duty. The fate of the Republic is in their hands.
They must be held responsible for whatever comes.
15
I was walking around the day before Thanksgiving at my local market, New Seasons, here in Portland. I spotted a friend I have not seen in ages and we started talking. Kids? fine, weather bad, cooking dinner, gotta do it. No real enthusiasm for anything. We both agreed we had Trumposis. I think it's a condition that has set in nationwide. Malaise. There are just too many negative possibilities to calculate. It is like the flu. So, we agreed to stay in touch and compare notes in several months and see if our dire predictions come true.
4
The real enforcers should be the American public. But it seems a large majority of our voters don't care or aren't willing and able to engage on these topics. Right-wing media has been successful in hijacking the minds of our rural and working class voters on social and idealogical topics, and so we are left holding the bag with this type of corruption from our own Head of State.
As a society, we desperately need new ways of educating and connecting with the same voters who installed idealogical Republicans in Statehouses across the country and in Washington. Until we do, Republicans will stay in power as they will unlikely feel any pressure to act in any real meaningful way.
As a society, we desperately need new ways of educating and connecting with the same voters who installed idealogical Republicans in Statehouses across the country and in Washington. Until we do, Republicans will stay in power as they will unlikely feel any pressure to act in any real meaningful way.
10
This situation is a test not of Trump but of our Republican led Congress, of Paul Ryan and of Mitch McConnell. Trump has all the personal qualities of becoming a dictator in all but title because he recognizes the correctness of no one but himself. Meanwhile, the Congressional members, especially the Tea Party extremists are so elated to have Trump that they will not recognize nor will they desire to go against him if they do recognize, how his personality works for no one but himself and his family. His appointments thus far are a bag of deliberate destroyers, which is exactly what the Tea Party (funded by the Kochs et al.) has been aiming at for years. What fun?
8
Because Trump's "movement" proudly flouts any moral and ethical considerations--dismissing such considerations as "political correctness"--it is imperative that those of us who see the existential threat to our republic posed by this administration be as specific as possible in pointing out conflicts of interest. The Times is doing a superb job in this regard, and I, for one, thank you. Yesterday's story about Trump's golf course in Scotland was exemplary. So, too, was the one about security at Mar al Lago. I'd like to propose for your consideration a broader story on how the security of Trump's far-flung real estate ventures will be funded. The Trump brand may be "hot" now, but it is also an obvious target for terrorism. Who will pay for the enhanced security that all of his real estate portfolio assets will require? Will it be the Trump Organization itself? Somehow, I don't think so. More likely, it will be the governments of the countries that host Trump's golf courses, hotels and casinos. Likely, too, is that said governments will expect a return on this considerable investment. What form will this quid-pro-quo take? Perhaps the most likely outcome is that the cost of protecting all of these highly-vulnerable (and highly prized) targets will fall to the American taxpayer.
11
Boiled down to its essence, Trump is asserting that his business is, in fact, more important to him than are his responsibilities as president of the American people. To me, this is disloyalty.
13
How about Treason?
10
Expecting Donald Trump to conduct himself ethically after how he has conducted himself now is willfully naive. As this editorial points out, Hillary Clinton was excoriated for simply being associated with the Clinton Foundation while she was secretary of state. Now we will have a president who, even before his inauguration, is wangling deals and figuring ways to profit from his office. Even his daughter is peddling overpriced jewelry modeled on her TV appearance. It's beyond shocking what this country is twisting itself into to accommodate these opportunists. Last I knew the merger of corporate interests and national government, together with a rabid nationalism, were the makings of fascism. Add Trump's authoritarianism and the pieces are in place. Just wait!
18
Americans are watching the slow dismantling of this country and democracy to accommodate a man who believes he is above ethics and most of all, above the law, courtesy of the Republican Party.
Trump and his regime, including Ivanka and his two sons, will enrich themselves at the expense while a Third World dictator is in office.
This man is a buffoon who rushes to conclusions, is a complete stranger to the U.S. Constitution and has made lying into an art form. And, there is little hope that Trump will ever have a come-to-Jesus moment as his evangelical supporters are praying for.
This is because a snake cannot be taught to retract its fangs or not spew its venom. It cannot be taught civility, compassion or compromise. It doesn't know the truth because Trump believes that he is the truth. He, and he alone, can make the rules up as he goes along and soon and Trump and his temperment will have the nuclear launch codes.
It is the nature of the beast to be a snake. It is the nature of Trump to be Trump.
America, however, must take responsibility for making a two-legged reptile president of the greatest country on the planet and leader of the free world.
The country is in for a long hard ride and very dark days ahead.
Trump and his regime, including Ivanka and his two sons, will enrich themselves at the expense while a Third World dictator is in office.
This man is a buffoon who rushes to conclusions, is a complete stranger to the U.S. Constitution and has made lying into an art form. And, there is little hope that Trump will ever have a come-to-Jesus moment as his evangelical supporters are praying for.
This is because a snake cannot be taught to retract its fangs or not spew its venom. It cannot be taught civility, compassion or compromise. It doesn't know the truth because Trump believes that he is the truth. He, and he alone, can make the rules up as he goes along and soon and Trump and his temperment will have the nuclear launch codes.
It is the nature of the beast to be a snake. It is the nature of Trump to be Trump.
America, however, must take responsibility for making a two-legged reptile president of the greatest country on the planet and leader of the free world.
The country is in for a long hard ride and very dark days ahead.
14
Also noted, according to the St. Louis News (November 18, 2016, linked from NYT): Trump is stockholder of the Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners who is building the Dakota Access Pipeline.
ETP refuses to consider an alternate route for a segment of the pipeline that poses a cultural and environmental threat to Native American lands in spite of the recommendation for further study and conversation from the Army Corps of Engineers.
A decision from the US District Court about ETP's right to continue construction is unlikely before January, as Trump takes office.
Directly or indirectly, Trump's role as a stockholder affects conversations and ultimate decisions about pipeline construction on these lands with cultural and environmental importance to the Sioux and to the nation.
Yep. It's a conflict of interest. And it seals any hope for an outcome beneficial to tribal and environmental concerns.
ETP refuses to consider an alternate route for a segment of the pipeline that poses a cultural and environmental threat to Native American lands in spite of the recommendation for further study and conversation from the Army Corps of Engineers.
A decision from the US District Court about ETP's right to continue construction is unlikely before January, as Trump takes office.
Directly or indirectly, Trump's role as a stockholder affects conversations and ultimate decisions about pipeline construction on these lands with cultural and environmental importance to the Sioux and to the nation.
Yep. It's a conflict of interest. And it seals any hope for an outcome beneficial to tribal and environmental concerns.
11
He has only just begun. This will be the most corrupt government this country has ever seen. Billionaires are in charge of everything. They will attempt to privatize everything. Good luck with all that.
16
Even if Hillary won the government is still ran by billionaires. With Hillary the only difference is that they are not on your side.
1
We would be better other without a business-conflicted President Trump than we would be with a President Clinton or even Pence. To the Trump supporters who think he should be allowed to sidestep this issue, if by 'win' they mean 'winning at any cost', don't we all lose?
1
Trump's business practices and interests are so far removed from most people's own lives and experience that they can't even imagine how the conflicts would harm the US.
Those who should be crying foul are the companies that will be competing with Trump on a very uneven playing field. He has an unfair advantage with his presidential connections and inside knowledge.
Unlike past presidents, he has access to capital to take advantage of markets and opportunities.
I wonder when the call comes in if he will be conflicted whether to call the generals or his broker first.
Those who should be crying foul are the companies that will be competing with Trump on a very uneven playing field. He has an unfair advantage with his presidential connections and inside knowledge.
Unlike past presidents, he has access to capital to take advantage of markets and opportunities.
I wonder when the call comes in if he will be conflicted whether to call the generals or his broker first.
8
Yes the real and apparent conflicts require diligent inquiry by the press and perhaps Congressional action. The NYT has chosen to devote its enterprise to express its opinion not just in commentary and editorials, but on its front page for over a year with vehemently anti-Trump articles. Has anyone noticed at the NYT that although your subscriptions are surging, which after all is the goal of a for-profit enterprise, the voters in the states that he carried, while not the majority of voters, may not be influenced by its daily barrage of anti-Trump articles? They may be put off by what they see, probably rightly as an elitist view. Please keep news and the output of solid journalistic endeavor on the front page and opinion on the editorial and commentary pages. Just the facts please.
Of course, if all of our politicians were attorneys who never had the desire or need to pursue entrepreneurial endeavor, we would have no conflicts of business interests when they are in office or afterwards when they could literally get rich from director fees, speaking fees or highly remunerative lobbyist engagements. Right?
Of course, if all of our politicians were attorneys who never had the desire or need to pursue entrepreneurial endeavor, we would have no conflicts of business interests when they are in office or afterwards when they could literally get rich from director fees, speaking fees or highly remunerative lobbyist engagements. Right?
1
We need to see Trump's full tax returns. The American people deserve to know what the risks are.
19
I hope the Democrats who are still in Congress and the press who still care pursue Trump, his minions, his family, his appointees at every turn, much as the Republicans have done to President Obama the last 8 years, and by extension, Hillary.
They should hold one Congressional hearing after another, should introduce laws that hold Trump's feet to the fire (tax returns, conflicts of interest, ethics), should look under every rock to find violations to impeach him. At the same time, hold his sycophants (Ryan, McConnell, Sessions, etc.) accountable as well. And if Romney accepts a position in this administration, well then, there goes the modicum of respect I had garnered for him when he called out Trump for the bigot he was before the election.
I never thought anyone could make a Bush look good. But kudos to the Bush family for not kowtowing to this megalomaniac and for putting the interests of country before personal gain.
They should hold one Congressional hearing after another, should introduce laws that hold Trump's feet to the fire (tax returns, conflicts of interest, ethics), should look under every rock to find violations to impeach him. At the same time, hold his sycophants (Ryan, McConnell, Sessions, etc.) accountable as well. And if Romney accepts a position in this administration, well then, there goes the modicum of respect I had garnered for him when he called out Trump for the bigot he was before the election.
I never thought anyone could make a Bush look good. But kudos to the Bush family for not kowtowing to this megalomaniac and for putting the interests of country before personal gain.
16
Would you rather see Rudy Guliani as Secretary of State? If the reporting is correct, then they are both in contention for the job.
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." — H. L. Mencken
"There's a sucker born every minute" - P. T. Barnum (dRumpfts granddaddy)
"There's a sucker born every minute" - P. T. Barnum (dRumpfts granddaddy)
9
Anyone who thinks Trump is far too wealthy to be crass and greedy when he's got the grave responsibility of being POTUS to concern himself with ( as I have heard people say on TV and in real life) )should ask themselves what, in DJT's life story has given anyone reason to believe that. It doesn't matter if you think you wouldn't be tempted when you are rich already but we're not talking about you, we're talking about Trump. He wasn't too rich to dream up a scam like Trump University, which was designed to suck the bank accounts and credit lines of desperate people. I would not underestimate his interest in money, or assume he has enough respect for the office to not rip it off and debase it.
18
Some people live just to see others grovel.
5
Anybody who was thinking, wouldn't have voted for Trump to begin with -- do you think they're about to notice that now???
4
Trevor Noah, the comedian from South Africa, told Terry Gross during his interview on "Fresh Air" (NPR) this past week that he has seen leaders like Trump before. Trump reminds him of the corrupt leaders in too many African nations.
21
Integrity of the government? How about them lobbyists...
4
That's a separate issue that needs to be addressed. Saying that if one is OK then the other is as well, is disingenuous.
1
Can't his tax returns be released by the IRS? Would they need a subpoena?
3
Can yours be published? Yes, a federal subpoena for IRS and a New York state subpoena for state taxes are needed. NY City taxes, if such taxes exist, are another subpoena. Of course, bribing various government employees is easier and not subject to TROs.
1
The IRS cannot release a persons tax returns without his permission or a court order.
And in the event of a court order, that returns would likely be sealed by the judge and their circulation strictly limited.
There are strict CRIMINAL penalties for releasing personal tax returns to unauthorized people or to the public.
What's the matter, Donna, don't you believe in the rule of law? Or does your political agenda make laws subservient to your political fantasies?
And in the event of a court order, that returns would likely be sealed by the judge and their circulation strictly limited.
There are strict CRIMINAL penalties for releasing personal tax returns to unauthorized people or to the public.
What's the matter, Donna, don't you believe in the rule of law? Or does your political agenda make laws subservient to your political fantasies?
2
Wow TheOwl, you are leaping to conclusions. I asked if tax returns can be released. I made no claim to whether it would be right or wrong, I asked if it could be done. I recommend you go for a walk in nature and breathe a little.
and we thought he didn't want the job.....oh the perks! the perks!
6
Yes, we are about to repeat the Harding Administration.
2
We may be about to repeat the Hitler Administration.
3
A little premature, are you not, Larry?
What else does your crystal ball show? Will the Indians win the World Series next year? Will the moon crash into the sun? Will Bill and Hillary Clinton go straight?
What else does your crystal ball show? Will the Indians win the World Series next year? Will the moon crash into the sun? Will Bill and Hillary Clinton go straight?
1
The guy does not know what ethics are. He spewed lies throughout his campaign. Those that voted for him will be sorely disappointed. It's time for the Republicans to join hands and keep this guy on a short leash and within bounds or we will have a government like any other corrupt dictatorship.
4
Better that than a woman who has demonstrated over and over again that a) she knows what ethics require of her, and b) deliberately eschews taking any actions that could possible comply with them.
1
The Cauldron of Conflicts sounds like the title of the final Harry Potter book in which Voldemort takes over America.
9
Lol.
When Trump was calling the US a 3rd world nation, that was the view from one of his prescient dreams...but it was post his election, about 18 months later. He turns us into a 3rd world nation, not saves us from it...
When Trump was calling the US a 3rd world nation, that was the view from one of his prescient dreams...but it was post his election, about 18 months later. He turns us into a 3rd world nation, not saves us from it...
3
All these cry will not change a bit for billionaire and his ilks to milk us all and the universe. They will hurt Americans, and the world by damaging a respectable country and the planet earth.
Cost can't be measured.
People who voted will not be able to sleep until they die, if someone could help them understand what they did.
This year can't be about accepting the results and get along.. we have to get up and work to preserve what i best within us and the world.
Cost can't be measured.
People who voted will not be able to sleep until they die, if someone could help them understand what they did.
This year can't be about accepting the results and get along.. we have to get up and work to preserve what i best within us and the world.
2
Many thought that a President Trump would immediately create a constitutional crisis, as he has little understanding and respect for the law. All we can say now it this: Behold!
3
What "constitutional crisis" is Trump creating, Mr. Danes.
Please be specific in your explanation of how the crisis that you allege is actually one of "constitutional" proportions?
Please be specific in your explanation of how the crisis that you allege is actually one of "constitutional" proportions?
1
Occasionally, democracy errs on the side of stupidity.... this is one of those occasions. Willful suspension of full disbelief, for an entire year, and then registering an inexplicable vote!
1
Yes. Obama's eight years certainly drove home that point, Steve S.
It was actually willful suspension of belief for nine years and registering TWO inexplicable votes.
It was actually willful suspension of belief for nine years and registering TWO inexplicable votes.
Surely, the NYT didn't have to wait until after the election to realize the enormous con that Mr. Trump would pull on all of us once he was elected. All the evidence was there from the very beginning. Now the NYT acts like they've uncovered some deep mystery. This is disingenuous. You knew this all along as did every other main stream media outlet. All of you went along and encouraged the con because you were foolish enough to believe that Mr. Trump wouldn't win and you felt that you would be derelict in your motives to make a profit by not covering the con man and giving him a forum for his lies, hatred, and revolting personality. You, the NYT and all of your colleagues made fat profits out the coverage of Mr. Trump because his brand of tripe sells and there are plenty of buyers of hatred and lies. Now you have decided to locate your conscience. Forgive me for not buying this codswallop. Even the disclosures about the generators of fake news could have preceded and not followed the election. The NYT is either incompetent or a co-conspirator. I am going with the latter and all that is sane and respectable in this country, which is very little, has been sacrificed at the altar of insatiable greed and profiteering. We are intelligent people and we aren't buying any of this newfound outrage for we know that in accompanying columns you are busy trying to normalize the con job and the disaster that awaits us.
8
It's about time somebody started to take this seriously -- instead of thinking about it, talking about it, and writing Editorials about it,
What we have here is a SERIOUS series of Conflicts of Interests. And the thing is, we may not even know ALL of it.
Not only do we have a president-elect (and his extended family) who is privy to national security briefings, but someone who is continuing his 'Business as Usual', with all the trappings of the highest elected office in the land.
And not only is there something seriously wrong with this picture, but it's a blatant case of double standards, because we all know that if Barack Obama tried to get away with even half of what Trump is doing, cries of Impeachment would be filling the hall of the Senate.
America and her best interests are about to be set on the auction block.
It's time to wake up.
What we have here is a SERIOUS series of Conflicts of Interests. And the thing is, we may not even know ALL of it.
Not only do we have a president-elect (and his extended family) who is privy to national security briefings, but someone who is continuing his 'Business as Usual', with all the trappings of the highest elected office in the land.
And not only is there something seriously wrong with this picture, but it's a blatant case of double standards, because we all know that if Barack Obama tried to get away with even half of what Trump is doing, cries of Impeachment would be filling the hall of the Senate.
America and her best interests are about to be set on the auction block.
It's time to wake up.
13
Your commentary is exactly the reason that Americans should very carefully and critically consider NOT electing a "business person" over a citizen/politician. The two world views are in my mind irreconcilable.
6
Government is the people's only defense against the rapacity of plutocrats.
4
Wait til you see the Department of Defense controlled by a career soldier!
3
It's already begun. Better get used to it.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/11/23/trump_is_hawking_a_149...
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/11/23/trump_is_hawking_a_149...
Publish the List of Electors. Or has Trump already paid them off, one by one?
8
They may feel like jurors sitting on a federal land invasion case out west.
Those are available from the records of the Several States.
Too busy to actually do some research?
And to what purpose do you wish to make of this listing? Harassment and intimidation to get them to change their vote?
Seems to me that those are the tactics of a sore loser.
Too busy to actually do some research?
And to what purpose do you wish to make of this listing? Harassment and intimidation to get them to change their vote?
Seems to me that those are the tactics of a sore loser.
He's either paid them off, or threatened litigation in one form or the other--his usual modus operandi.
3
Most politicians who have risen to this level of power do what is being described in this story, except it is mostly hidden in the back room. That being said, his brand of corruption will likely be masked in a brand new slate of fake news stories 4 years hence. For that reason alone, Americans must resist everything he does. He is a liar and a thief.
5
I am reminded of the exorbitant wealth that Lyndon Johnson amassed while he was Majority Leader of the Senate as his full-time occupation.
1
Never forget: there was no scandal in the Obama White House.
23
Benghazi was quite a scandal. Lying before an election was a recurring problem for Obama. Most Americans will never forget his most famous lie, "You can keep your doctor."
And it was under his watch that Hillary violated all those national security rules with her emails.
And it was under his watch that Hillary violated all those national security rules with her emails.
2
Mr. Trump lost his moral compass decades ago.
America has been placed in the crapper by selfish, uneducated white boys.
America has been placed in the crapper by selfish, uneducated white boys.
6
He never had one to lose. He is a cesspool of criminality. That's all he has ever known or done.
6
Can someone point to one example where Donald Trump displayed evidence that he will, "Build a Fairer, Happier, and More Prosperous America?" He needs to read Arthur C. Brooks' The Conservative Heart. I'll send him a copy. But sadly, Trump is in it for Trump and family.
4
I bet Trump hasn't read a single book since college, and probably didn't there either. Even Bush 43 read some historical biographies during vacations at his ranch and Camp David (500 days at each during his Presidency...a record for any President, by far, but I bet Trump will break it.)
7
Friends who just returned from a vacation trip to Thailand said that the Thais that they spoke with were laughing at the U.S. for electing Trump. This from people who live in what is essentially a military dictatorship. This does not bode well since our future "great leader" has militaristic characteristics straight out of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Although he did successfully dodge the draft. Scary times ahead.
5
How incredible is it that our best hope is that the incoming President will be impeached and removed from office? Too many Americans made a disastrous and irresponsible choice on Election Day and we will all pay for their choice for years to come.
4
That's no hope at all. Then we get the monster Pence.
4
I would suggest, ann, that over the next four years, that will be a forlorn hope.
Out here in flyover land, we are getting quite used to this kind of behavior. We tried to change it, by standing and supporting a candidate who did not engage in this kind of activity, but the media ignored us. You know, the kind of activity that gives away our uranium in exchange for donations to their charity. I wonder what Trump will give away to get his deals done? And, don't expect help from Congress --- they're selling the remainder. At this point, I'm not sure what I can do to help --- it's getting all so hard to read.
2
Fact checking has proven the outrageous uranium claim Trump repeated as wrong, just another example of Don the Con's effectiveness at lying to get people to do what he wants, whether it's draining their savings for Trump's fake "university" or voting for Trump Inc to take over the government for personal profit.
http://correctrecord.org/fact-check-donald-trumps-false-claim-on-russian...
http://correctrecord.org/fact-check-donald-trumps-false-claim-on-russian...
2
Solid and informative reporting from our ever dwindling supply of legitimate news sources must continue hammering away at Trumps toxic tableau of intermingled business and political interests. A solid public record on this must be built and vigilantly maintained. That said, I fear that this will just create a “stage” on which Trump can push back and further display the audacious fearlessness that drew many voters to him in the first place.
2
The good news is if all of our enemies build Trump Towers in their capital cities we could have World peace in a warped sort of way - as Trump will then ignore the primary reasons they are our enemies...we're all living in a Trump world now. He'll let everyone obtain nukes in exchange for a Trump Tower or casino. The stakes are indeed high.
1
We Must see Trump's tax returns before he takes office, go over them tooth and nail. Then we can see if he is totally ineligible for office. We already know he is unfit.
5
Trump has already finessed the only vetting the Constitution enumerates: getting elected.
1
One fights "tooth and nail", one goes over things with "a fine tooth comb".
Given your understanding of American idiomatic expressions, I'm not sure that I would accept your judgment on any conclusion that you might wish to draw, Michael.
Education has its consequences...or shall I make that the lack of education...
Given your understanding of American idiomatic expressions, I'm not sure that I would accept your judgment on any conclusion that you might wish to draw, Michael.
Education has its consequences...or shall I make that the lack of education...
2
The problem is as much Mr. Trump's problem as it is ours. One relevant federal statute reads as follows:
18 U.S. Code § 208 - Acts affecting a personal financial interest
[W]hoever, being an officer or employee of the executive branch of the United States Government … participates personally and substantially as a Government officer or employee [in any way] in a … matter in which, to his knowledge, he … has a financial interest … shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 216 of this title.
18 U.S. Code § 216 - Penalties and injunctions
The punishment for an offense under section … 208 … of this title is the following:
(1) Whoever engages in the conduct constituting the offense shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both.
(2) Whoever willfully engages in the conduct constituting the offense shall be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both.
In other words, if Mr. Trump, as President, participates in any matter affecting his business interests, he commits a misdemeanor. If he does so willfully, he commits a felony. Were I he, I would be less cavalier about this problem.
18 U.S. Code § 208 - Acts affecting a personal financial interest
[W]hoever, being an officer or employee of the executive branch of the United States Government … participates personally and substantially as a Government officer or employee [in any way] in a … matter in which, to his knowledge, he … has a financial interest … shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 216 of this title.
18 U.S. Code § 216 - Penalties and injunctions
The punishment for an offense under section … 208 … of this title is the following:
(1) Whoever engages in the conduct constituting the offense shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both.
(2) Whoever willfully engages in the conduct constituting the offense shall be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both.
In other words, if Mr. Trump, as President, participates in any matter affecting his business interests, he commits a misdemeanor. If he does so willfully, he commits a felony. Were I he, I would be less cavalier about this problem.
5
Where was the similar editorial on Ms. Clinton, bemoaning her obligations for access in exchange for millions for speeches?
Oh for Heaven's sakes! The two are not equal!
2
Ms. Clinton did not grant access in exchange for her compensation for her speeches, which by the way, was in line with compensation received by other high level ex-politicians, such as Rudy Giuliani from much more questionable sources. If you have a problem with Ms. Clinton receiving such compensation when out of office, you should also have problems with other ex-politicians doing so. And where are Trump's tax returns? We do not even know from what sources his compensation are derived, so he has something to hide in there that would jeopardize his presidency (even more)...
3
Trump's attitude and behavior re conflicts of interest, and his family members inappropriately and illegally sticking their noses into the affairs of state, make the average banana republic look ethical by comparison, and the way he communicates with Americans...by the release of canned/pre-packaged/pre-corded videos...is exactly how most two-bit banana republic dictators make pronouncements to their people. The Trumps, including the jewelry-hawking daughter and putative roving ambassador son-in-law are obviously so used to bullying their way around the world by throwing money and lawsuits around, that they can't even see how bad all of this is for our country, and how it adversely effects our formerly good-name. The Trumps are a wrecking crew.
6
So,
"During the campaign, the Trump Organization established companies in Saudi Arabia, apparently an effort to do real estate deals there."
Is it too unlikely to imagine that our decisions in the Middle East will be influenced by Saudi officials who have influence on the real estate investments in Saudi Arabia? Will we use our military to protect the investments?
I wonder if Mr. Trump actually can tell the difference between his financial interests and the common weal? Maybe his new slogan should be "What's good for (my) business is good for the country."
"During the campaign, the Trump Organization established companies in Saudi Arabia, apparently an effort to do real estate deals there."
Is it too unlikely to imagine that our decisions in the Middle East will be influenced by Saudi officials who have influence on the real estate investments in Saudi Arabia? Will we use our military to protect the investments?
I wonder if Mr. Trump actually can tell the difference between his financial interests and the common weal? Maybe his new slogan should be "What's good for (my) business is good for the country."
3
Mr. Trump was democratically elected, as were the Congressmen and Senators from his party who are likely to sit on their hands or at least vote against impeachment if there is a serious violation of the emolument clause. The president's exclusion from conflicts of interests except for those in that clause, is a poor piece of legislation. No one should be above the law, especially after Nixon. We have lost much of the constitutional protection of checks and balances. That also includes the very short time of response to nuclear war, which the founding fathers could not foresee and present day leaders can do nothing about. Everything depends on the integrity and sanity of one individual. Mr. Trump, by the way he acts, has exposed the Achilles heel of American democracy.
4
He was not "democratically" elected. He lost the popular vote.
If the Electoral College votes him in, he will have been autocratically elected.
If the Electoral College votes him in, he will have been autocratically elected.
4
T rump promised the children who voted for him that he would bring change to Washington. A whole pocketful of change. Beautiful change. Bigly change.
The corruption that will rise like the miasma of a fetid swamp is going to be pretty hard to avoid seeing. But I believe that his blind sheep will find a way to ignore his crimes and his stench.
If it is up to the democrats, the press, and the public to hold him accountable I am not very confident.
The corruption that will rise like the miasma of a fetid swamp is going to be pretty hard to avoid seeing. But I believe that his blind sheep will find a way to ignore his crimes and his stench.
If it is up to the democrats, the press, and the public to hold him accountable I am not very confident.
4
In the wake of Gov. John Rowland's conviction for bribery, the state of Connecticut moved toward insuring EVERY state employee knew they must not take anything of value from anyone the state does business with. At the University of Connecticut, this means every employee must review these standards annually. How is it that the President elect and his seemingly capable children and his advisors can skirt their obligations? And why is it that people like me who have to follow the rules aren't objecting more loudly.
5
A "yuge" majority of Congress dislikes Trump and would prefer Mike Pence, the V.P. Trump continues to engage in self-dealing- fueling the fires for impeachment. Will it happen? Likely. Should it?""Most would support. Even Trump seems ambiguous toward assumingg the burdens of Presidency.
1
"For starters, Congress should create a process to review existing and future deals Mr. Trump and his family strike with foreign governments or companies linked to those governments to ensure there are no arrangements that could affect Mr. Trump’s policy decisions. Mr. Trump still hasn’t released his tax returns, which Congress should also demand.
It may seem naïve to expect Republicans to challenge Mr. Trump at the start of his tenure. But their failure to act will make them responsible for any scandal that might emerge from the ties between Mr. Trump’s presidency and his business."
There is not a single cell of moral right in this man's body. And yet . . . he will soon be the president of the United States of America.
It may seem naïve to expect Republicans to challenge Mr. Trump at the start of his tenure. But their failure to act will make them responsible for any scandal that might emerge from the ties between Mr. Trump’s presidency and his business."
There is not a single cell of moral right in this man's body. And yet . . . he will soon be the president of the United States of America.
12
Better too late than never to see those tax returns, eh?
3
Trump's ethis are concerning but what is more concerning is the obvious double standard being applied to him by Democrats. Have they learned nothing from the election? Where were the same concerns when HRC was SOS and the general financial dealings of the Clintons? Whay about the Kennedys, Gore, Harry Reid, Pelosi, Boxer and Feinstein and many others? Complaints about Trump would have greater credibility if they were based on honest ethical concerns rather then hypocritical, one sided, shrill, partisan politics.
Have the Democrats and the corporate media learned nothing?
Have the Democrats and the corporate media learned nothing?
3
Hillary Clinton did not engage in conflicts of interest. The Clinton Foundation is a respectable charitable organization. They were investigated and no shred of malfeasance was found. Trump just settled his fraudulent Trump University case to the tune of 26M. He bribed AGs. He used funds from his Trump Foundation for himself. He called numerous bankruptcies and stiffed contractors. He was fined for discrimination against African Americans. And what have all these other democrats you mention got to do with it? You are the one making things up and sounding shrill and partisan, and unwilling to learn. We still have to see Trump's tax returns while Hillary Clinton showed decades of hers. Now there's a real ethical concern for you!
2
@SenSanders has considerable credibility when shaming Trump. He's the one we need to listen to. Not the hypocrites.
Really?? -- The fate and national security of the entire country is hanging in the balance, and all you can do is point a finger at the Democrats????
1
Trump never met a boundary - that he didn't take as a Dare to cross it.
He must be stopped now.
Publish the list of Electors. Let each and every one face the music!
He must be stopped now.
Publish the list of Electors. Let each and every one face the music!
14
In response to the words of the scribe,
Donald Trump is plum-ripe for the bribe.
Soon, Commander-in-Chief
Could become White House Thief
While we helplessly watch on the side.
Donald Trump is plum-ripe for the bribe.
Soon, Commander-in-Chief
Could become White House Thief
While we helplessly watch on the side.
8
Antonin Scalia's conduct on the Supreme Court said all you need to know about Republican attitudes about conflict of interest: it only exists in non-Republicans.
11
Yes--it's OK if you're a republican. That's their mantra.
I hardly see any benefits that American people have gained from republican president and congressmen over decades, nor the world around them. They disgustingly embrace an intolerable notions that are full of anachronistic ideologies. It's a poisonous ideology that wiped American for decades, and promote the hatred and racism atmosphere along 2016. I'm just stunning how could someone like misogynistic,racist,and mischievous-like can win a presidency? This is something honestly impossible to grasp easily and it evokes the unfavorable, alternative opinions that most liberal-minded hate to listen to them. Most people whom I know have told that this is a stark evidence that America is a symbol of racism and injustice, according to them, America is a catalytic for any war that's already going on around the world. However,I was strongly disagreeing with them,I was American-democratic vocal proponents, but I'm sorry this election have unveiled the gist meaning what does really mean American democracy. I know this is something beyond American, open-minded people whom I admired excessively. I have traveled almost 15 states over the past three years, what I can say is America is great and not to mention the people there are so friendly and LIBERAL-MINDED.
After all, The only thing that I can afford to say is that by getting rid of republican mentality and widespread supremacist ideologies along the Southern America, the america will reach the highest equality and justice, PERIOD.
After all, The only thing that I can afford to say is that by getting rid of republican mentality and widespread supremacist ideologies along the Southern America, the america will reach the highest equality and justice, PERIOD.
2
The NYT has spent nearly three weeks setting up their narratives of Trumpian "racism", failure, and corruption. And for the next four years they will gather every story they can to bolster them. No other stories will find their way in. That's why this paper no longer has any credibility beyond what Clinton and Podesta jokingly referred to as the "Red Army," the increasingly hysterical Democratic base.
The Times spent the last 18 months throwing everything they could find at Trump. We can see the result. Trump will be president on January 20. Having learned nothing, it's doing it again. The Red Army shouldn't expect a different result, should Trump want to run again...The NYT still believes in its influence. What it doesn't understand is that that influence back-fires. The leading theme of the next four years will be the disconnect between the elite media and reality. The media has made itself the story. And more people dislike the media than dislike the president-elect. And Trump will be talking to them via youtube and twitter. You're history, guys and gals...I guess you'd didn't get Sulzberger's memo about rededicating the paper to actual news...That stuff you used to find outside the 2 page Op-Ed spread...
The Times spent the last 18 months throwing everything they could find at Trump. We can see the result. Trump will be president on January 20. Having learned nothing, it's doing it again. The Red Army shouldn't expect a different result, should Trump want to run again...The NYT still believes in its influence. What it doesn't understand is that that influence back-fires. The leading theme of the next four years will be the disconnect between the elite media and reality. The media has made itself the story. And more people dislike the media than dislike the president-elect. And Trump will be talking to them via youtube and twitter. You're history, guys and gals...I guess you'd didn't get Sulzberger's memo about rededicating the paper to actual news...That stuff you used to find outside the 2 page Op-Ed spread...
6
Trump has discovered that an effective political majority of Americans are grifters too. That is why all the bad stuff he gets away with is welcomed by the rest of them as liberation and empowerment.
2
There's no lack of factual evidence bolstering Trump's corruption, business failures, fraudulent behavior etc., so NYT, keep bringing it on! Demand Trump shows his tax returns again and again. He has something to hide there, otherwise why not show them? Burroughs, talking about reality - this watch you see here is real gold - a steal for just 19.99! You'd be a thief of your own purse if you didn't buy it. Trust me!
2
The "Red Army" was the Russian disinformation services which worked so hard to get Trump elected. It was this "Red Army" with its bogus "news" and its social media trolls which Trump supporters such as yourself treated at authentic news rather than any reports from responsible journalists
2
It should be perfectly clear by now to one and all, that Mr. Trump is totally devoid of ethics. How long Congress will tolerate his lack of ethics and disregard of conflicts of interest, remains to be seen. The House of Representatives is perfectly free to draw up Articles of Impeachment when they can no longer tolerate Mr. Trump's use of the Oval Office to pursue his personal enrichment, not to mention his emerging neglect of national security.
3
Two Days ago, Trump sent an email for me to buy a Christmas ornament. This morning, the Trump/pence tumbler.
He is still selling on his election email.
Remember when he was selling Trump steaks? During the campaign?
He is still selling on his election email.
Remember when he was selling Trump steaks? During the campaign?
8
I will never get used to the two words president and Trump next to each other. He was unqualified to run, and he is utterly unqualified to be a world leader.
13
How about Unpresident Trump? The Unpresident. Lewis Carroll would be pleased.
2
We have never had a man as president whose stated goal is to make money off of his position and expects us to buy into his personal goal. The President takes an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution not his bottom line. It is interesting that the only person during the campaign who challenged Trump on this was a Muslim man whose son had given his life for his country and the constitution.
There is a reason we try to separate personal interests from the needs of the country. Money and the making of it has no ethics or standards. Greed is just greed and it does not allow for compassion or the interests of others.
With citizens united and the recognition of corporations as people it is not surprising that a trump would appear. The surprise is that the people of our nation would embrace him and lose their ethical standards in the process. In God or what any higher principle you live by we no longer trust. It is only the almighty dollar.
There is a reason we try to separate personal interests from the needs of the country. Money and the making of it has no ethics or standards. Greed is just greed and it does not allow for compassion or the interests of others.
With citizens united and the recognition of corporations as people it is not surprising that a trump would appear. The surprise is that the people of our nation would embrace him and lose their ethical standards in the process. In God or what any higher principle you live by we no longer trust. It is only the almighty dollar.
4
One can only conclude that the mainstream media, including the Times, appeared to have wanted Trump to win given the nonstop free publicity and coverage, with virtually no mention of his looming conflicts, and the false equivalences re Clinton.
4
It’s stunning how the Republican hypocrites will do nothing and Trumpsters will not care about the gross pay-to-play actions of this misfit-for-office. Could you imagine if Hillary Clinton were elected? Republicans launched a major investigation of the Clintons’ Christmas card list when he entered office. Remember Travelgate? The Republican investigation into how dare the Clintons replace people in the White House travel office? Richard Nixon, who famously said, “It isn’t illegal if the president does it,” resigned his office to avoid impeachment over less of an abuse of power than Trump is already demonstrating. This is a man who is spending more time negotiating his own deals than taking the Presidential Daily Brief on national security. Can’t be bothered. Trump’s goal for his tenure in office? To leave $100 billion richer.
4
Trump is the head of the Republican Party because he represents what the Republican Party is. Why is it a surprise that Trump will use his presidency to enrich himself? The party has been about the enrichment of the rich by means not available to ordinary Americans. Note the inclusion in the cabinet of billionaires. Why is it a surprise that Trump is against international treaties and trade deals which promote peace and trade? The Republicans have been "strong" on national defense by creating trouble that then requires an enlarged military. Why is it a surprise that Trump is a racist? The party has relied on an increasingly racist politics since the Southern Strategy of the 60s. The entire thrust of the GOP is to a large centralized government centralizing power under its control, whether at the state or federal level. Crucial to that tendency is the concentration of wealth in the hands of the few. Trump is leading the way.
8
Trump is not any different before and after he won the electoral votes. His unethical acts are all over the place. We know what we got. The Republican control Senate and Congress will not do anything to him for the sake of ideology and power. Those who voted for Trump did the same thing. We lost the check-and-balance on Trump presidency. However, there might be one thing Trump cares--approval rating, and news media. He won the election thanks to TV free "advertisements" for him. Now it is time fro the news media to do their jobs--to continue expose what he is, and what damages he brings to the country, like this editorial. Maybe, just maybe, Trump would exercises some restraint.
3
But so far since the election Trump's main interaction/communication with the public is by releasing a canned pre-recorded video of pronouncements just like the dictators in Africa and South America have done.
2
Doesn't anyone think that it's high time to establish some common sense ground rules, some basic qualifications for becoming a candidate running to be President?
Automatic disqualifiers would be:
1. Having complex domestic and foreign business interests of the magnitude being discussed
2. Failing to release tax returns
3. Lacking any experience in public service or in actually governing
Automatic disqualifiers would be:
1. Having complex domestic and foreign business interests of the magnitude being discussed
2. Failing to release tax returns
3. Lacking any experience in public service or in actually governing
10
If you look at the fine print on a soda bottle, it will caution that you shouldn't point the bottle at your eye while opening. A population that requires a warning like that needs all of the above rules in place and more!
1
Trump continues to shock us with his self-dealing- building additional basis for impeachment, which a majority of Congress would prefer. V.P. Pence is far more popular in Congress and elsewhere.
Will it happen? More than likely. Should it? Most would agree. Even Trump may have ambiguities toward taking on the burdens of the Presidency.
Will it happen? More than likely. Should it? Most would agree. Even Trump may have ambiguities toward taking on the burdens of the Presidency.
I am no fan or Trump, the whole things is horrifying. Think climate change, think education policy, think alt-right advisors, this list goes on.
If improper financial gain or influence is a real substantive problem, then the things that should go terribly wrong are not going anywhere nearly as badly as one can reasonably expect. Let's try not to sweat the small stuff -- conflict of interest should really be the small stuff.
If improper financial gain or influence is a real substantive problem, then the things that should go terribly wrong are not going anywhere nearly as badly as one can reasonably expect. Let's try not to sweat the small stuff -- conflict of interest should really be the small stuff.
1
Conflict of Interest is no "small stuff".... Not if you seriously take into consideration its implications, and remember that this is a flawed businessman (with several lawsuits currently in litigation), who along with a compliant Republican House & Senate, will also hold the keys to U.S. Treasury.
Think about it.
Think about it.
2
From what I've been reading, ethics lawyers for Obama and Bush have stated that the electoral college voters are bound by the Constitution *not* to vote Trump into office if has not sold off his business interests and put the proceeds in a blind trust. (See the article on Think Progress' website.) If he is voted into office and still has all these business holdings, it is a clear Constitutional violation and grounds for impeachment. If neither of these happens, in my opinion we have truly become a capitalistic government (which I already suspected we were), and the whole notion of a democratic republic is just a faint, and quaint, memory.
18
Please continue to demand Trump's tax returns. As you noted, Trump is the master of bait and switch-- thus far successfully distracting us from continuing to demand his tax returns. He must continue to answer the question of why he does not provide them. As our first businessman President, who made his financial success a foundation of his campaign, he must be held to account and as President who says there is no problem between governing and conducting his business, it is crucial that we see his returns. Don't ever stop asking for them.
23
Are we witnessing and unwillingly participating in the greatest con of all time thanks to the Trump voter. You will always own that vote. At some point there will be a correction....
5
President Obama- with all due respect, to accept the U.S. Officials take on integrity is an oxymoron. It would be foolish to accept their seal of approval on this election after FBI sabotaged it. Homeland Security validated the process ahead of time as if to head off any controversy. A Recount is totally necessary. How much time Mr. President do you have to save Democracy?
7
Millions just voted for a sexual predator, tax cheat, and a business man who specializes in fraud.. Do you think they care about conflicts of interest or some nepotism??.
Give it up NYT. You, and the Democratic party, are not going to win back political power by going after this stuff.
The one and only message of the Democratic party going forward should be jobs, jobs, jobs...
Give it up NYT. You, and the Democratic party, are not going to win back political power by going after this stuff.
The one and only message of the Democratic party going forward should be jobs, jobs, jobs...
1
The Democratic party cannot do anything about jobs as long as Trump is in office and Hillary Clinton had detailed plans to create them in her infrastructure plans. Tax returns, tax returns, tax returns! Go after them. Don't relent!
4
One question for the NY Times Editorial Board:
Does the Board in its own estimation believe that a President Trump could eventually be impeached and convicted of "high crimes and misdemeanors" for this conduct?
Any response from the Board would be deeply appreciated.
Does the Board in its own estimation believe that a President Trump could eventually be impeached and convicted of "high crimes and misdemeanors" for this conduct?
Any response from the Board would be deeply appreciated.
2
The media and those on the left still don't quite get it. Trump and those who admire him don't care about conflicts no matter how glaring. Monitoring potential policy or diplomatic scandals is like having a 10 year old school kid be the hall monitor in a 1960's public school, threatening to tell the teacher someone is breaking the rules! Meanwhile the bully runs through it all laughing all the way to the bank.
As long as there is money to be made, people will do whatever it takes to get it, call it capitalism and say it is good for the country.
Seriously, isn't it time to mount an offensive pushback that might actually be effective? It sounds like you are all about to get run over and squashed pretty quickly.
As long as there is money to be made, people will do whatever it takes to get it, call it capitalism and say it is good for the country.
Seriously, isn't it time to mount an offensive pushback that might actually be effective? It sounds like you are all about to get run over and squashed pretty quickly.
1
I've signed a lot of petitions in the past several weeks aimed at stopping Trump.
How about a new one, imploring Trump to resign? We could try appealing to his sense of honor...
Just kidding.
How about a new one, imploring Trump to resign? We could try appealing to his sense of honor...
Just kidding.
2
The big question is: Will Donald Trump place a huge Trump sign on the front of The White House?
At this point, that's the very least of our problems when you think about all the policies he and his acolytes will have the liberty of enacting INSIDE the White House..
1
I couldn't agree more that Trump's business interests are too great to allow to continue without either being sold and replaced with money placed in a real blind trust, or being subject to a bi-partisan oversight committee being allowed to have total access to all the financials and business plans of his interests.
But it should be pointed out that on this last September 14, Kurt Eichenwald published an article in Newsweek that did a fantastic job of pointing out in detail how large Trump's business conflicts were. When I read it I thought, this is it: Trump will either be forced to eliminates these conflicts or the country will recognize that he is too selfish to be president. But what happened? The mainstream media -- including the New York Times -- never mentioned this article or the extend of its findings, and never hammered home to the American people just how great Trump's conflicts were -- as the Newsweek article did.
Why? I don't know for sure, but I have a hunch it was because big media had their own business conflict of interest -- i.e., they didn't want Newsweek, which is now owned by an insignificant company -- to get credit for uncovering an important story they missed.
But it should be pointed out that on this last September 14, Kurt Eichenwald published an article in Newsweek that did a fantastic job of pointing out in detail how large Trump's business conflicts were. When I read it I thought, this is it: Trump will either be forced to eliminates these conflicts or the country will recognize that he is too selfish to be president. But what happened? The mainstream media -- including the New York Times -- never mentioned this article or the extend of its findings, and never hammered home to the American people just how great Trump's conflicts were -- as the Newsweek article did.
Why? I don't know for sure, but I have a hunch it was because big media had their own business conflict of interest -- i.e., they didn't want Newsweek, which is now owned by an insignificant company -- to get credit for uncovering an important story they missed.
2
Donald has put his meetings on possible cabinet choices on hold today. He's busy deciding where to put his latest office complex, golf course, condo resort in Cuba.
Keep it up New York Times!!! We need the media more and more. Drown out the lies that people remember because they are repeated and repeated, designed to confirm their own erroneous thinking. This is the Donald's second job at age 70. Real change is rare.
6
Dear NYT Editorial Board - it's been quite a while since your paper had any real influence over the direction of this country, even less so now. You didn't do enough to stop this narcissistic sociopath from becoming President, so what makes you think Republicans are going to listen to you now? As Bill Moyers and co said recently, America and its main stream media died on Nov 9, 2016. We are all - even Trump supporters - truly in deep trouble and sadly, all of your whining ain't going to make a whit of difference. Good luck to us all, we're going to need it.
8
The point is the NYT and many other established news sources should not give up. Giving up is weak. If we have the wrong type of leader running this country, it's a duty for NYT and others to stay on top of his wrongdoings and keep informing the public. If the reader is to dumb to understand what he/she reads, then so be it, but to give up is absolutely wrong.
1
Each and every Elector should have to publicly explain and defend their vote. They should all be known. One by one. They must be made accountable.
6
The United States Criminal Code sets forth the criminal penalties for bribery and conflicts of interests for government employees. At 18 U.S.C. C. 11, section 202 (c), the statute excludes the president from the definition of "employee" and "officer" with regard to five sections of the conflict of interest law. Why?
The office of president is so far-reaching that our president will invariably have some minor conflict of interest arising from even basic activities say, a home mortgage, car insurance, children to be educated. The practical realities of the chief executive's decision-making exempt the president from being subject to criminal prosecution for these.
In recognition of this, others excluded from the operation of certain conflict of interest provisions are the vice president, members of Congress, and Federal judges. Understand that this limited exemption from criminal prosecution applies to hundreds of federal officials. The moral and ethical requirements still apply, of course. Do all 435 congressmen or judges get a free pass to enrich themselves? Of course not. That would be unthinkable. Nor does the president get a license to print money from his office.
As your editorial points out, its not that the president can't have a conflict of interest: he simply can't be criminally prosecuted for five sections of the statute. Mr. Trump's failure to acknowledge ethical and moral limits is truly frightening. I anticipate the new White House counsel will educate him.
The office of president is so far-reaching that our president will invariably have some minor conflict of interest arising from even basic activities say, a home mortgage, car insurance, children to be educated. The practical realities of the chief executive's decision-making exempt the president from being subject to criminal prosecution for these.
In recognition of this, others excluded from the operation of certain conflict of interest provisions are the vice president, members of Congress, and Federal judges. Understand that this limited exemption from criminal prosecution applies to hundreds of federal officials. The moral and ethical requirements still apply, of course. Do all 435 congressmen or judges get a free pass to enrich themselves? Of course not. That would be unthinkable. Nor does the president get a license to print money from his office.
As your editorial points out, its not that the president can't have a conflict of interest: he simply can't be criminally prosecuted for five sections of the statute. Mr. Trump's failure to acknowledge ethical and moral limits is truly frightening. I anticipate the new White House counsel will educate him.
5
Doesn't he have a sister who is a federal judge? Perhaps she could be of assistance in explaining federal laws and conflicts of interest.
1
So the only people who can become president are professional politicians who trade favors for political contributions and wealthy individuals whose wealth consists of securities that can be placed in trust?
Goodness knows that the NY Times wasn't getting its panties in a wringer over Hillary's speaking fees and foundation contributors - even in the face of evidence she was doing favors for them while in government service.
Trump owns buildings and golf courses - they are not liquid and the need to be managed. Doesn't seem reasonable to require Trump to sell off all his holdings at distressed prices when his family can manage the properties. This is a unique situation, but the voters seem to like the fact that Trump is a successful real estate entrepreneur and is not a professional politician on the take.
Goodness knows that the NY Times wasn't getting its panties in a wringer over Hillary's speaking fees and foundation contributors - even in the face of evidence she was doing favors for them while in government service.
Trump owns buildings and golf courses - they are not liquid and the need to be managed. Doesn't seem reasonable to require Trump to sell off all his holdings at distressed prices when his family can manage the properties. This is a unique situation, but the voters seem to like the fact that Trump is a successful real estate entrepreneur and is not a professional politician on the take.
2
More like a con man real estate entrepreneur turned amateur politician on the take.
Sounds like someone who is not an entrepreneur much less a real estate entrepreneur. So easy for a wge slave who has never risked anything to sit and judge. same sorts of people who think Hillary is a New Deal Democrat instead of a politician on the take.
Having done the unimaginable, being picked out of 17 to be the leader of the GOP, and further winning the presidency, I'm not ready to assume anything regarding Mr. Trump's ability to not only flaunt the issues of conflict of interest, but happily profit and rub our noises in it. If Donald Trump can succeed in keeping 51% people happy and a majority of congress from believing they personally will pay a political price for his shenanigans, Who knows? I think this is going to be power politics like we have never witnessed.
You think anyone who voted for Trump cares about integrity?
11
Don't know what you've got till it's gone (democracy).
This is an untenable and potentially disasterous situation - the president cannot be allowed to have even the appearance of a conflict of interest much less an actual conflict of interest. There are two obvious solutions: in the short term Congress needs to immediately pass legislation that explicitly fixes this problem; or, in the long run, a Constitutional amendment has to be passed to remove presidential conflicts of interest.
6
" A president can, of course, have conflicts of interest, and an ethical leader would do everything possible to dispel those conflicts, whether required by law or not."
I think we know trump is not ethical in any sense at all. He is the most unethical president we will have ever had. And to the extent the GOP support him they will share in the stink of his dishonesty and will never live it down. It is clear the GOP doesn't care. We have watched people like Romney crawl on his stomach for a trump handout. All the Congressional leaders who decried trump, correctly, now also crawl to him.
There doesn't seem to be anything, at the moment, we can do except remember and record so when the time comes we can punish trump and his cronies without mercy.
I hope the other media and various leaders in many other areas, domestic and foreign (for foreign interests will also be heavily injured by trump) are ready for our Normandy.
I think we know trump is not ethical in any sense at all. He is the most unethical president we will have ever had. And to the extent the GOP support him they will share in the stink of his dishonesty and will never live it down. It is clear the GOP doesn't care. We have watched people like Romney crawl on his stomach for a trump handout. All the Congressional leaders who decried trump, correctly, now also crawl to him.
There doesn't seem to be anything, at the moment, we can do except remember and record so when the time comes we can punish trump and his cronies without mercy.
I hope the other media and various leaders in many other areas, domestic and foreign (for foreign interests will also be heavily injured by trump) are ready for our Normandy.
6
Welcome to the United States of North Brazil.
Notice to Tax payers. The new address for the US treasury is 725 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022. Make them out to CASH.
Notice to Tax payers. The new address for the US treasury is 725 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022. Make them out to CASH.
6
Why isn't it ok for Donald Trump to be "above the law"? Hillary Clinton has been above the law for decades and has realized few consequences for her many wrongdoings (voting against her was the only statement many "voiceless" Americans could make)
Why didn't The New York Times apply the same "surgical" precision to Hillary Clinton's chronic lies/conflicts of interest/money shenanigans through the State Dept. before and when she was a candidate--as it is doing now with Mr. Trump?
The incessant drumbeat against everything he says and does every day has become laughable and reveals something deeper re the liberal/left and the Grey Lady: they simply cannot get over being woefully wrong about the American people and their ultimate common sense sending the Obamas and the Clintons packing. (Many of us knew that for Mrs. Clinton to say she would be "continuing Obama's policies" for the next four to eight years was one of the stupidest and most tone-deaf political promises ever made.)
If she had won the election, it would have been her "caldron of conflict" to address but not likely in The New York Times.
Why didn't The New York Times apply the same "surgical" precision to Hillary Clinton's chronic lies/conflicts of interest/money shenanigans through the State Dept. before and when she was a candidate--as it is doing now with Mr. Trump?
The incessant drumbeat against everything he says and does every day has become laughable and reveals something deeper re the liberal/left and the Grey Lady: they simply cannot get over being woefully wrong about the American people and their ultimate common sense sending the Obamas and the Clintons packing. (Many of us knew that for Mrs. Clinton to say she would be "continuing Obama's policies" for the next four to eight years was one of the stupidest and most tone-deaf political promises ever made.)
If she had won the election, it would have been her "caldron of conflict" to address but not likely in The New York Times.
5
Trump will be impeached within the first two years - and, he won't care.
Trump is a con man that will not make good on any of his campaign promises. He conned the poorly educated and gullible, and the rest of us have to deal with their poor decisions.
Trump is a con man that will not make good on any of his campaign promises. He conned the poorly educated and gullible, and the rest of us have to deal with their poor decisions.
17
There is time still to save our country. The electoral college can still refuse to elect him
15
dream on
3
I'm surprised (but then again not) that I'm saying this but I'm ready for Pence. The impeachment can't happen soon enough Republicans.
3
If and when the conflicts manifest themselves as self serving insider deals, where the decisions officials make are merely attempts to enrich themselves or their friends, the media will hopefully be there to aggressively expose them. Otherwise Trump et al., will get away with the biggest heist in history.
3
Excellent editorial.
One question -
Why wasn't this emphasized over and over prior to election day?
One question -
Why wasn't this emphasized over and over prior to election day?
13
Yes. Yes! YES!!! This is the very crux of the situation we now find ourselves in. It is mind-boggling.
1
If Trump is unwilling to admit the President can have conflicts of interest, then he opens the door for public investigators to know his dealings intimately enough to assure that American interests are not coopted. I would suggest the IRS for starters. In a nation of laws, this is only reasonable.
8
The issue is not that he won't admit the president can have conflicts of interest. The issue is that he does not understand the difference between actually having a conflict of interest and violating the technicalities of the law. That a conflict can exist without facing an actual fine in black-and-white is beyond his understanding. I don't believe he understands the concept of "the spirit" of laws.
The Debaser in Chief.
8
Obstructionism Now! Commit to making Trump a one term (gulp) President.
How about it minority.
How about it minority.
5
You are welcome to try. That is what the political process is all about.
Maybe you will be successful. Maybe you will not.
But remember, if you end up on the losing end, as it appears from the political landscape across the country, you may have difficulty in 2018 an 2020 achieving your desires of taking back the House, the Senate, and/or the presidency may be limited.
Note that the Republicans also need to be somewhat careful, and not discount what happened to Obama and the Democrats after the passage by chicanery and parliamentary tactic of Obamacare.
Maybe you will be successful. Maybe you will not.
But remember, if you end up on the losing end, as it appears from the political landscape across the country, you may have difficulty in 2018 an 2020 achieving your desires of taking back the House, the Senate, and/or the presidency may be limited.
Note that the Republicans also need to be somewhat careful, and not discount what happened to Obama and the Democrats after the passage by chicanery and parliamentary tactic of Obamacare.
maybe the members of the electoral college are paying attention and will see that 25% of the electorate who voted for trump were duped. trump is not in any way fit to be president.
12
Meet with business partners in the White House? Objection! The White House is "The Peoples' house", where the president resides to conduct the business of the People.
No on expects the president to so scrupulously adhere to that accepted rule of behavior to the absurd extent of, say, being forbidden to write a check for Barron's private school fees and other such minutiae, but doing business with his partners, some of them almost certain to be involved with foreign governments in the course of business?
Objection! Trump has smugly and self-righteously opened a can of worms that screams to be resealed. For how long have we Americans looked with contempt upon tin-pot dictators enriching themselves by use of their peoples' assets? In this case, that asset may be "just" a place rather than a thing or things, but the principle is the same.
The president is permitted to use the Peoples' House for the Peoples' business. I say again: Objection!
No on expects the president to so scrupulously adhere to that accepted rule of behavior to the absurd extent of, say, being forbidden to write a check for Barron's private school fees and other such minutiae, but doing business with his partners, some of them almost certain to be involved with foreign governments in the course of business?
Objection! Trump has smugly and self-righteously opened a can of worms that screams to be resealed. For how long have we Americans looked with contempt upon tin-pot dictators enriching themselves by use of their peoples' assets? In this case, that asset may be "just" a place rather than a thing or things, but the principle is the same.
The president is permitted to use the Peoples' House for the Peoples' business. I say again: Objection!
6
Interesting developments!
I wonder what's next.
I wonder what's next.
3
The priorities of Trump seem to be Trump Without showing his taxes and spotty results in business plus a questionable view on race and religion not to mention his new regruits.Confidence in him being ethical seems like a long shot.
4
To anyone who hoped that the passage of time eases all wounds never had to deal with this election cycle and the outcome it regurgitated. For someone who quickly learned that the more he offended the higher his approvals went to now change course and become "moderate" is living in the same fantasy land I allowed myself to live in when I said "no, while there are many millions of crazies in this country, when put to a national vote Americans will send him packing because decency and rationality triumph over blatant racism and countless offensive - no, abhorrent outbursts. So every day since election day we've been gifted with proposed members of various executive agencies, one worse than the last. Did someone place a sign on the gate of Marlago saying "DREGS OF AMERICAN THINKING APPLY HERE"? Sessions, senator for the LEAST "just" state to head Justice? Perry (that's right, from OIL COUNTRY) to head Energy? The governor of S.C who has ZERO experience with foreign affairs at the UN? No, folks, time is not healing my wounds especially when I remind myself that someone who would have been one of our nation's greatest leaders had victory stolen by an FBI Director who should be drawn and quartered and various other acts so disgusting that if you don't know what they are or how the GOP candidate conducted his campaign by now then you deserve to suffer the consequences of the nation's lunacy. Unfortunately I have to suffer with you, as I am every day now.
9
The game is pretty much this: Trump will run his businesses and leave running the country to the Republicans. Think of every bad Republican policy and idea of the past decade. Now think of them being implemented in rapid succession. Trump is just an empty cup just waiting to be filled up.
From the outside view over here in Australia, the US is well and truly shot for the next 4 years. Maybe forever....
From the outside view over here in Australia, the US is well and truly shot for the next 4 years. Maybe forever....
23
This whole mess wouldn't have happened if Obama hadn't anointed HRC over Joe Biden.
Elections have consequences and now look you dumbo Democrats.
Elections have consequences and now look you dumbo Democrats.
1
We want to see the taxes! I say boycott businesses and countries
cozying up to trump.
I say bombard the Senate with letters phone calls etc. if they allow
trump international to replace the work due the American people.
I say hire all the investigative journalists to right all the lies...every one every day.
trump is the very definition of corrupt.
America....Don't give him one inch or he will swallow us whole.
cozying up to trump.
I say bombard the Senate with letters phone calls etc. if they allow
trump international to replace the work due the American people.
I say hire all the investigative journalists to right all the lies...every one every day.
trump is the very definition of corrupt.
America....Don't give him one inch or he will swallow us whole.
6
This article is preaching to the choir. Those who get, got it before the election. I just shake my head and chuckle. A woman in Florida, who voted for Trump said, "I hope he doesn't take my Obama Care away." Way to go.
19
Saying Mrs. Clinton is the far superior candidate does Mrs. Clinton a gross injustice. Comparing Trump to Clinton is the equivalence of comparing Charles Manson to Mother Theresa. Not my president, never will be!
18
Jeff, if you can't accept Trump -- who has been duly elected -- as president then perhaps you should consider moving someplace where you can accept the leader of the country.
1
Before his induction, shouldn't there be an "either or" determination of business empire or presidency with full transparency?
Otherwise, this begins to sound and look like some dictator run 3rd world approach to democracy......which if left to its own devices puts "elected officials" in for life.
Put another way, given that Trump has ridden rough shod over several entrenched protocols associated with the Constitution already, what's to stop him aspiring to the rank of President for Life in his plans?
Otherwise, this begins to sound and look like some dictator run 3rd world approach to democracy......which if left to its own devices puts "elected officials" in for life.
Put another way, given that Trump has ridden rough shod over several entrenched protocols associated with the Constitution already, what's to stop him aspiring to the rank of President for Life in his plans?
4
What statutes are you citing that could lead to the the scrutiny that you are requesting?
Please be specific, lecourt.
And why are you trying to interfere in our domestic political affairs? You would be livid if we were to interfere with yours...
I find your dabbling in our politics to be offensive, sir.
Please be specific, lecourt.
And why are you trying to interfere in our domestic political affairs? You would be livid if we were to interfere with yours...
I find your dabbling in our politics to be offensive, sir.
1
I can hardly wait for Trump's inaugural address. Maybe he'll channel FDR: "The only thing we have to fear is... me, myself."
3
Trump to Clinton: You have to divest.
Trump to USA: Try and take my stuff. The law doesn't apply to President Ponzi.
Who got away with fraud? No contest.
Trump to USA: Try and take my stuff. The law doesn't apply to President Ponzi.
Who got away with fraud? No contest.
8
The whole United States is a fraudulent democracy.
1
Well unless you get your act together and produce a neat little bundle of corruption that can fit in a 2 minute segment ( see Bush, Billy ), this will all go nowhere and you will be fighting the good fight from the Gulag.
So hurry up "editorial board" and produce some hard news that the Electoral College has no choice but to accept.
Remember, it's YOUR freedom you are fighting for ........
So hurry up "editorial board" and produce some hard news that the Electoral College has no choice but to accept.
Remember, it's YOUR freedom you are fighting for ........
8
Mr. Trump has more time to meet with potential business associates/partners than to devote to the national security briefings he has thus far mostly eschewed. That is clear evidence of his priorities which do not include the wellbeing of our citizens or the security of our country. Will all this be delegated so he can focus on his business interests during the next four years?
5
Trump has no standing to do anything in matters security until he actually takes office.
Remember, we only have one President at a time...something that both Bushes recognized, but Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton...a likely Barack Obama seems to forget.
Sniping from the sidelines isn't very classy,
Remember, we only have one President at a time...something that both Bushes recognized, but Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton...a likely Barack Obama seems to forget.
Sniping from the sidelines isn't very classy,
1
I'm grateful to the NYT for keeping up its coverage of Trump's travesties, but I'd love to see more open and passionate condemnation, as was happening in the lead-up to the election, once David Leonhardt came on board.
I hope that real investigative journalism is at work behind the scenes, digging for evidence of criminal or impeachable behavior. I'm sure it is.
I hope that real investigative journalism is at work behind the scenes, digging for evidence of criminal or impeachable behavior. I'm sure it is.
5
Everybody already knows. Trump's MO is bullying and grifting, and lesser bullies and grifters all across the land bask in unprecedented legitimacy.
2
The bellyacbelly will go nowhere as the feckless politicaiana have thrown any effort to impart ethics to this process by pretending to ignore the issue. Once Mr. Trump is dealings do get caught legally violating the ethics clause I wonder how many will shed crocodile tears while claiming they warned him earlier.
The doublespeak will be in full display as the rats leaving the boats and will let him wither on the vine.
The doublespeak will be in full display as the rats leaving the boats and will let him wither on the vine.
1
How is this for a YUGE on-going conflict of interest --
Trump's charges bigly for using his own properties and plane for his daily presidential business.
I'm sure it won't be govt. per diem rates! How much is he charging for Trump Tower per day now adding an extra bill for a floor for Secret Service?
NYT Why isn't this included in your list of conflicts of interest? It's obvious self-serving and enrichment--to US taxpayers' detriment. This must be part of your reporting! It is a serious and very obvious conflict of interest. Think about it.
NYT -- Please Please find out how much his companies are already charging us and start publishing a daily total!
Even if he decides not to bill the US taxpayers for use of his properties and planes, etc., he can still take enormous, enormous tax deductions for these expenses, continuing his HUGE annual loss rollover ad infinitum. Continuing his refusal to pay his fair share of taxes.
Trump made it very clear what his priorites are: himself first and always, his family, his business, and then, oh yes, forgot, "the country." in that order
Trump's charges bigly for using his own properties and plane for his daily presidential business.
I'm sure it won't be govt. per diem rates! How much is he charging for Trump Tower per day now adding an extra bill for a floor for Secret Service?
NYT Why isn't this included in your list of conflicts of interest? It's obvious self-serving and enrichment--to US taxpayers' detriment. This must be part of your reporting! It is a serious and very obvious conflict of interest. Think about it.
NYT -- Please Please find out how much his companies are already charging us and start publishing a daily total!
Even if he decides not to bill the US taxpayers for use of his properties and planes, etc., he can still take enormous, enormous tax deductions for these expenses, continuing his HUGE annual loss rollover ad infinitum. Continuing his refusal to pay his fair share of taxes.
Trump made it very clear what his priorites are: himself first and always, his family, his business, and then, oh yes, forgot, "the country." in that order
8
Trump has already done more to encourage tax evasion than any other public figure in the US.
9
I can see it now, the new Republican slogans:
"What's good for Trump is good for America!"
or
"Let's make America great again by making Trump even more great!"
"What's good for Trump is good for America!"
or
"Let's make America great again by making Trump even more great!"
5
A Trump Hotel in North Korea might be the way to tame Kim Jong Un.
1
Our democracy, as we have known it, is over. I am terrified.
9
Inasmuch as we are not a democracy but a Republic, I find it difficult to understand what it is that you are trying to say, Mz. C.
Do you actually know the difference between a "democracy" and a "repubkic"?
I am sure that you would not be to interested in living in one if you found yourself on the wrong side of political hegemony. Remember, there were a fair number of French men and women who literally lost their heads for the sake of your treasured "democracy".
Do you actually know the difference between a "democracy" and a "repubkic"?
I am sure that you would not be to interested in living in one if you found yourself on the wrong side of political hegemony. Remember, there were a fair number of French men and women who literally lost their heads for the sake of your treasured "democracy".
1
The NYT must apply UNRELENTING DAILY pressure on Trump to STOP monetizing the oval office.
That's certainly the least the paper can do, considering how many articles they ran about the Clinton Foundation and the "appearance" of improprieties (How quaint that seems now!) while barely mentioning the outright bribery, tax fraud misappropriation of funds perpetrated by Trump's foundation!
That's certainly the least the paper can do, considering how many articles they ran about the Clinton Foundation and the "appearance" of improprieties (How quaint that seems now!) while barely mentioning the outright bribery, tax fraud misappropriation of funds perpetrated by Trump's foundation!
10
Now that there is a President and a Congress that no longer support the agenda of the Times, or the news media for that matter, I would expect to see the Times to be unrelenting in their criticism of anything that is done in Washington...
Unlike the past nine years when the Obama administration could do no wrong, even though the economy will be entering Recovery Summer IX, our foreign relations are in tatters, transparency and openness are non-existent, and our post-partisan President has turned out to be one of the most partisan in our history.
Oh, I am sure that the Times will be full-throated in their cries in the editorials, their Op-Ed selections, their columnists, and their news pieces.
Unlike the past nine years when the Obama administration could do no wrong, even though the economy will be entering Recovery Summer IX, our foreign relations are in tatters, transparency and openness are non-existent, and our post-partisan President has turned out to be one of the most partisan in our history.
Oh, I am sure that the Times will be full-throated in their cries in the editorials, their Op-Ed selections, their columnists, and their news pieces.
1
It is nice to ask Congress to enforce the law on emoluments. Nice but perhaps of little effect. There is not much Congress can do without the president’s signature. Impeachment, anyone?
4
The Congress doesn't enforce laws, Mr. Rotermund.
I would have hoped that your study of the institutions and processes of our great nation would have taught you that little nuance, sir.
As for impeachment? With a Republican House and a Republican Senate how are they going to come up with the articles of impeachment, let alone a two-thirds majority of the Senate to convict?
Time to return from the Twilight Zone and put down your tinfoil had and sponge rubber light saber.
I would have hoped that your study of the institutions and processes of our great nation would have taught you that little nuance, sir.
As for impeachment? With a Republican House and a Republican Senate how are they going to come up with the articles of impeachment, let alone a two-thirds majority of the Senate to convict?
Time to return from the Twilight Zone and put down your tinfoil had and sponge rubber light saber.
1
Here it is: When you go through life never apologizing for anything you are a lout and a scoundrel. You can tell me you love cops, black people, Hispanics, Mexico and this country, but that doesn’t do anything at all to mitigate the fact that you are a lout and a scoundrel.
12
Being a lout and scoundrel is now quite fashionable.
2
DT is a horrifying side-show while the GOP’s policies pose “serious danger to human survival.”
4
Obama tried to do many good things for the population. The Republicans stopped him at every turn. Now they blame him for getting nothing done. Compare this to what the Republicans have in store for us. We had 8 years of sins of omission but now we will have sins of commission with a GOP, president, Senate and Court. Weep for the American people.
6
"Make Trump Inc greater" trumps "Make America Great Again." The entire family is the most vile and vulgar first family in the White House, the cheesiest of television reality shows playing out before us with real life and death global consequences. It's an unimaginable nightmare. Congressional Republicans have not acted remotely responsible for more than a decade; it's unlikely they will start now with a Republican in the White House. Not my president, never will be--EVER!
5
Trump must already be the greatest recruiting tool any terrorist could wish for. Not only that, every trump property around the world will become a prime target for terrorism.
My advice: stay clear of anything that has the trump name - or whatever euphemism they use instead. Unless you want to take the risk. I can't imagine any other symbol the terrorists will be eager to go after. Golf course. Hotel. They'll all be targets.
Not only will trump seek to take advantage of all presidential powers, including spying on each of us here, but his properties and brand will become targets for extortion, for protection rackets. The bad guys will use him or abuse him, just as he'll do that to our nation.
My advice: stay clear of anything that has the trump name - or whatever euphemism they use instead. Unless you want to take the risk. I can't imagine any other symbol the terrorists will be eager to go after. Golf course. Hotel. They'll all be targets.
Not only will trump seek to take advantage of all presidential powers, including spying on each of us here, but his properties and brand will become targets for extortion, for protection rackets. The bad guys will use him or abuse him, just as he'll do that to our nation.
4
We are about to enter the Trumpian era. A time where all that glitters is not gold and if it looks good, it must be good because one man says so. Where that public doesn't care what it sees or hears but only what it imagines. Welcome to the time of the carnival barker, the candy butcher, and medicine man; God I hope I'm wrong.
3
For starters, let's see his tax returns.
31
Trump has not officially been elected yet. That does not happen until the electors of the electoral college meet and vote. Publish all their names and addresses and emails and let the pressure be applied to them to do the job they were intended to do.
5
I doubt that most who voted for Trump care much about his conflicts or ethics. I think it's difficult for many to understand those who voted for Trump, but I found some valuable insights in the book by Arlie Russell Hochschild called, "Strangers in their own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right".
In this book, Hochschild explores the "deep story" of conservatives in Louisiana, and what she uncovers is that such people do not have an economic rationale for voting for Trump, as much as an emotional one. A great number of people have been very angry that the left is telling them how to feel, and shaming them for not feeling like they are "supposed" to feel. Trump more than any other candidate demonstrated that he was impervious to such shaming, and so they rallied behind him. Trump symbolizes the ability of these folks to remove the burden that's been placed upon them to have feelings (such as empathy for Syrian refugees) that they dont' have and don't want to have. For these people, if Trump continues to tromp upon political correctness, he'll have succeeded as a president -- regardless of what others view as a cauldron of conflicts, or the damage wrought to the environment or health care or anything else.
Re the environment -- something else Hochschild found was that the red states are significantly more polluted than the blue states -- Louisiana being the state w/ most industrial pollution -- but surprisingly, voters there dont' care much about that.
In this book, Hochschild explores the "deep story" of conservatives in Louisiana, and what she uncovers is that such people do not have an economic rationale for voting for Trump, as much as an emotional one. A great number of people have been very angry that the left is telling them how to feel, and shaming them for not feeling like they are "supposed" to feel. Trump more than any other candidate demonstrated that he was impervious to such shaming, and so they rallied behind him. Trump symbolizes the ability of these folks to remove the burden that's been placed upon them to have feelings (such as empathy for Syrian refugees) that they dont' have and don't want to have. For these people, if Trump continues to tromp upon political correctness, he'll have succeeded as a president -- regardless of what others view as a cauldron of conflicts, or the damage wrought to the environment or health care or anything else.
Re the environment -- something else Hochschild found was that the red states are significantly more polluted than the blue states -- Louisiana being the state w/ most industrial pollution -- but surprisingly, voters there dont' care much about that.
2
All hail the King of Fools, Quasimodo Trump.
3
Trump is not yet in the White House and he is already saying that that is OK to meet with business partners.
What will happen in the next four years? Will our next President become a true billionaire?
It is not OK. Trump is mocking us.
What will happen in the next four years? Will our next President become a true billionaire?
It is not OK. Trump is mocking us.
2
The only surprise here is that anyone is surprised that Trump continues to enrich himself and his family and is now using his latest "crown" to do so. If anyone seriously expects the GOTPower uber alles to "ride herd" on their very own grifter, think again. The GOTP has zero integrity; zero interest in serving the needs of the American people; zero ethics; and zero interest in holding anyone except Democrats "accountable." The very fact that the press and a minority of voters (let us face it: HRC won this election handily) permitted this con man who has stolen from thousands of contractors, small businesses, banks, and employees in order to feather his own nest, and has never once been forced to disclose all of his shady dealings over decades to gain the Presidency is a disgraceful commentary on our miserable failure as a nation committed to the rule of law, to common decency, to fairness, and to accountability of our elected officials. This is already obscenely ugly, and will become immeasurably more so. 11/27/16; 9:46 AM
4
Ok 1st, the man was not my 1st Choice to be President. 2nd, please don't tell me HRC's "business interests" weren't going to create conflict issues for her. she has proven to be very wall street friendly. all that being said, the man, whether we like it or not, is going to be president for the next 4 years at least. it's time for us to stop being haters and divisive and criticising his every move down to what he had for breakfast. STOP. this hatred is what is tearing apart the fabric of this country. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that deep down, he wants to do what is best for America. we will all agree or disagree with what that is to varying degrees, and that's ok. it's what America is built on. but the constant, instant hate of every move has to stop. as a nation, as a people, have we sunk so low that we can't civilly support our leader, whether we agree completely with him or not? if we cant, then I fear that our society and our great nation has a very limited life span. we won't need to worry about climate change. we will bring about our own national downfall much sooner. I ask you. please. and NYT--that goes for you too.
Trump's conflicts of interest are monumental and conspicuous, and, to make that matter even worse, he seems well on the course to using the presidency for personal gain. Given his history and character, I'd be surprised if he acted otherwise -- and he'll lie about it.
Accordingly, he can't really be president because he can't distinguish between "presidential" and "self-interest" -- or national good from Trump good -- any better than he distinguishes between truth and falsehood. Of course, Chaffetz will want to look into those multiple interest conflicts (holding breath).
Accordingly, he can't really be president because he can't distinguish between "presidential" and "self-interest" -- or national good from Trump good -- any better than he distinguishes between truth and falsehood. Of course, Chaffetz will want to look into those multiple interest conflicts (holding breath).
3
He's a grifter. Big surprise. I didn't vote for him and I'm not responsible for him. But this is my concern, and I don't see anyone talking about it: His properties all over the world became terrorist targets the second he scammed his way into the White House. Are we paying for the Secret Service to protect all of those Trump properties worldwide, too? It's appalling enough we have to pay Trump for the tower's protection in NYC. On top of that, I fear for the innocent neighbors and residents of those properties. Donald just put a huge target on their backs.
9
Come on NYT, financial conflict of interest is the least of it. Trump is an ignorant racist who admires Putin. He will have his hands on the nuclear button.
3
yeah . . . yeah, nothing new to see here. Now, would the plebs move along and go back to Ohio, Wisconsin, or wherever to those empty factories with no jobs, and soon no Obamacare . . . time I got back to the business of looking after the only that matters - me . . . it's gonna be amazing . . .
2
"Donald Trump’s Caldron of Conflicts", this might be very well said about his mind, god bless America!
2
Why, NYT, warn Trump about potential conflicts of interest?
Let him wade recklessly into self-enrichment via the presidency and I assure you he will violate the anti-bribes clauses in the Constitution.
Let him be himself! Sheesh.
Let him wade recklessly into self-enrichment via the presidency and I assure you he will violate the anti-bribes clauses in the Constitution.
Let him be himself! Sheesh.
Trump is asking us to believe that not only him, but everyone else in the world, will be able to separate his business interests from the presidency.
History says: What are you, a bunch of fools?
History says: What are you, a bunch of fools?
4
Of course a president cannot have conflicts of interest. After all, la loi c'est moi in the new gilded trumpocracy.
2
Trump's extraordinary psychological problems, his manifestly poor judgement, his lack of knowledge or expertise about government and foreign affairs, and his essential dishonesty also threaten the nature of our government and the survival of our democracy.
7
Donald Trump has crowned himself, believing he is king. He even sent one of his princes to speak with the Russians re: Syria. He has thumbed his nose at our laws and no one stops him. I've followed the white rabbit down the hole and am living in a parallel dimension...have we all lost our minds.
5
Hopefully, David Boies or Michael Tiger, or their ilk, will soon bring against him the legal action he deserves, before his inauguration provides him protection from any redress but impeachment by his Republican renegades.
Trump bragged about the amount of loot he took out of Atlantic City.
Imagine the loot he will take out of Washington DC.
Imagine the loot he will take out of Washington DC.
5
Well at least you're consistent. Who could forget your similarly scathing editorial of Hillary Clinton's quid pro quo with the Clinton Foundation? Oh wait there wasn't one ...my mistake. Must have been a different publication.
Problem is...you want us to take this seriously now. But there was SO MUCH similar evidence laid bare in the Campaign, by Eichenwald and others. Hard to get excited about your piece when the outrage is so...anti-climactic, in the setting of a President-Elect Trump. The story should be about what I just wrote, vs. about the conflicts themselves, sorry to say.
I beg the NYT to keep this issue front and center. It must not be normalized or buried in the flood of news. Congress can act now to protect US but it won't--meaning it is complicit.
6
"Le TRUMP, c'est moi." He'll never give up The Brand.
The underlying problem: he doesn't have a sense of humor. He didn't understand the joke was on him. The punchline will be resignation or impeachment.
Presidential wit controls. Take Obama. It goes w/o saying that the outgoing prez has a killer sense of humor & clockwork timing. The problem w/ his show was that the audience didn't get his best jokes: Obamacare, Kumbaya and the Nuke Deal.
Fool me once, shame on Gruber, fool me twice, "call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever"
A prez who lives by killer jokes—or, as in the case of Trump, fails to get killer jokes—deserves to die by them.
The underlying problem: he doesn't have a sense of humor. He didn't understand the joke was on him. The punchline will be resignation or impeachment.
Presidential wit controls. Take Obama. It goes w/o saying that the outgoing prez has a killer sense of humor & clockwork timing. The problem w/ his show was that the audience didn't get his best jokes: Obamacare, Kumbaya and the Nuke Deal.
Fool me once, shame on Gruber, fool me twice, "call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever"
A prez who lives by killer jokes—or, as in the case of Trump, fails to get killer jokes—deserves to die by them.
Imagine all of this happening in the reverse, if Hillary Clinton were running her foundation from the White House, if she accepted gifts from diplomats, if Chelsea and Bill sat in on meetings with foreign heads of state. It would be instant impeachment by the Republican Congress. But what will they do as Trump continues to flaunt his conflicts of interest? The more rabid among them will ferociously support his actions, while the rest of them will simply turn the other way.
What a travesty.
What a travesty.
10
Keep your eye on the ball. It isn't just about Trump's money. He's appointing billionaires to all the important positions. It's about completing the corporatization of America, making it a vassal to the corporations that those billionaires control. Trump is a stage magician; don't watch his hands or you'll miss the sleight of hand. Follow the money. Every thing else is the illusion he is spinning.
10
I hope that the Republican lemmings in Congress will have the courage and patriotism to begin impeachment proceedings the second he takes his hand off the bible on January 20. I have my doubts.
3
"And in terms of high-end product influx into the US, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. There's indeed a lot of money coming for new-builds and resale reflecting a trend in the Russian economy and, of course, the weak dollar versus the ruble," Donald Trump, Jr. Sept. 15, 2008 http://www.eturbonews.com/5008/executive-talk-donald-trump-jr-bullish-ru...
Consider this: how did this conflict of interest affect Trump's campaign such as his positive feelings toward Putin and denial of of our own US intelligence of Russian interefence in the election? He already is "Putin's puppet" as Clinton said in the third debate. Trump is enabling a Russian takeover of our government. Someone knows the truth and needs to speak up to stop him from taking office to save our nation.
Electors need to know before Dec 19 about his conflicts of interest. President Obama can request Trump's tax return for national security: Section 6103g of the Internal Revenue Code explicitly states:
"(1) In general: Upon written request by the President, signed by him personally, the Secretary shall furnish to the President, or to such employee or employees of the White House Office as the President may designate by name in such request, a return or return information with respect to any taxpayer named in such request."
Consider this: how did this conflict of interest affect Trump's campaign such as his positive feelings toward Putin and denial of of our own US intelligence of Russian interefence in the election? He already is "Putin's puppet" as Clinton said in the third debate. Trump is enabling a Russian takeover of our government. Someone knows the truth and needs to speak up to stop him from taking office to save our nation.
Electors need to know before Dec 19 about his conflicts of interest. President Obama can request Trump's tax return for national security: Section 6103g of the Internal Revenue Code explicitly states:
"(1) In general: Upon written request by the President, signed by him personally, the Secretary shall furnish to the President, or to such employee or employees of the White House Office as the President may designate by name in such request, a return or return information with respect to any taxpayer named in such request."
6
I can see only one way to rectify this situation legally. Pres. Obama needs to appoint Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court before he leaves office. There are legal mechanisms for him to do this. The Supreme Court can then rule against Donald Trump.
If Obama fails to do this, the responsibility will be his. We can certainly not expect Republicans to do anything to compromise their power.
If Obama fails to do this, the responsibility will be his. We can certainly not expect Republicans to do anything to compromise their power.
3
Trump is rapidly setting up what is becoming the most corrupt administration in US history. He is making the US government a wholly controlled subsidiary of Trump Industries.
4
To echo a Canadian commenter in this thread- In a few years voters may realize "Make America Great Again" was merely a plan to "Make Trump Great Again".
As if even a tenth of commenters might know a thing about Presidential histories, US Grant, Woodrow Wilson, the Harding or Buchanan administrations. Indeed, dollars to doughnuts most have no clue the enormous hurdles to an impeachment given there have been numerous occasions when partisans clamored for proceedings yet no President has ever been convicted in the Senate and removed and just one in 237+ years of sitting Presidents resigned in the face of a certain conviction. So get over it. This is the deal for the next...several...years.
I guess the only people that can run for the presidency nowadays have to be lawyers or teachers. You know, folks that don't create jobs but those that live off others.
The Electoral College has an obligation to save us from ourselves. In this and in so many other ways he is unfit and dangerous.
8
I do not understand why we are having to have all these conversations about Constitutional Clauses and federal laws that can be enforced in the event President Trump mixes the business of state - the people's business - with his own personal business - an inevitable situation given both the way he has structured his Presidency/business and his attitude toward it.
Why have we not given even lip service to requests to his sense of honor and decorum, to dignity and proper behavior, to never even the appearance of impropriety, to upholding the dignity of our country in the eyes of the world, to sacrifice for civil service, for country over the individual, for statesmanship.
You're laughing now aren't you? Shaking your head and saying, Nancy, where have you been? This is Donald Trump we're talking about here.
Think about that for a minute.
I guess the military school he went to taught him that you leave a fallen comrade behind in the field because there is no rule that you have to go get him, and if you don't, you can't be court martialed. So the "smart" thing to do is save yourself, let him die, and when asked about it simply tell them that if it was so gol darned important, they should have made it a rule - a court martialing offense. The fact the guy died was their fault.
And he would believe it.
Why have we not given even lip service to requests to his sense of honor and decorum, to dignity and proper behavior, to never even the appearance of impropriety, to upholding the dignity of our country in the eyes of the world, to sacrifice for civil service, for country over the individual, for statesmanship.
You're laughing now aren't you? Shaking your head and saying, Nancy, where have you been? This is Donald Trump we're talking about here.
Think about that for a minute.
I guess the military school he went to taught him that you leave a fallen comrade behind in the field because there is no rule that you have to go get him, and if you don't, you can't be court martialed. So the "smart" thing to do is save yourself, let him die, and when asked about it simply tell them that if it was so gol darned important, they should have made it a rule - a court martialing offense. The fact the guy died was their fault.
And he would believe it.
2
This is THE time for Democrats to regroup and define their message. Bring on the young guns. Show people you care for them. When Republicans hit, you hit back, and hard. We can make a difference in 2018.
And I agree with many of the comments here-the media totally let us down. By trying not to appear "partisan", anything bad from Trump had to have an equal (or worse) bad from Clinton. It was disgusting to watch. Do your job. I am so thankful to read Dan Rather-he seems to be the only one with a backbone, and can tell it like it is.
And I agree with many of the comments here-the media totally let us down. By trying not to appear "partisan", anything bad from Trump had to have an equal (or worse) bad from Clinton. It was disgusting to watch. Do your job. I am so thankful to read Dan Rather-he seems to be the only one with a backbone, and can tell it like it is.
3
The man is 70 years old ,will most probably be 78 when his term is over - He is wealthy in his own right and has just spent $100 million of his own money getting elected. Only small minded people will assume his motivation is to enrich himself.
Fame yes . More wealth No
Please get over it
Fame yes . More wealth No
Please get over it
Did it not occur to you that it has nothing to do with him, but about his children, grand children and great grandchildren being taken care of for the rest of their lives. You're walking around with your eyes closed, but they will soon be opened and believe me your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will pay the price.
3
Whether Trump is enriching his bank account, his ego, or both, will be irrelevant to the millions of Americans who will suffer while trying to "get over" Trump's heinous words and unconscionable acts.
2
Trump is a shame for every American.
Electing him turned the USA into a bad running joke a la Berlusconi.
Look how well it turned out for Italy who fell back into the third world.
Electing him turned the USA into a bad running joke a la Berlusconi.
Look how well it turned out for Italy who fell back into the third world.
5
It cannot be lost on the sophisticated and well-advised editorial board of the Times that laws, facts, Presidential tradition, or any ancillary laws or ethics on the issues simply do not apply to Donald. He has presented the position of being above the law, beyond facts or "truth", and has run roughshod over everything from the principles of non-contradiction on down. I admire the Board's restraint in the delicacy with which it handles this ghastly, orange monstrosity.
1
As much as I deplore Trump's actions in Scotland, he's barking up the wrong tree if he thinks Farage can do anything for him here. Farage is not even an MP, and is the ex-leader of a nasty little party that gets some protest votes in parts of England, and garners no votes at all in Scotland. It has the grand total of one MP in Westminster (a former conservative MP who is not close to Farage) and is in financial and legal troubles for diverting money and public brawling. The referendum was Farage's big moment - yet even then heavyweight Brexit politicians in the Conservative party dominated. He is a nobody and a joke.
3
The NYT and other sources were reporting on Trump's entanglements before the election--but everyone yawned or yammered about Hillary's emails (BTW, Trump supporters, did you know that Flynn, his appointed NSA advisor had his own internet connection installed at the Pentagon--against the rules? When will Chaffetz be investigating that? Oh I forgot, the GOP, the party of patriots and country first, only investigates when it is politically expedient).
Let's see--so all this, plus the Russian interference, plus hiring of ultimate insiders and billionaires: this is going real well, this draining of the swamp, tell it like it, friend of the working man thing. Boy oh boy did you folks get conned. Big league. Count your silver and your medicare.
Let's see--so all this, plus the Russian interference, plus hiring of ultimate insiders and billionaires: this is going real well, this draining of the swamp, tell it like it, friend of the working man thing. Boy oh boy did you folks get conned. Big league. Count your silver and your medicare.
4
For sure Trump's greedy business practices and conflicts might threaten the integrity of our government, but no where near the damage that has already been done by so much Russian interference in our electoral process; that this story continues to go untold is mind bending. Hello? This is Russia we are talking about—fixing our election... ring a bell?
4
Is this really a surprise? It was clear from the outset that his motivation was to increase his personal wealth. It's just disgusting not to hear outrage from the other two branches of government. Where are the actions to balance power?
3
I predict it'll be more than a "scandal" that might emerge from the ties between Trump's presidency and his business. In my opinion, we're talking about losing America as we know it. There's a reason things have been done "according to the rules or traditions". It's worked for over 200 years. Trump is breaking every rule that stands in his way, it seems. One after another. His presidency is a disaster waiting to happen.
5
Not to worry. Once he is President anything with Trump" on it will be a target for a terrorist or any crazy person with a gun, computer or telephone. How many terrorist attacks, envelopes with white powder, false bomb threats, online warnings of attacks will it take before the rooms go empty, and the mortgages come due. Wilbur Ross is to be Treasury Secretary and he is the "King of Banruptcy", so he can do double duty as each Trump business goes under. What goes round comes round.
2
What a family...Jared Kushner in line to be his "special" envoy to the middle East, Donald Jr. in line to be his "special" envoy to Russia, Ivanka, his "special" foreign policy adviser, and Melania, who is going to take on and stamp out cyber bullying. What a family!
6
Bill Eisen - please name one meeting that HRC held that resulted in a contribution to her family foundation. I would like to know what news organization coverage on this led you to believe that she was engaged in several such events.
2
Waiting for the release of the tax returns that were promised after the election.
2
That does it! The last straw.
This is exactly what anyone familiar with Trump's tactical approach to business or professional behavior. The red state supporters have become the enablers for this man to capture the presidency deceitfully , not for change or a better government , but for the furthering of the profits and stature for the Trump Empire.So much for his being the champion of the forgotten man
Anyone who bought his bill of goods was foolish to believe him and then vote for him.What were people thinking to vote for man who manipulated the tax and bankruptcy laws, cheated on his first wife, engaged in salacious talk and behavior towards women and then dared his detractors to challenge him , clearly showed his true colors throughout his campaign.
The Republicans in control of Congress cannot sit by and allow this slap-in-the-face to all those Americans who struggle to provide for families , try to save for retirement, educate their children and yet pay their taxes and obey the laws.Trump must be censured!
Why in heaven's name is this fraud who lacks any sense of morality due the respect and honor to be the President of the United States.
This is exactly what anyone familiar with Trump's tactical approach to business or professional behavior. The red state supporters have become the enablers for this man to capture the presidency deceitfully , not for change or a better government , but for the furthering of the profits and stature for the Trump Empire.So much for his being the champion of the forgotten man
Anyone who bought his bill of goods was foolish to believe him and then vote for him.What were people thinking to vote for man who manipulated the tax and bankruptcy laws, cheated on his first wife, engaged in salacious talk and behavior towards women and then dared his detractors to challenge him , clearly showed his true colors throughout his campaign.
The Republicans in control of Congress cannot sit by and allow this slap-in-the-face to all those Americans who struggle to provide for families , try to save for retirement, educate their children and yet pay their taxes and obey the laws.Trump must be censured!
Why in heaven's name is this fraud who lacks any sense of morality due the respect and honor to be the President of the United States.
4
"Which leaves Democrats, the news media and the public to demand that Republican leaders uphold their..."
Oh, right. Never mind.
Oh, right. Never mind.
It would seem that Donald Trump considers the Presidency of the United States of America as nothing more than a part time job. And he will have no problem wine (ing) and dining his business$$ associate on the public dollar. Are we lucky or what?!?!?! Please give this guy a chance! We know he can't pass muster on his personal income taxes, so why bother? First thing out of the chute will be the elimination of the Estate Tax. If you wonder why, I will explain later. Funny, in just two weeks, he already looks ten (10) years older. Hmmmmm.
1
All that we discuss and what Trump does is now irrelevant. He was elected upon his Mephistophelesian ablilty to have all levels of of the Nation cut faustian bargains. In doing so Trump has opened his own horizons to unlimited possibilites at our peril. So far he has defeated both political parties, corrupted the FBI, cowed the press and effectively used evangelicals and the American Catholic Church heirarchy to substitute him for the Messiah. Good Friday is now the American Black Friday except that our income statement will never come out of the red.
2
That's okay. Mr. Trump is going to put the US Government in a blind trust, to be administered by the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party. No conflict there.
3
This article leaves out one of the biggest conflicts of interest: the fact that it appears that Trump, who is so prone to debt and bankruptcy that many U.S. banks won't loan him money, is likely to owe Russian banks a substantial sum of money.
Putin is a dictator; dictators like the leaders of other nations to be weak, not strong. Russia's confirmed hack of Hillary's emails didn't happen because Trump was a strong guy and Putin likes strong guys. It happened because Trump is a weak guy with a thin skin who owes Russia a lot of money.
What I find most disturbing is Republican's certainty that this vain, childish, greedy man is still somehow better than Hillary and they will stick their fingers in their ears about his astonishing level of corruption and astonishingly weak, childish temperament. This is how sociopaths come to power.
Putin is a dictator; dictators like the leaders of other nations to be weak, not strong. Russia's confirmed hack of Hillary's emails didn't happen because Trump was a strong guy and Putin likes strong guys. It happened because Trump is a weak guy with a thin skin who owes Russia a lot of money.
What I find most disturbing is Republican's certainty that this vain, childish, greedy man is still somehow better than Hillary and they will stick their fingers in their ears about his astonishing level of corruption and astonishingly weak, childish temperament. This is how sociopaths come to power.
4
The presidency, and its responsibilities, lie as lightly on trump's head as the crown of the high school homecoming king. The victory is all that matters.
1
John Oliver in the weeks leading up to the election repeated we can't go any lower - yet the elevator continues crashing down. Folks naively bought a pig in a poke - but alas its no bargain. I really want to give him the benefit of the doubt that the office and responsibility will ennoble him. His objective is to lower his income taxes, eliminate the estate tax, and do business deals. And damn the rest of us. Fate and destiny love to play tricks on those full of hubris. I hope I'm wrong but at the rate we're going we'll look up to Nixon on ethics relative to Trump.
1
Well, most people who are paying attention to this unfolding disaster know that Trump has impeachable conflicts of interest that he "appears" to be inviting with knowledge aforehand. The only question that remains is when will he be impeached and how much harm will he do to our nation beforehand?
2
Rump is an atrocity, an abomination. This con artist has never done anything for anyone except himself and his family. It is positively incredulous how many voters were played for fools supporting this charlatan.
One has to explore the darkest depths of one's soul to discover a more odious human being to be the leader of the Free World. How angry must White voters be, how masochistic, to lose their common sense so thoroughly, to become so mesmerized by this huckster to bestow their precious vote upon?
The question is rhetorical of course. Almost, but not quite, half the electorate in swing states willingly supported a dolt, a complete idiot, daring this demagogue to destroy the social safety net so many Middle and Lower class Americans have come to rely on for false promises, promises that are impossible to keep and worse promises which were proffered by a snake oil salesman. Well, you rubes asked for it. You've got it. Fasten your seat belts, if you have any.
I can see why President Obama has that devious smile on his face of late. After Rump gets through with them, Barack is going to look like a prince when compared with this know-nothing. Rump will show US how truly great a president we had.
DD
Manhattan
One has to explore the darkest depths of one's soul to discover a more odious human being to be the leader of the Free World. How angry must White voters be, how masochistic, to lose their common sense so thoroughly, to become so mesmerized by this huckster to bestow their precious vote upon?
The question is rhetorical of course. Almost, but not quite, half the electorate in swing states willingly supported a dolt, a complete idiot, daring this demagogue to destroy the social safety net so many Middle and Lower class Americans have come to rely on for false promises, promises that are impossible to keep and worse promises which were proffered by a snake oil salesman. Well, you rubes asked for it. You've got it. Fasten your seat belts, if you have any.
I can see why President Obama has that devious smile on his face of late. After Rump gets through with them, Barack is going to look like a prince when compared with this know-nothing. Rump will show US how truly great a president we had.
DD
Manhattan
3
This just leaves me steaming. When I think of the comments I had to listen to: 'Crooked Hillary' and that trash book "Clinton Cash" financed by that hedge fund billionaire and his daughter, the one that influenced F.B.I. agents, the so-called pay-for-play accusations related to the Clinton Foundation, whose mission was CHARITY, a concept unknown to the Trump family. And while the Trump arrangements - or lack thereof - point to corruption in every corner before he has even taken office -- as they did before his election with his fraudulent Trump university, stiffing of contractors, etc. -- it's absolutely clear that the aspersions cast on Hillary were no more than an ugly smokescreen for deep-seated, repellant misogyny. And those misogynists have the perfect president-elect: a crass man who cares for nothing but himself, his money, and his right to reach out and grab women between the legs.
18
Pssssst. Anybody want to buy a presidency? It's for sale. It's the newly revised edition of "The Selling of the Presidency" by Donald Trump.
3
Mr Trump has defied every convention and will continue to defy post willing the election under the predictable assumption that most of the folks who elected him do not care AT PRESENT about all these conflicts of interests as long as he delivers on key promises he made.
The republicans have been burnt beyond skin grafting in opposing Trump only to have him grunting in their face. These republicans do you YET have the spine to oppose him. They will not.
MOst people who voted for Mr Trump do not read NYT and other "progressive, Liberal" news paper or such media. Most on Fox, Rush, Hannity, et al are not likely to criticize Trump--not yet. They will celebrate every defiance offered by Trump.
Most unfortunately, Mr Trump is playing his cards in a legally compliant manner. Ethics is for the elites. His voters have come to terms with the idea that he can be "trusted" to do the right thing as he is rich enough not to need the money and altruistic enough not to need the headaches of being a president.
Until his followers start criticizing him, or start complaining strongly, he knows he is safe. The left and the some of the centrists, even when they are justified in their complaints, will be viewed as whiners and "sore losers". Soon the complainers are going to get burnt out and will resign to their fate. They will be further demoralized when Trump is done filling the Supreme Court positions. It will be a bitter and long winter. there is no viagra for this level of impotency
The republicans have been burnt beyond skin grafting in opposing Trump only to have him grunting in their face. These republicans do you YET have the spine to oppose him. They will not.
MOst people who voted for Mr Trump do not read NYT and other "progressive, Liberal" news paper or such media. Most on Fox, Rush, Hannity, et al are not likely to criticize Trump--not yet. They will celebrate every defiance offered by Trump.
Most unfortunately, Mr Trump is playing his cards in a legally compliant manner. Ethics is for the elites. His voters have come to terms with the idea that he can be "trusted" to do the right thing as he is rich enough not to need the money and altruistic enough not to need the headaches of being a president.
Until his followers start criticizing him, or start complaining strongly, he knows he is safe. The left and the some of the centrists, even when they are justified in their complaints, will be viewed as whiners and "sore losers". Soon the complainers are going to get burnt out and will resign to their fate. They will be further demoralized when Trump is done filling the Supreme Court positions. It will be a bitter and long winter. there is no viagra for this level of impotency
5
All Republicans seem quite comfortable with the belief that anything is OK as long as Republicans are doing it.
1
Why don't we cut to the chase , impeach this so-called "president-elect", and save the country from his commercial , social, political, ethical depredations?
4
The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution deserves a workout, surely. Knock off the rust, Electoral College voters!
1
Just a passing thought. If Trump divests himself of his business empire, in return the Times should surrender the title of newspaper. Writers should surrender their business cards with journalist, editor, cub reporter as well as any awards for journalism including any merit badges for journalism. The Times has degenerated into nothing more than a safe space for the progressive left. That's all it is. Lefties can come here and have all their beliefs reinforced, never challenged. The opinion pages and news sections as well as the commentariat all sing together -- we are the world, we're so smart, those who disagree are dummies or worse.
But the rest of the country doesn't sing along. The left is living in a fantasy world and the Times is their Issac Asimov. Science fiction at its best.
But the rest of the country doesn't sing along. The left is living in a fantasy world and the Times is their Issac Asimov. Science fiction at its best.
1
If it's all that, why are you reading?
2
Well, Ralphie, I would be curious as to why the Times should surrender anything. They are not the president-elect, on the verge of becoming president, with historically unprecedented conflicts of interest. You are just ranting and raving. If you don't like what you are reading, it's because it challenges your belief system. Why don't you just go back to Fox News and any of the multitude of right wing fantasy outlets, and leave us alone.
2
Rick, for the amusement. And to observe how strange the thought processes of the left are.
Donald Trump thinks the American presidency is a part time job. He thinks he can run his companies "perfectly" and run the country "perfectly" as well.
Trump has disqualified himself to serve as American president. We should face up to this fact boldly and without reserve because it is likely to be the breaking point of any Trump presidency. He is entangled in business deals around the world and the United States has vital interests around the world that have come first. This little problem was more or less completely overlooked during the campaign while people concentrated on the outrage of the day coming out of his mouth.
Trump cannot quickly disengage from the multitude of deals in which he is involved. If he were operating a single company with publicly traded stock, he could sell that stock, resign as CEO and serve as president. His "empire" is different. It is a complex web of deals probably involving thousands and thousands of pages of agreements, loan covenants and side agreements, all of which are binding and can't be just swept away overnight or even over a period of months.
Trump never faced up to what he was getting himself into in terms of the conflict between personal business interests and the national interest. He pushed it aside in the same manner he pushed aside "complications" throughout his business efforts. It'll work out. It'll be beautiful, fantastic! They'll love me!
Things work until they don't and Trump, in the normal course, jumps ship.
Trump has disqualified himself to serve as American president. We should face up to this fact boldly and without reserve because it is likely to be the breaking point of any Trump presidency. He is entangled in business deals around the world and the United States has vital interests around the world that have come first. This little problem was more or less completely overlooked during the campaign while people concentrated on the outrage of the day coming out of his mouth.
Trump cannot quickly disengage from the multitude of deals in which he is involved. If he were operating a single company with publicly traded stock, he could sell that stock, resign as CEO and serve as president. His "empire" is different. It is a complex web of deals probably involving thousands and thousands of pages of agreements, loan covenants and side agreements, all of which are binding and can't be just swept away overnight or even over a period of months.
Trump never faced up to what he was getting himself into in terms of the conflict between personal business interests and the national interest. He pushed it aside in the same manner he pushed aside "complications" throughout his business efforts. It'll work out. It'll be beautiful, fantastic! They'll love me!
Things work until they don't and Trump, in the normal course, jumps ship.
22
Serious question: What does America do when the Trump brand becomes a target? I am not advocating for violence or mayhem in any form. However, it is a serious security question. No other President has had such prominent and visible assets spread around the world. Who protects the mark of Trump? Will we need to deploy American military assets to protect a golf course? What about Trump hotels? What happens when a terrorist strikes a Trump property? Will Trump order military retaliation because his vulnerable brand gets hit, somehow? My child will not go to war to protect the Trump brand.
52
Let any golfer or hotel guest beware. Best stay away from any of his properties.
2
Very interesting questions raised here!
3
Mr. Trump's life history is that he does whatever he can get away with to make a profit. No apologies. Business is business. Two weeks since the election and he has already made clear that he will use his office in any way that he can to make a profit for himself. He can't accept gifts from a foreign government? What constitutes a gift? What constitutes a foreign government? Mr. Trump's staff of lawyers is working all this out as we speak. He has never been in jail and his impeachment will involve a lot of tough litigation. By the time it reaches the Supreme Court, he will have his cronies there to hear the argument.
I am still in the market for a bumper sticker that reads, "Don't blame me. I voted for Hillary."
I am still in the market for a bumper sticker that reads, "Don't blame me. I voted for Hillary."
8
As soon as Trump asks "where are you staying" of any foreigner visiting him in an official capacity he's broken the law.
6
I think the Editorial Board has some magical thinking going on here. For the most part these are the SAME congressional republicans that were and still are willing to shut down the government to get their way. They've exhibited perhaps the most unethical behavior in this nation's history. And you think that bothers them that they will be responsible for the outcomes???
That is THE definition of magical thinking. Let's not forget that they saw everything the rest of us did about Trump before election day. He clearly fits any definition of a sociopath that I've ever read. His narcasim exudes from his pores! His endless lies are documented on videotape. He has already started to flip flop on his campaign promises. His accusations about other candidates, pre & post nomination, were obvious projections of actions/behaviors he exhibits.
I do not think we can count on republicans to do the right thing. Indeed, they have demonstrated that they are incapable of that during the past 8 years. This man must NEVER take office. He will destroy everything we hold dear in our laws, values, morals and ethics. We have had the good fortune, up until now, to be able to trust that our presidents will do the right thing when it comes to their business matters and ethically executing their duties as president. That is not possible with Donald Trump. He knew better than to release his tax returns. He is the poster child for why all presidential candidate should go through mental health screening
That is THE definition of magical thinking. Let's not forget that they saw everything the rest of us did about Trump before election day. He clearly fits any definition of a sociopath that I've ever read. His narcasim exudes from his pores! His endless lies are documented on videotape. He has already started to flip flop on his campaign promises. His accusations about other candidates, pre & post nomination, were obvious projections of actions/behaviors he exhibits.
I do not think we can count on republicans to do the right thing. Indeed, they have demonstrated that they are incapable of that during the past 8 years. This man must NEVER take office. He will destroy everything we hold dear in our laws, values, morals and ethics. We have had the good fortune, up until now, to be able to trust that our presidents will do the right thing when it comes to their business matters and ethically executing their duties as president. That is not possible with Donald Trump. He knew better than to release his tax returns. He is the poster child for why all presidential candidate should go through mental health screening
7
Let's not get overly excited. When things look grim, just remember Mitch McConnell's assurances that White House counsel would keep Trump in line.
2
the republicans will use this to impeach trump who they have major problems with and replace him with pence who they love.
I think anyone with a 10th grade understanding of the Constitution would know that you can't run your business out of the Oval Office.
Either Mr. Trump's "good brain" is on the fritz, or the prospect of getting to be an actual billionaire is too much for Donald's very shaky (if it exists at all) understanding of ethics in public service.
I think chances are good that he is going to be waist deep in the muck before we ever get to inauguration day. He needs a GOP intervention Probably the first of many, many (as he likes to say.)
Either Mr. Trump's "good brain" is on the fritz, or the prospect of getting to be an actual billionaire is too much for Donald's very shaky (if it exists at all) understanding of ethics in public service.
I think chances are good that he is going to be waist deep in the muck before we ever get to inauguration day. He needs a GOP intervention Probably the first of many, many (as he likes to say.)
4
The scandals have already started.
The swamp is full of crocodiles.
Will he become the first President to be impeached within months of his inauguration?
Do Republicans have no shame whatsoever?
The swamp is full of crocodiles.
Will he become the first President to be impeached within months of his inauguration?
Do Republicans have no shame whatsoever?
5
The scandals of illegal conduct in the Reagan White House will look puny in comparison to Trump's. And because Trump lies as he breathes, it will be up to the media to take on the endless job of exposing his and his crony's duplicities.
6
Donald Trump observed during his campaign "I could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose voters." So perhaps he's either taking advantage of that bewildering fact (the fact that he can say and do anything which just a smidgen of would normally take down anyone else) or he's incapable of connecting the dots and comprehending that his "Cauldron of Conflicts" can pose dangers to our country and cause a legal mess for his administration--or he's having the time of his life wallowing in his new found power and attention and frankly just doesn't care.
4
Trump appears set to monetize the Presidency for his personal gain, trusting that the Republican Congress will not impeach, that there are no other legal means to stop him, and that he'll be elected again in four years regardless of his transgressions. Anyone who says he can't succeed hasn't been paying attention.
4
I worked as a reporter under the handover of power of Hong Kong to China 1997-2000 and saw how the world was scrutinizing the mainland to make sure it respected democracy. The transition I witnessed then was fairly smooth at the time but what is happening in America feels totally different. You are only moving from one party to another in power but it feels as if ethics-press freedom -respect for conflict of interests is being shattered. If this continues what guarantee do we have for our finances or that the financial institutions are not tampered with? I suggest that anyone interested in keeping democratic freedom in America joins a peaceful solidarity of people made up from all walks of life based solely on the idea of monitoring the need for democracy and to keep America alive as a country that respects rule of law and press freedom
4
There's talk the Republicans may work on a pre-inauguration repeal of the ACA. Perhaps they could get impeachment proceedings underway too? According to the article they will soon be in order, is not so already. Think of as pre-boarding.
1
The movement of corporations as people is now complete. A corporation will be the president.
56
Has Mr Trump lived sometime under " ethical rules"?
2
Second:
The fees paid by hotels for his name should be frozen at pre-election rates for the duration of his time in office
Third
The ejectors should change their votes and obviate this nightmare of an election.
Do it for country and to snarl Putins beautifully performing plan.
The fees paid by hotels for his name should be frozen at pre-election rates for the duration of his time in office
Third
The ejectors should change their votes and obviate this nightmare of an election.
Do it for country and to snarl Putins beautifully performing plan.
3
The only way Trump gets in trouble is if he runs afoul of the extreme right or Putin's Russia.
2
Well, with Castro now dead, it seems there is an authoritarian demagogue void that's rapidly filling.
6
Are we going to suffer 48 months of "this"? It actually took the death of Fidel Castro to temporarily knock Donald Trump's latest eye twitch off the front banner of NYT.
2
All this is going to be a gold mine to every investigative journalist on the planet , unless Trump seriously gets rid of this conflict of interest, and its already started with credible stories about some of his projects that have been stalled for ages are now suddenly up and running , like a trump building in Europe in Georgia and a Trump Tower planned for Buenos Aires which until recently was long delayed and the big question? when he steps out onto to the world stage is he pursuing policy in the national interest, or for his own business advantage ?
2
Naive to expect the GOP congress to do something. How about the impossible event. Sort of like flipping a coin with both sides a head and expecting to get a tail. Rubes, he is not my president, he's yours. You wanted him, you got him.
3
Impeachment will come. I'd say his enemies won't be Clinton supporters or even the left. His fiercest critics and the people who will push him out will be his core supporters who will see what most of us have known all along. He's a con man. He lied to you simply to win. He's not a conservative or a liberal. He's a sociopath trying to enrich himself and his family and a few cronies. West Virginia, he'll never remember you. When the heat gets tuned up, he'll throw a few crumbs your way but mostly, your rusted plants will turn to dust. If his supporters weren't
so brainwashed by Fake News, and manipulation, "Clinton is taking our guns" Such nonsense. You would've seen, she'd help you more than he would. Now you are alone. You've also disgraced our country by placing him in office. A terrible mistake has been made.
so brainwashed by Fake News, and manipulation, "Clinton is taking our guns" Such nonsense. You would've seen, she'd help you more than he would. Now you are alone. You've also disgraced our country by placing him in office. A terrible mistake has been made.
6
Oh, not a problem. We will soon see a redefinition of the word "scandal".
1
Profiting from conflicts of interest is way, way down on my list of concerns about a Trump presidency. I accept that the GOP is all about looting the country and that Trump is unusually aggressive and skillful at looting.
Our real concerns should be: the current policy of forever war; the national economy; good jobs; rebuilding infrastructure; and access to basic services of health, education, and clean air and water.
Our real concerns should be: the current policy of forever war; the national economy; good jobs; rebuilding infrastructure; and access to basic services of health, education, and clean air and water.
1
Why isn't the NYT obsessing about Russia's influencing the election as much as it obsessed about Hillary Clinton's and her staff's and her campaign's and the DNC's e-mails?
So where ARE Trump's and Pence's and Bannon's and Conway's and the RNC's e-mails? I'd love to get a look at them, wouldn't you? Then you could obsess about them, and that might throw this election right off the roof of the Trump Tower. Just find them and start obsessing before the EC votes, please.
So where ARE Trump's and Pence's and Bannon's and Conway's and the RNC's e-mails? I'd love to get a look at them, wouldn't you? Then you could obsess about them, and that might throw this election right off the roof of the Trump Tower. Just find them and start obsessing before the EC votes, please.
5
"But their failure to act will make them responsible for any scandal that might emerge from the ties between Mr. Trump’s presidency and his business." Scandal? Oh NYTimes, I fear it will be much worse than any scandal!
3
On Nov. 22 he tweeted that the electorate knew about his business dealings before the election. He would be right, but the Times was too busy saving investigative reporting money by chasing fake news & wikileaks.
But, as always, candidate Trump seems to have been projecting when he offered his dramatic reading of the story of the woman and the snake:
"'Oh, shut up, silly woman,' said the reptile, with a grin. 'You knew damned well I was a snake before you took me in!" https://t.co/sKBIT6Yk7o
But, as always, candidate Trump seems to have been projecting when he offered his dramatic reading of the story of the woman and the snake:
"'Oh, shut up, silly woman,' said the reptile, with a grin. 'You knew damned well I was a snake before you took me in!" https://t.co/sKBIT6Yk7o
2
Integrity in government???
2
The editorial board is absolutely right, if Republicans in Congress fail to hold Trump accountable for his ethics failures, they will be "responsible for any scandal that might emerge". But who will hold Republicans accountable? In a normal world, the voters would make them all pay a price, but this is no normal world, this is a dimension unknown to man.
If you polled Trump supporters on the issue of his decision to not divest himself of his business interests, they would say it does not matter. Trump supporters did not hold Trump accountable for his moral and ethic failures exposed during the campaign. He actually flaunted decency and made a mockery of good character. His supporters adored him for it. The sane were bewildered.
We have entered a 5th dimension. "It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of [full blown LUNACY]. It is an area which we call the" Trump Zone. (apologies to Rod Sterling)
The Trump Zone is a psychological horror and it is playing in the minds of those still sane. But sane for how much longer?
If you polled Trump supporters on the issue of his decision to not divest himself of his business interests, they would say it does not matter. Trump supporters did not hold Trump accountable for his moral and ethic failures exposed during the campaign. He actually flaunted decency and made a mockery of good character. His supporters adored him for it. The sane were bewildered.
We have entered a 5th dimension. "It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of [full blown LUNACY]. It is an area which we call the" Trump Zone. (apologies to Rod Sterling)
The Trump Zone is a psychological horror and it is playing in the minds of those still sane. But sane for how much longer?
I wonder how the FCPA will play into this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_Corrupt_Practices_Act
''The idea of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is to make it illegal for companies and their supervisors to influence foreign officials with any personal payments or rewards.[3][page needed] The FCPA applies to any person who has a certain degree of connection to the United States and engages in foreign corrupt practices. The Act also applies to any act by U.S. businesses, foreign corporations trading securities in the U.S., American nationals, citizens, and residents acting in furtherance of a foreign corrupt practice whether or not they are physically present in the U.S. This is considered the nationality principle of the act. Any individuals that are involved in those activities may face prison time.''
It just needs one time that can be documented just how the quid pro quo went down.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_Corrupt_Practices_Act
''The idea of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is to make it illegal for companies and their supervisors to influence foreign officials with any personal payments or rewards.[3][page needed] The FCPA applies to any person who has a certain degree of connection to the United States and engages in foreign corrupt practices. The Act also applies to any act by U.S. businesses, foreign corporations trading securities in the U.S., American nationals, citizens, and residents acting in furtherance of a foreign corrupt practice whether or not they are physically present in the U.S. This is considered the nationality principle of the act. Any individuals that are involved in those activities may face prison time.''
It just needs one time that can be documented just how the quid pro quo went down.
2
Does this actually surprise anyone? From the man who hasn't paid taxes in how many years, because he didn't have to?
You all got who you voted for. Now live with it
You all got who you voted for. Now live with it
3
Finally Democrats got a President who might convince them that government is the problem.
1
Government as such is not the problem, but rather who has been elected, and even more so, who has NOT been elected, but appointed.
American President has a huge amount of his assets in hotels and such in Russia. He is also owes a lot of money to Russian banks. What do you think will be the US position on continuing sanctions against Russia? "They are bad for business", without doubt.
1
Am I the only one willing to takes bets on whether he will finish his first year, or his full term?
Since Trump does not believe that rules, formal or informal, apply to him, we can expect him to do as he pleases. Boundaries don't exist in Trump Land. Therefore, Please NY Times, keep doing what you are doing. Hold his feet to the fire. The public needs to know about his business dealings throughout the world, and the dots need to be connected regarding how he and his children operate. These people think they are above the law. We are supposed to trust them because well, they are so special. So much has already been "normalized" about Trump and his children. Dear God, don't let it be ok for him to run his business while he serves as president. We need the very best in investigative reporters on this important issue of our time. Investigate, investigate, investigate. Don't let up.
4
I wonder if Trump will be tempted to acquire the Banana Republic brand, to make his role as top banana official.
Just like Wall Street, it's business first with Donald Trump, country second if we're lucky. Anyone that didn't see this coming had their head in the sand. Unfortunately we all preach to the same choir in the Comments Section. The battle is out there and I'm not sure who will wage it.
16
Wall Street aren't elected leaders.
1
Absent clear and unambiguous separation between the President and the Trump commercial empire there will be no respite from the resulting dysfunction of the nations executive.
Huge problem here, of perception and trust, if not outright abuse of power by the chief executive of the nation. This will most certainly taint the highest federal office for however long DJT remains the President.
Herein lies the certainty of a never ending stream of congressional allegations and accusations, interminable probes, hearings, and formal investigations adding to the partisan rancor and disruption of governance.
Concurrently the media will have an uninterrupted feast with the nexus between President Trump and the vast sea of Trump business and financial entanglements across the globe.
At a time of massive political upheaval and challenge this will be a constant stream of gasoline on the fire of the almost ubiquitous distrust of government that is already exists.
Huge problem here, of perception and trust, if not outright abuse of power by the chief executive of the nation. This will most certainly taint the highest federal office for however long DJT remains the President.
Herein lies the certainty of a never ending stream of congressional allegations and accusations, interminable probes, hearings, and formal investigations adding to the partisan rancor and disruption of governance.
Concurrently the media will have an uninterrupted feast with the nexus between President Trump and the vast sea of Trump business and financial entanglements across the globe.
At a time of massive political upheaval and challenge this will be a constant stream of gasoline on the fire of the almost ubiquitous distrust of government that is already exists.
"Which leaves Democrats, the news media and the public to demand that Republican leaders uphold their duty as a check against the executive branches."
Which means nothing will be done. Not one thing.
Trump has bamboozled America. He put himself in a position to pillage the Treasury and to use his influence as President to "negotiate" favorable personal business deals around the world. This is ethical malfeasance at the highest and most obvious level, which presents an unlimited number of national security exposures for the country.
But there's no one who can stop him. He's on his own, to do as he wishes. Will Congress will stop him? With the insanity of the Tea party in power? No. Will Democrats will stop him? How, being in the minority?
The public certainly can't, and won't, stop him. America swallowed Trump's lies about jobs and the danger of minorities and foreigners, hook, line and sinker. Read the story in the Times today about what he did in Scotland with his golf course, and how he behaved so boorishly toward the people. THAT is Trump, and that is how he is acting toward Americans.
Just look at how he's backing off his campaign promises, while stuffing his cabinet full of crony toadies with NO experience. How could America, the home of the free, let itself get so easily duped by this self-aggrandizing anti-American, who will rob them blind for his own personal benefit? You have become unwitting economic slaves to Trump.
The Trump coup is the ultimate nightmare.
Which means nothing will be done. Not one thing.
Trump has bamboozled America. He put himself in a position to pillage the Treasury and to use his influence as President to "negotiate" favorable personal business deals around the world. This is ethical malfeasance at the highest and most obvious level, which presents an unlimited number of national security exposures for the country.
But there's no one who can stop him. He's on his own, to do as he wishes. Will Congress will stop him? With the insanity of the Tea party in power? No. Will Democrats will stop him? How, being in the minority?
The public certainly can't, and won't, stop him. America swallowed Trump's lies about jobs and the danger of minorities and foreigners, hook, line and sinker. Read the story in the Times today about what he did in Scotland with his golf course, and how he behaved so boorishly toward the people. THAT is Trump, and that is how he is acting toward Americans.
Just look at how he's backing off his campaign promises, while stuffing his cabinet full of crony toadies with NO experience. How could America, the home of the free, let itself get so easily duped by this self-aggrandizing anti-American, who will rob them blind for his own personal benefit? You have become unwitting economic slaves to Trump.
The Trump coup is the ultimate nightmare.
15
Much of this current quandary is the result of Trump never revealing his tax returns, and the American public, the media, and the political world accepting it. This is NOT normal. Trump has the least amount of transparency of any government official in modern times, and the American public, the media, and the political world accepts it. This is NOT normal. The fact that he is already admitting that he will not separate his business interests while he governs is NOT normal. We should NOT accept it. This is NOT normal. Leaders of Congress from both sides should get to work on calling this fraud, this con man, this liar, this narcissist, out on this behavior. Media should call him out on it. And the American public should demand that he immediately dissolve all business ties. We all deserve better than this.
49
With any luck at all Trump will be impeached and we will be done with him. Of course there are the mid term elections where we could, please god, get a Democratic Congress. To those who voted for Trump, I hope you're happy. Good luck if you think he will bring jobs. I will have NO PRESIDENT until he is gone.
6
We are here because enough people were stupid enough to buy into the biggest con in American history. To suddenly expect those people to recognize the farce that they have created is just naive. Here is a person who has only looked after his and his own all his life, and now he has the greatest tool, in the power of the POTUS, to leverage deals for HIS empire, (no not the U.S.).
The Republican party abandoned the concept of Loyal Minority when they chose to undermine eight years of a Democratic president, from Scalia's death to Zika research. They said no to everything. Now they will abandon Checks and Balances. They are afraid of what he has awoken in the base and at the same time ecstatic at the amount of control they have. That includes all branches at the federal level and a significant majority at the state lower levels. They will not rock the boat over trivial things such as conflict of interest. The Republican party has excelled at hypocrisy and now with Trump as their king they will take it to new levels.
POTUS will be a part time job as he expands his empire.
The income gap will increase as trickle down goes on steroids.
The government will become more authoritarian, that is except for our 2nd.
And the greatest country on earth will look like a banana republic in a reality TV show
The Republican party abandoned the concept of Loyal Minority when they chose to undermine eight years of a Democratic president, from Scalia's death to Zika research. They said no to everything. Now they will abandon Checks and Balances. They are afraid of what he has awoken in the base and at the same time ecstatic at the amount of control they have. That includes all branches at the federal level and a significant majority at the state lower levels. They will not rock the boat over trivial things such as conflict of interest. The Republican party has excelled at hypocrisy and now with Trump as their king they will take it to new levels.
POTUS will be a part time job as he expands his empire.
The income gap will increase as trickle down goes on steroids.
The government will become more authoritarian, that is except for our 2nd.
And the greatest country on earth will look like a banana republic in a reality TV show
4
By taking this position, he's no better than Putin.
4
Trump Towers, the new Tammany Hall.
Donald Trump, the new Boss Tweed.
Donald Trump, the new Boss Tweed.
4
His new venture: Teapot Dome Towers.
1
In hundreds, literally, hundreds, of ways Mr. Trump has shown concrete, irrefutable evidence that he is not capable of assuming the office. Even now many people believe he is actually illiterate, a claim so incredible - see the video by Samantha Bee - that Trump could easily refute it by reading a random story chosen by a Democrat, yet refuses to do so. What a monstrous, fantastic secret that would be for him to keep! What a fantastic fatal flaw for a president to have! Instant disqualification! Will the GOP have the courage to revoke him and substitute a qualified candidate. Will the electoral college have the backbone to do the right thing?
2
Now more than ever we need the New York Times to stand up to Mr. Trump and our legislators and do what is best for America. You must put our country first; he will only put himself first, perhaps endangering us all.
5
How can we possibly know the nature and extent of any Donald Trump conflicts of interests between his pending occupation of the White House and his current occupation of Trump Tower?
Donald has not disclosed his past tax returns nor his financial business accounting records and holdings. And the minority of voters who selected Trump via the quirks of the Electoral College did not care then and are unlikely to care now or in the future.
The ethical obligations regarding avoiding actual conflicts of interests are fluid and subject to interpretation. Thus in the legal profession the obligation is to avoid even the appearance of any impropriety. What is legal in America should always trouble and embarrass us the most. Enslaving Africans and discriminating against them were both legal. Scheme Trump's claim that President-elect Trump will have no legal ethical conflict obligations is morally bankrupt.
Donald has not disclosed his past tax returns nor his financial business accounting records and holdings. And the minority of voters who selected Trump via the quirks of the Electoral College did not care then and are unlikely to care now or in the future.
The ethical obligations regarding avoiding actual conflicts of interests are fluid and subject to interpretation. Thus in the legal profession the obligation is to avoid even the appearance of any impropriety. What is legal in America should always trouble and embarrass us the most. Enslaving Africans and discriminating against them were both legal. Scheme Trump's claim that President-elect Trump will have no legal ethical conflict obligations is morally bankrupt.
4
NYT - you are playing into Trump's game - too many issues that although worthy of covering distract the attention of people. Focus on one topic in detail daily, for instance: Trump University. 1. The bribery of the AG in Florida and in Texas. 2. The details of the settlement (were there threats to some plaintiffs? what is the source of the $25,000,000 settlement). 3. The taxes the Trump University has been paying over the years. 4. The exploitation of government student loans - how much money went from student loans to TU?
Focusing is key to success.
Focusing is key to success.
4
The republican back room strategy is to let Trump be Trump and eventually impeach him, then put Pence in charge, someone who will not completely destroy our democracy.
President Clinton was plagued his entire Administration with a special prosecutor for a land deal where he lost money Clinton was exonerated from the Whitewater investigation but he was impeached for his sexual escapades with a White House intern. The GOP Spent many millions of dollars investigating a failed land deal. It almost seems a joke when the president elect who is involved with all sorts of land deals all over the world announces since the voting public knew about his businesses and voted for him anyway says its not illegal. We will see if he is scrutinized in the name of justice in the same matter as President Clinton was in his terms in office. The old saying " do as I say and not as I do" comes to my mind.
4
Where are his tax returns?
If he doesn't release them now, when?
If he doesn't release them now, when?
5
He's not required by law to release them. Just as Hillary wasn't required by law to release the transcripts of all her speeches to Wall treat firms or, for that matter, how much she was paid.
And yet one is an over 50-year custom while the other was demanded as part of the absurd standard to which Clinton was held. You saw the text of those speeches. Do you still think they contained all the nefarious derring-do the mob and media insinuated ad nauseum? Honestly, the hypocrisy.
1
@JKH: "And yet one is an over 50-year custom while the other was demanded as part of the absurd standard to which Clinton was held."
A custom is not a law. Did anyone pester JFK or FDR for their tax returns? As for Clinton, the question to ask is why she didn't want to release them if there was nothing to hide? I mean, that's essentially the same logic used for requesting tax returns, right? Honestly, the hypocrisy...
A custom is not a law. Did anyone pester JFK or FDR for their tax returns? As for Clinton, the question to ask is why she didn't want to release them if there was nothing to hide? I mean, that's essentially the same logic used for requesting tax returns, right? Honestly, the hypocrisy...
Donald Trump has spent his life seeking big audiences, brighter spotlights, and more money. He has used batallions of lawyers to stiff contractors and workers, has publicized lies ("birther" rumors) to excite the crowds, employed bankruptcies as conveniences that enrich him and cheat those who had trusted him, and is now playing fast and loose with the presidency.
He doesn't care about the nation or any of the people in it. He doesn't care about government or fairness. What he likes, really likes, are the immense new opportunities to strongarm people and enhance his brand. The only people he cares about are all named Trump, and he has given his children implicit permission to help out with this whole politics thing. Look deep into Eric's eyes. This is a scary proposition.
Donald Trump isn't scared of the Times. He's bested you too often, and he knows his supporters don't read your articles. And he certainly isn't scared of the Republican Congress. But the world is large and surprises wait. This gilded tinpot may find himself in deep waters. Media investigations will be ABSOLUTELY essential.
He doesn't care about the nation or any of the people in it. He doesn't care about government or fairness. What he likes, really likes, are the immense new opportunities to strongarm people and enhance his brand. The only people he cares about are all named Trump, and he has given his children implicit permission to help out with this whole politics thing. Look deep into Eric's eyes. This is a scary proposition.
Donald Trump isn't scared of the Times. He's bested you too often, and he knows his supporters don't read your articles. And he certainly isn't scared of the Republican Congress. But the world is large and surprises wait. This gilded tinpot may find himself in deep waters. Media investigations will be ABSOLUTELY essential.
8
Let's keep our eyes on the money and forget about the insults, the bizarre behavior, the inane tweets -- the diversions. I am contributing to Mother Jones, The Nation, and other outlets which will do the necessary sleuthing to find out what crimes or misdemeanors Trump has committed. I don't trust the New York Times to do it. It's a kind of politics, really -- people will buy the news that tells them the truth.
4
The Republicans don't care which way this thing falls. It's a win-win for them. If Trump, as expected, goes beyond his legal boundaries, it's impeachment. Donald won't stand for impeachment, so as soon as that starts gaining traction, he will resign. Then they have their President Pastor Pence, which is what they wanted all along anyway.
2
We must find a way to communicate with our neighbors who voted for DJT, believing that he had their interests in mind. He clearly does not, and as appalled as I have been that Trump voters somehow didn't care about his disgusting behavior towards women and his dishonest business practices, now --or soon--it's likely that they will see whom they've elected. Where is the potential avenue for discourse between ALL working Americans moving forward? The old party identities become less and less relevant. I'd like to find a way to "brand" (cough, if you will) a cross-party dialogue about the real, living issues of American working families. We have a leader in the White House until January 20, 2017. After that, we'll have a drunken stepfather at the wheel.
4
Here it is: When you go through life never apologizing for anything you are a lout and a scoundrel. You can tell me you love cops, black people, Hispanics, Mexico and this country, but that doesn’t do anything at all to mitigate the fact that you are a lout a scoundrel.
2
Lol, America what happened to you?
What's good for Trump is what's good for America. As long as there is not an apparent means of enacting controls or enforcing laws on him, he will do as much as he possibly can get away with before public opinion belatedly exerts some control. After Dear Leader, every one else comes first.
Every Trump-owned and Trump-branded property around the world has a target on it now that he's President-elect. It's no secret that he's emotionally unstable and easy to provoke, and attacking something he owns would be the most sure way of provoking him into a strategic blunder, i.e., indiscriminately bombing Raqqa or sending a significant number of ground troops into Syria.
2
Trump has to follow the written and unwritten rules of presidency.
If he doesn't, he'll be hastening his own impeachment much faster than what most of the people are predicting that it'll come within 10 months of his presidency.
The Republican party didn't like him in the beginning of his campaign.
They still don't like him.
They want Mike Pence as their President.
So as per my guess and many others they'll start their impeachment proceedings much sooner, because if they don't, the Democrats are going to mobilize their own party in the mold of 'Tea Party' by starting a movement using Trump as a 'boogeyman' just like the Republicans used Obama as one and sweep the mid-term elections in 2018 just like the Republican party did it with the help of the tea-party in 2010.
And Trump has already started on the wrong foot and providing the fodder for his impeachment that will come up in the following order:
Letting his children listen to any conversation with any foreign leaders is a no no even for a president elect.
Conducting private businesses in White House or in Trump Tower is totally unethical.
Not putting all his businesses in a blind Trust is totally unethical . He'll be nailed on that point alone even if he thinks it's not illegal.
As per the Constitution's Emoluments Clause which Trump never read and will not read, "American officials are prohibited from receiving income and gifts......" as per your article.
There will be many other topics for his impeachment .
If he doesn't, he'll be hastening his own impeachment much faster than what most of the people are predicting that it'll come within 10 months of his presidency.
The Republican party didn't like him in the beginning of his campaign.
They still don't like him.
They want Mike Pence as their President.
So as per my guess and many others they'll start their impeachment proceedings much sooner, because if they don't, the Democrats are going to mobilize their own party in the mold of 'Tea Party' by starting a movement using Trump as a 'boogeyman' just like the Republicans used Obama as one and sweep the mid-term elections in 2018 just like the Republican party did it with the help of the tea-party in 2010.
And Trump has already started on the wrong foot and providing the fodder for his impeachment that will come up in the following order:
Letting his children listen to any conversation with any foreign leaders is a no no even for a president elect.
Conducting private businesses in White House or in Trump Tower is totally unethical.
Not putting all his businesses in a blind Trust is totally unethical . He'll be nailed on that point alone even if he thinks it's not illegal.
As per the Constitution's Emoluments Clause which Trump never read and will not read, "American officials are prohibited from receiving income and gifts......" as per your article.
There will be many other topics for his impeachment .
4
Conflict of interest--real and apparent--in this case is a huge issue.
Unfortunately, one of your proposed watchdogs, the media, blew much of their credibility during the election campaign.
I honestly do, however, wish you every success in climbing out of the hole in which you now find yourself in covering President Trump and his family.
Unfortunately, one of your proposed watchdogs, the media, blew much of their credibility during the election campaign.
I honestly do, however, wish you every success in climbing out of the hole in which you now find yourself in covering President Trump and his family.
6
Listen: the guy is a grifter. Always has been, always will be. And he's been handed the biggest grift of all time. So what's he gonna do?
11
During the campaign, Trump compared himself favourably to the Khans who had lost a son in Iraq and told us that as a businessman, he too had made sacrifices for the country. Let's be generous and accept that asking Trump to sacrifice a business he has built over the years will hurt and replacement of his empire with lucrative speaking fees after he leaves office won't be quite the same.
The office of the presidency, serving the electorate and rebuilding the economy is surely something that is worthy of such a sacrifice. President-elect Trump here's your chance. Prove that you can put the country first and make that sacrifice.
The office of the presidency, serving the electorate and rebuilding the economy is surely something that is worthy of such a sacrifice. President-elect Trump here's your chance. Prove that you can put the country first and make that sacrifice.
4
Well...America has made their bed; they have to lie on it. More shall be revealed.
3
maybe you should have been more focused on THIS,
rather than the emails of Hillary Clinton.
rather than the emails of Hillary Clinton.
5
Your argument falls apart when you discuss what an ethical leader would do. Trump is not an ethical leader. He is going to use the USA like a piggy bank.
2
Is there really any doubt that the whole federal government is now under seige by a man who has never experienced any discipline at all in his adult life?
1
Where was the NYT sanctimony when LBJ was enrichng himself for decades at the public trough? How did LBJ's many, and obvious, conflicts affect national policy? Is there not enough collective memory among the NYT editorial staff to remember, or at least to check, on how any potential conflicts affecting David Packard were handled during his confirmation process as Under Secretary of Defense? Is nobody on the staff able to cull through your morgue? Both your knees are jerking. Incredible.
Trump knows precious little of how our government works. He understands little of the constitution and even less about ethics. Have we elected an amoral president?
4
The NYT and other media have learned nothing. Your job is not to hound a president-elect with attention-catching headlines; it's to give us facts. This is how Trump got nominated in the first place, because you kept him in the headlines to sell papers. Now you'll keep him in the news until he fails.
Oh Pluheease. Nothing is new here. NYT- you and the rest are complicit. All that we see now- was evident before. You weren't interested in sounding the alarms. The addiction of clicks & comments just too much to pass up. Not a single cautionary tale without multiple qualifiers- ever accompanied the "seldom analysis" of what a Donald Trump Deal-Making consisted of. The Trump U Fraud should have been front and center reporting every day; it wasn't a new disclosure. Thousands of lawsuits; bankruptcy fillings; discriminatory business practices; these should have been covered time and again. People had a right to know. An informed citizenry tends to lead to informed decision making. This isn't what we got until- well, now?
1
Who knew that Donald Trump didn't want the Presidency, he just wanted to skim a small percentage of the US econmomy off the top?
Who knew that POTUS would soon stand for "President Of Trump University, Suckers!"
Who knew that a kleptocracy would be a much more dangerous problem for our country than a bunch of Hillary's emails?
Who knew that bringing back all those jobs in coal mines would involve hiring Wilbur Ross, an investor in the Sago cold mine which tragically blew up?
Who knew that having a blind trust meant that the public would need to blindly trust their President wasnlt profiteering as his children ran the business from insde the Oval Office?
Who knew that Donald Trump's tax audits would last so long?
Who knew that Russian hackers would only leak Democrats e-mails to Wikileaks in order to throw the election to Trump?
Who knew that FBI Director Comey would be the only one who didn't realize that announcing the e-mail investigation was reopened would cost Hillary Clinton so many votes?
Answer: The NY Times should have known. Anyone paying attention to Donald Trump's life story as a con man who founded Trump University and the birther movement should have known. We all should have known, and yet here we are.
Who knew that POTUS would soon stand for "President Of Trump University, Suckers!"
Who knew that a kleptocracy would be a much more dangerous problem for our country than a bunch of Hillary's emails?
Who knew that bringing back all those jobs in coal mines would involve hiring Wilbur Ross, an investor in the Sago cold mine which tragically blew up?
Who knew that having a blind trust meant that the public would need to blindly trust their President wasnlt profiteering as his children ran the business from insde the Oval Office?
Who knew that Donald Trump's tax audits would last so long?
Who knew that Russian hackers would only leak Democrats e-mails to Wikileaks in order to throw the election to Trump?
Who knew that FBI Director Comey would be the only one who didn't realize that announcing the e-mail investigation was reopened would cost Hillary Clinton so many votes?
Answer: The NY Times should have known. Anyone paying attention to Donald Trump's life story as a con man who founded Trump University and the birther movement should have known. We all should have known, and yet here we are.
5
How much do you suppose a night in the Lincoln Bedroom will go for? Accompanied by a Trump made brass placard, that could be purchased for an additional charge, no doubt.
Just imagine what could be sold from the Lincoln Bedroom mini bar. There's also monogrammed White House bathrobes, and bed linens; the opportunities are endless. And all made abroad in India, or China or Pakistan under the DJTrump or Ivanka label.
Just imagine what could be sold from the Lincoln Bedroom mini bar. There's also monogrammed White House bathrobes, and bed linens; the opportunities are endless. And all made abroad in India, or China or Pakistan under the DJTrump or Ivanka label.
1
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents. more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of this land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." H.L. Mencken
Looks like H. L. nailed it.
Looks like H. L. nailed it.
3
Trump is not President-elect. The Electoral College has not voted. Indeed, not all states have certified their counts and all votes have not been counted. Time still remains for demands for recounts. Of course, Trump looks like the winner, but disregarding all the details that make a democracy a republic, the media rushed to crown this man way before time. As I understand it, he is negotiating with a firm, Carrier. While Carrier may be induced to keep all its jobs in America, what is Citizen Trump offering in the name of the American people?
1
Already the most corrupt administration in history, and it hasn't even begun.
2
It is important to keep reporting these potentially criminal offenses but he currently has too much political power for anyone to do anything. This is the sad and frightening reality. The Republicans are going to aggressively move forward with an agenda which would make Nixon look like Bernie Sanders. The Republicans close ranks like a military regime. Democrats can only brace up and hope that the conservative half of the nation wakes up by 2018.
1
Trump should place his business in a blind trust--not to avoid a conflict of interest--but to avoid the appearance of it.
The Liberal media, including of course, this publication, will use every method and angle at its disposal to call into question, the legitimacy of Trump's presidency. They will stop at nothing to bring him down. They have already proven it, time and time again, with dozens of negative stories on the front page. Every single editorial has sought to disparage him.
Here's my advice to Mr. Trump: let it go. Don't give liberals any ammunition--because they are salivating at the prospect of using it against you. Walk away from the business you have built. It's a sacrifice...but think of the country.
The Liberal media, including of course, this publication, will use every method and angle at its disposal to call into question, the legitimacy of Trump's presidency. They will stop at nothing to bring him down. They have already proven it, time and time again, with dozens of negative stories on the front page. Every single editorial has sought to disparage him.
Here's my advice to Mr. Trump: let it go. Don't give liberals any ammunition--because they are salivating at the prospect of using it against you. Walk away from the business you have built. It's a sacrifice...but think of the country.
1
Wow, surprise? Under this shameless con-man?
Forget the conflict of interest. As half country wished, finally we have a match to Putin and see whose little finger gets to THE Bottom faster?!
Forget the conflict of interest. As half country wished, finally we have a match to Putin and see whose little finger gets to THE Bottom faster?!
It still amazes me how many people still believe Donald Trump is the next Christ.
2
The only people whose to hold that idea are disappointed Democrats who, lacking rationality and wit, set up straw men to kick and punch instead.
He's vowed to come and "shake things up" and "drain the swamp". His promise was to overhaul the system and approach Washington in a completely different way, supposedly on behalf of his followers who are sick and tired of corruption and self-serving manipulation of the gears of government.
But he's already made it abundantly clear to anyone paying attention that he intends to exploit the system under protection of the law that applies only to him, and continue to serve only himself from the highest office in the land.
This is one old dog with no interest in learning any new tricks, but rather veiling his over-practiced ones with a flag and believing he can keep on rolling them out. Because everyone is "in love with him" because he "won".
But eventually he'll alienate and enrage all of his supporters as he betrays and deserts them and they'll feel first hand what it's like to be deceived and ripped off by a conman.
And these jilted lovers, some armed to the teeth and as unhinged as their idol, who threatened (as he goaded them on) to "take matters into their own hands" as a constitutional right, might turn on him as he turned on them. And he hasn't even considered that yet, because he doesn't care about people and doesn't understand them.
And indeed, the same salivating old dog congressmen and senators that sold out years ago and who will exploit his egomania will have to answer for it later, because they should know better. Big League.
But he's already made it abundantly clear to anyone paying attention that he intends to exploit the system under protection of the law that applies only to him, and continue to serve only himself from the highest office in the land.
This is one old dog with no interest in learning any new tricks, but rather veiling his over-practiced ones with a flag and believing he can keep on rolling them out. Because everyone is "in love with him" because he "won".
But eventually he'll alienate and enrage all of his supporters as he betrays and deserts them and they'll feel first hand what it's like to be deceived and ripped off by a conman.
And these jilted lovers, some armed to the teeth and as unhinged as their idol, who threatened (as he goaded them on) to "take matters into their own hands" as a constitutional right, might turn on him as he turned on them. And he hasn't even considered that yet, because he doesn't care about people and doesn't understand them.
And indeed, the same salivating old dog congressmen and senators that sold out years ago and who will exploit his egomania will have to answer for it later, because they should know better. Big League.
4
Want to understand Trump? Read David Mamet's "Glengarry Glenn Ross."
And yet before the election the NYTs spent so much ink repeating vague spin room accusations of double dealing by the Clinton Foundation, and how much on Trump's legion of misdealings and and self dealings? What he has admitted to doing with his foundation is more ethically and legally damning than anything the Clintons have done, and his business dealing - good god. Even now the Times mostly relegates these stories to the opinion pages rather than giving investigative depth and proportion to their outrageousness. Your editorial board's softball interview with Trump seemd designed more to reassure the public that he would moderate, but pathological narcissists don't moderate, they manipulate and either you've been had or you're falling short of fully recognizing what's happening here.
4
It's quite obvious that the founders did not foresee an animal such as Trump, an elected President for whom "ethics" are fluid and contrary to definition in service of self.
NYT - "But Mrs. Clinton’s possible conflicts pale beside the ones he’s now intent on embracing."
Mrs. Clinton had "possible" conflicts with her foundation while she was SecState but Trump will have "real" ones as president, according to the NYT. Maybe Trump can ratchet his conflicts down to "possible" in the very near future to put the NYT and its readers at ease, as they were during Mrs. Clinton's reign.
Mrs. Clinton had "possible" conflicts with her foundation while she was SecState but Trump will have "real" ones as president, according to the NYT. Maybe Trump can ratchet his conflicts down to "possible" in the very near future to put the NYT and its readers at ease, as they were during Mrs. Clinton's reign.
There are also additional allegations of voter fraud and interference in other states like N. Carolina where one or both parties are accused of removing voters from rolls forcing them to re-enroll to get back on. Many were allegedly too late to vote as result.
This situation is much more screwed up than 2000.
This situation is much more screwed up than 2000.
1
Re: my post about Trump's attempts to secretly make deals in Cuba during the 5+ decade U.S. embargo of Cuba, which would have violated a number of federal laws:
This is the same Trump who said about immigration: "Either we have a country or we don't."
Trump cares nothing about our laws if they interfere with his profits.
This is the same Trump who said about immigration: "Either we have a country or we don't."
Trump cares nothing about our laws if they interfere with his profits.
Sorry NYT but Nigel Farrage does not have " Significant political influence" in the UK. He is like Trump a rabble rouser who uses dog whistle racism and outright lies to achieve his goals. No wonder Trump likes him.
2
Without a full disclosure and divestment of his personal international interests, Mr. Trump Is Constitutionally disqualified from representing the broader interests of his constituents: us. Or is that U.S.? I'm hopeful that the Electoral College or perhaps something else as arcane as the Emolluments clause of the Constitution may help our country. If not, impeachment seemingly looms.
2
Republicans in Congress....might be inclined to protect their positions and
pass a law that would require that no one serving in government office can
be exempt from releasing their tax returns or having businesses which are
conflicts of interest...
Republicans...all Republicans...do not all like Donald J. Trump...and do not
want to be associated with Trump....so it really is up to the majority in
the Senate and the House of Representatives to act now in this short space
of time prior to inauguration...and pass a bill which would not exclude
The President of our Country from full disclosure and to put his businesses
holdings in a Blind Trust...
If this happened....then I believe Trump would decline the Presidency in favor
of his own interests....I do not think this idea is simple wishful thinking...I
think this is in the process...and I think the Editors should follow this story.
pass a law that would require that no one serving in government office can
be exempt from releasing their tax returns or having businesses which are
conflicts of interest...
Republicans...all Republicans...do not all like Donald J. Trump...and do not
want to be associated with Trump....so it really is up to the majority in
the Senate and the House of Representatives to act now in this short space
of time prior to inauguration...and pass a bill which would not exclude
The President of our Country from full disclosure and to put his businesses
holdings in a Blind Trust...
If this happened....then I believe Trump would decline the Presidency in favor
of his own interests....I do not think this idea is simple wishful thinking...I
think this is in the process...and I think the Editors should follow this story.
Every tax payer in this country will, in theory, provide personal monetary benefit to Trump if he is permitted to co-mingle public and private interests. This should not be.
1
I've heard via the public air waves that the nice man who predicted Donald Trump's winning the election predicted last week that he would be impeached.
Well, even that takes time so I hope not too many of the positive laws and acts in place that have helped us all don't disappear before then.
Well, even that takes time so I hope not too many of the positive laws and acts in place that have helped us all don't disappear before then.
Other than pleasing a large group of the under-informed I see nothing good coming from Mr. Trump's election. He has scandalized the world and embarrassed most Americans. I fear it will only get worse.
This is just another example of the NY Times' bias against Trump. Read the recent article in the "Economist" to see the extent and nature of Trump's business interests, and what he would have to do to use his position to markedly increase his wealth.. His company is small with 65% of his properities in New York City. Although Trump may mix business with politics It is highly unlikely that it will do much to increase his wealth. It will just allow him to contunue his characteristic pattern of behavior but very unlikely at the expense of government or for any appreciable personal advantage.
1
The hypocrisy of the left appears to know no bounds! It also appears the NYT's repentant period of self examination was very short indeed. Suddenly HRC's veritable potpourri of ethical challenges and conflicts of interest are forgotten by The Times. I assume these entanglements would have been much more acceptable if your candidate had won. Your angst is so palpable, you embarrass yourselves and the reputation of the NYT.
1
The opportunism of Donald Trump in mixing personal business interests with his responsibilities in the highest office of the land is utterly sickening. No one can tax him with hypocrisy, for he glibly accepts this 'perk' as a 'normal' part of the presidency. How long will it take for his base to react with righteous anger in the face of such injustice? I very much the federal government would display any kind of clemency towards ordinary citizens tardy in their student loan repayments, for example. Why should really PATRIOTIC Americans continue to turn a blind eye towards Donald Trump's obviously corrupt ways? I am afraid things will have to get a lot worse before they stand a chance of ever possibly getting better in the United States.....
The law is NOT on Donald Trump's side. He cannot accept money from a foreign government, which means any diplomat or other member of a foreign government spending any money at any of his properties is illegal.
It doesn't matter if his children are running the businesses. He still profits. It will clearly be a violation of the Emoluments clause from Day One.
It doesn't matter if his children are running the businesses. He still profits. It will clearly be a violation of the Emoluments clause from Day One.
1
Why is anyone surprised at this? Mr. Trump at age 70 will not change and will do what is favorable to only himself.
His presidency will only empower him to do the same and rule in his favor at the expense of the country.
The people who voted for him and saw him as the savior of the country will finally have their awakening in his first term when they realize what he really is.
His presidency will only empower him to do the same and rule in his favor at the expense of the country.
The people who voted for him and saw him as the savior of the country will finally have their awakening in his first term when they realize what he really is.
The contrast with Barack Obama, an ethical, scrupulously scandal-free president could not be more extreme. Cognitive dissonance amongst Trumpkins is rampant...and delicious to behold. Small consolation.
2
thank you NYT for not getting along, don't ever stop...
1
Theses are all legitimate issues that the next congress as well as the media will need to monitor. But it is important to remember the reason this is an issue is that we have a president who isn't a career politician for the first time in generations. When did President Obama or either Clinton ever get a paycheck from a private sector job? Unless Americans prefer to only be governed by people from the professional political class with the different kinds of conflicts they come with, these issues of conflict of interest will need to be dealt with.
1
What are the facts.....yes actual factual accounting of what Donald J. Trump
has filed on his Tax Returns.
There should be no risk to the entire nation because the person who governs
in the highest position....could....and may already have put our nation at risk
by his refusal to disclose his conflicts of interests....
In this way...Trump is a very dangerous man...who may act in a treasonous
way...and maybe he already has sold us all down the river for his own profit.
Why is there no real opposition to full disclosure...by our representatives in
Congress....Keep Asking....Keep Demanding ......is our entire country at
risk because of the next President may be a traitor.
has filed on his Tax Returns.
There should be no risk to the entire nation because the person who governs
in the highest position....could....and may already have put our nation at risk
by his refusal to disclose his conflicts of interests....
In this way...Trump is a very dangerous man...who may act in a treasonous
way...and maybe he already has sold us all down the river for his own profit.
Why is there no real opposition to full disclosure...by our representatives in
Congress....Keep Asking....Keep Demanding ......is our entire country at
risk because of the next President may be a traitor.
I guess"draining the swamp" means pumping all that slush (money) into a private storage location (and maybe shipping it offshore).
2
I think the cap he wore during the campaign was missing two words ; "make America great again ... FOR ME."
3
And when the scandals appear, some that may compromise national interest or security will impeachment proceedings occur? No. They'll impeach a Democrat for having consensual sex with an intern, but not if Trump endangers the world. This is what a minority of voters will get and take the rest of us down with them.
1
This concern is all well and good but I don't remember the same concern for Hillary's 'foundation" dealings as SOS. Nor do I remember the same concerns for various Kennedy's, Al Gore or assorted other Democrats. What about the financial dealings of the Reid, Pelosi and Boxer families? Nor has their been a similar concern about elected Democrats connections to the convicted felon and currency manipulator Soros. Why is that? Why is only Trump expected to beggar himself and his family? This seems to be the same one sided partisan story that cost the Democrats the election and the media their last shred of credibility.
1
Your memory is faulty.
The NY Times wrote articles and editorials about the potential for conflicts with Clinton. And she actually proposed ways for dealing with them and was open to other solutions.
PS. Two wrongs don't make a right.
The NY Times wrote articles and editorials about the potential for conflicts with Clinton. And she actually proposed ways for dealing with them and was open to other solutions.
PS. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Oh good grief, why are Trump supporters so blind to the criticism of H Clinton in the media. It seems only the ridiculous fake news satisfies those looking for righteous indignation. One of the reasons that she lost to this walking contradiction is because of questions about how really separate she was from the foundation.
All the personal, private emails released by wkkileaks and the government never showed more than attempts by foreign dignitaries to use the foundation to speak to Hillary. As far as facts show she didn't meet with them and the staff was on alert to the potential poor optics of the whole thing.
If you don't like the conflict the Clinto foundation posed and may have posed, then you should be screaming about Trump's unashamed self promotion and self enrichment schemes that seem only to be building steam. Just because he doesn't hide his intention, doesn't make it okay.
All the personal, private emails released by wkkileaks and the government never showed more than attempts by foreign dignitaries to use the foundation to speak to Hillary. As far as facts show she didn't meet with them and the staff was on alert to the potential poor optics of the whole thing.
If you don't like the conflict the Clinto foundation posed and may have posed, then you should be screaming about Trump's unashamed self promotion and self enrichment schemes that seem only to be building steam. Just because he doesn't hide his intention, doesn't make it okay.
1
Why didn't the Times report on this a month ago instead of reporting on fake conflicts of Hillary. If the media had trashed Hillary over these made-up scandals half as much and actually reported news like this, maybe we'd have Hillary in the White House.
But the media makes a LOT of money off of Trump, so they were happy to help him get elected.
But the media makes a LOT of money off of Trump, so they were happy to help him get elected.
2
Thanks NYT. This should have been pointed out during the primaries or at least the election. Instead you demonized Hillary. Neither the media or the Congress will save this country.
1
I'm trying hard not to be bitter and angry at Trump voters and those who stayed home and decided it was too much trouble to vote. But I can't help feeling that payback for those folks who actually need government the most--i.e. the "Reagan democrats" who voted for Trump--is going to be painful and costly. GWB told us that "elections have consequences". About time those Trump voters who are currently rushing to sign up for Obamacare described in another article in today's paper figure that out. If the people of Michigan voted for Trump after seeing how a Republican administration failed in many ways (particularly in the area of caring about children being poisoned) to provide clean drinking water in Flint, then they deserve whatever consequences arrive. It will be ugly to watch as all this self-dealing plays out.
3
Where was the press on these conflicts before the election? Where was the Democratic Party on these conflicts before the election? Where was Hillary Clinton on these conflicts before the election?
They were focused on the so-called humor of his stupid outrageous claims about American standing in the world and immigrants and his egomania.
We need the press. But shame on a lazy press.
They were focused on the so-called humor of his stupid outrageous claims about American standing in the world and immigrants and his egomania.
We need the press. But shame on a lazy press.
2
What Hillary quid pro quo blah blah gossip? Trump is acting unethically as if it is scripted for him daily. He has no conscience or ethics or manners or respect for any person or institution. He has one goal: get richer. Deriding honesty and patriotism is just sidebar stuff. .. God help us. This is our greatest test.
2
"Federal ethics rules are not a deterrent, since they cannot be enforced against him."
Why can't they?
Why can't they?
1
There isn't any law. The only thing that can be brought against Trump is the Emoluments Clause, and that can only be invoked if foreign governments are involved and Congress doesn't approve.
Trump thinks he can keep his day job and still be the President of the United States. Didn't anyone explain to Donald that the presidency is a full-time job?
3
I read this editorial, then all the comments. Then I ate a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream. I still don't feel any better.
We're getting to see not only what Trump as a businessman will extract via his public office. We will also get to see what the American people and Congress will put up with. I'm not betting on the ethics of any of the three parties.
1
The Trump presidency will be illegitimate - is that really news?
It just doesn't end with you Editorial guys. Yelling fire and there isn't even the smell of smoke!
What a big mistake it was for Pres. Elect Trump to visit with you at your offices. A complete waste of time and effort. It's quite clear that The NY Times is a Trump attack machine well oiled to continue its negativity regardless of absence of conflicts and whatever other nefarious schemes the Editorial Board dreams up.
Having purposefully misguided its readers in posting imaginary pre-election probabilities of 86/14 against Mr. Trump's election and other phoney Editorial posts, the discredited NY Times is now sowing seeds of doubt as to the new administration's honesty hoping to destroy the man that caused a cauldron of factual universal criticism of this institution's own honesty, credibility and extreme Clinton bias in the coverage of the 2016 election.
Mr. Trump came to your offices with an olive branch in his hands and forgiveness in his heart. Isn't it time for this once great newspaper to reciprocate?
What a big mistake it was for Pres. Elect Trump to visit with you at your offices. A complete waste of time and effort. It's quite clear that The NY Times is a Trump attack machine well oiled to continue its negativity regardless of absence of conflicts and whatever other nefarious schemes the Editorial Board dreams up.
Having purposefully misguided its readers in posting imaginary pre-election probabilities of 86/14 against Mr. Trump's election and other phoney Editorial posts, the discredited NY Times is now sowing seeds of doubt as to the new administration's honesty hoping to destroy the man that caused a cauldron of factual universal criticism of this institution's own honesty, credibility and extreme Clinton bias in the coverage of the 2016 election.
Mr. Trump came to your offices with an olive branch in his hands and forgiveness in his heart. Isn't it time for this once great newspaper to reciprocate?
he does not have a heart and to him forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
1
Can you please write about something else?
The people who elected Trump don't care about conflicts, income inequality, sexism, racism, experience, statesmanship, bad language, ridicule of the handicapped, truth, honesty, integrity or much of anything except they think he's going to bring manufacturing jobs back to small towns in middle America.
So let's shut up already and see if he does it.
The people who elected Trump don't care about conflicts, income inequality, sexism, racism, experience, statesmanship, bad language, ridicule of the handicapped, truth, honesty, integrity or much of anything except they think he's going to bring manufacturing jobs back to small towns in middle America.
So let's shut up already and see if he does it.
1
"It may seem naïve to expect Republicans to challenge Mr. Trump at the start of his tenure."
Perhaps "delusional" would be a better word.
Perhaps "delusional" would be a better word.
2
The blind Trust for Presidents didn't exist until Jimmy Carter. President Kennedy didn't have one, neither did either Roosevelt. This is a red herring.
The Republicans will not challenge Mr. Trump or serve as a check on his administration. Paul Ryan has already clearly expressed his position, sitting beside Trump smiling like the cat that ate the canary. This is his chance, with complete Republican control, to make his own unethical moves.
Trump promised not to harm social security and medicare. 90% of the American public, Republican voters included wish to keep these programs intact. Yet Paul Ryan's first move following Trump's election is to place those programs in his sights, using a lie (it is well documented that the ACA did NOT harm medicare) to fuel his campaign to do something that he knows is not the will of the people. It is just his will.
So no, the devil won't be a check on the con-artist. With complete control of the government the Republicans will have their way with the American people, consenting or not. Only ethical Republicans working in tandem with Democrats could do that. That's kind of like wishing unicorns might help.
Trump promised not to harm social security and medicare. 90% of the American public, Republican voters included wish to keep these programs intact. Yet Paul Ryan's first move following Trump's election is to place those programs in his sights, using a lie (it is well documented that the ACA did NOT harm medicare) to fuel his campaign to do something that he knows is not the will of the people. It is just his will.
So no, the devil won't be a check on the con-artist. With complete control of the government the Republicans will have their way with the American people, consenting or not. Only ethical Republicans working in tandem with Democrats could do that. That's kind of like wishing unicorns might help.
4
Right on!
Trump thinks as President America is supposed to serve his interests, and not that he is supposed to serve America interests.
1
Electoral College, do your patriotic duty and refuse to vote in this liar and conman who does not have this country's best interests at heart, as a true president should. Those who voted for him as well as those who did not, will be his victims. If he can get away with this, what example will that set for future presidents of the USA?
2
I guess the NYT editorial board will never admit defeat and move on to relevant topics. This whining is getting old!! Clinton had more conflicts than any living human which the left overlooked time and time again.
Trump's business interests are a big reason he won! we do not need career politicians or community organizers as president. Someone needs to put a pencil to the actual number of men wanting to use the ladies room before we start protesting and raising hell about "Tolerance" and "Diversity"!!!
Now, go shine your participation trophy and learn to keep score!
Trump's business interests are a big reason he won! we do not need career politicians or community organizers as president. Someone needs to put a pencil to the actual number of men wanting to use the ladies room before we start protesting and raising hell about "Tolerance" and "Diversity"!!!
Now, go shine your participation trophy and learn to keep score!
2
"More than any living human"?
First of all, how could you even prove such a generalization?
Second, hyperbole such as this helps explain why Trump won - and why America lost.
First of all, how could you even prove such a generalization?
Second, hyperbole such as this helps explain why Trump won - and why America lost.
1
Is this why Trump is refusing his salary, except for $1? So he can say he wasn't getting paid to be president anyway, so we can't claim he's cheated us by doing business on our dime?
Saying that he intends to meet with business partners in the White House and allowing his children to be privy to such meetings with foreign powers is disqualifying.
A man (or woman) cannot serve two masters, and by doing so, Trump obviously wants to serve only himself.
The Electoral College should give their votes to Hillary Clinton. She won the popular vote by a significant margin, and she would be fully committed to doing the job.
Saying that he intends to meet with business partners in the White House and allowing his children to be privy to such meetings with foreign powers is disqualifying.
A man (or woman) cannot serve two masters, and by doing so, Trump obviously wants to serve only himself.
The Electoral College should give their votes to Hillary Clinton. She won the popular vote by a significant margin, and she would be fully committed to doing the job.
37
The Electoral College, all Electors, are now owners of a solemn responsibility and will be to blame unless they save the Republic.
Every single one of them must not only consider the moment to which they are called, the reason they are called, and have a mental conversation with the Founding Fathers.
Each of them must also consider that failure to act and protect the Republic from a Grifter in Chief, a liar, a thief, an apostate to the oath of office, that failure to act and protect us all will become their Albatross. In each obituary, there will be the words "failed to prevent the National Disgrace of a Trump Presidency" or some such.
History waits. Each Elector is awaited. Choose Life for the Republic! Elect the winner of the popular vote. Prevent disaster.
Every single one of them must not only consider the moment to which they are called, the reason they are called, and have a mental conversation with the Founding Fathers.
Each of them must also consider that failure to act and protect the Republic from a Grifter in Chief, a liar, a thief, an apostate to the oath of office, that failure to act and protect us all will become their Albatross. In each obituary, there will be the words "failed to prevent the National Disgrace of a Trump Presidency" or some such.
History waits. Each Elector is awaited. Choose Life for the Republic! Elect the winner of the popular vote. Prevent disaster.
This is even scarier than his other faults.
Without governmental legal protections or any checks and balances to oversee where his business dealings end and our nations economic and national security start is terrifying. The GOP will protect their interests and him.
He wants his crooked son in law, son of a convicted felon to be part of his Whitehouse team.
Isnt it bad enough we have white supremacists, misogynist and Putins puppet who brags about his pussy grabbing?
Too bad we can NOT even trust the media to investigate the shanigans behind the scenes.
Who do we turn to?
When will the NYTIMES finally be a paper we can trust again?
Without governmental legal protections or any checks and balances to oversee where his business dealings end and our nations economic and national security start is terrifying. The GOP will protect their interests and him.
He wants his crooked son in law, son of a convicted felon to be part of his Whitehouse team.
Isnt it bad enough we have white supremacists, misogynist and Putins puppet who brags about his pussy grabbing?
Too bad we can NOT even trust the media to investigate the shanigans behind the scenes.
Who do we turn to?
When will the NYTIMES finally be a paper we can trust again?
3
So it boils down to a Republican Congress keeping Mr Trump in check? God help America.
4
This is just good business. Like not paying taxes and filing for bankruptcy. I believe the word often used is "genius."
2
Good job NYT's. You're still feeding the hate and fear. Let's see if the main stream media can get something going at least in the next four years to undermine this president and our country. They've done such an excellent job so far.
2
Pointing out obvious conflicts of interest in "feeding hate and fear?" It's called journalism, something that the Times, perhaps uniquely among media outlets, practices.
1
MV: You are entirely wrong. This paper's every issue has done nothing but attempt to feed hate and fear. If you read it every day you know that only too well. If you don't know that you don't want to. The Times has not practiced journalism in years. It practices spins to it's way of thinking. Case in point, a person was a WHITE Hispanic. Took three weeks but that was finally picked up by the rest of the lame stream media. Today in the NYT's an entire article is attempting to make you think Castro was some kind of hero.
1
No, Republicans will not enforce any ethics demands on Don the Con. They will be too busy prosecuting "corrupt" Hillary Clinton and any other Democrats they can lie about and demonized to Don's deplorable and naive followers.
1
Democrats were essentially silent when Republicans refused to honor their constitutional responsibilities by holding hearings regarding Obama's Supreme Court pick. We see how that worked out. Democrats must now do the opposite: a relentless, neverending attack on Trump's conflicts of interest and demands for his tax returns. Figure out a way to explain that he is betraying our country and demand action. All day. Every day. Forever.
4
To paraphrase slimy little Jason Chaffetz, let the investigations begin.
3
While I think Mr. Trump should divest all his business interests, if he doesn't do so, most of his conflicts of interest will be obvious and he will be rightly criticized for any action he takes that benefits himself. Even if he can legally get away with it, it will be a major distraction that will reduce his effectiveness in more important areas.
But Trump's obvious conflicts of interest are better than the Clintons' selling of access and government favors through the Clinton Foundation and speaking fees. After leaving the White House "dead broke" the Clintons amassed a large fortune. I don't think Goldman Sachs was paying Hillary hundreds of thousands of dollars because she's such a vibrant, inspiring public speaker.
But Trump's obvious conflicts of interest are better than the Clintons' selling of access and government favors through the Clinton Foundation and speaking fees. After leaving the White House "dead broke" the Clintons amassed a large fortune. I don't think Goldman Sachs was paying Hillary hundreds of thousands of dollars because she's such a vibrant, inspiring public speaker.
1
Trump is the president. Move on. Fight for the integrity of your country.
No, they are not better. Bill Clinton got rich through speaking fees, as did the Presidents Bush who preceded and succeeded him (and as did Reagan and will Obama). HRC also made money after leaving the State Department. All perfectly legitimate, if perhaps a little unseemly.
Perhaps, because of the extent of Trump's overseas business interests, the world will be saved by foreign powers putting pressure on him to protect against climate change, lest they take actions that might threaten his profits. It's a thought ...
1
To the publisher and editors of the NYTimes, Where were you during the campaign? Hillary's emails and the Clinton Foundation were the mainstay of your coverage of her. Shame on you. Newsweek and the Washington Post did your job. Now your concerns will have little effect on the direction of our country.
2
What scandal. No scandal here, says Mitch the mendacious McConnell!
Who are you kidding, the republican will let him deal whatever he wants, after all the purpose of America is Bid'ness! Right!
Land of the thief, home of the slave. Just ask Paul Mr. Petty Ryan!
Who are you kidding, the republican will let him deal whatever he wants, after all the purpose of America is Bid'ness! Right!
Land of the thief, home of the slave. Just ask Paul Mr. Petty Ryan!
1
Quite a few commenters here come to the conclusion that the president-elect might be impeached within a year after taking office, because of his crooked businesses conflicts stretching around the globe and playing footsie with dictators.. That is my opinion as well.
But then what? Instead of a gaudy and vulgar Crook-in-Chief we'll receive a deluded, oh-so-pious Pastor-in-Chief, one popier than the pope?
More than half the nation is still in shock about the result of this past election. When reading foreign publications - even the ones from the center right - it is clear that the governments of all advanced nations are in collective shock about the man they have to deal with in the future.
It is highly doubtful that even center right politicians, Chancellor Angela Merkel, PM Theresa May et.al will be amused when Ivanka and Jared are listening in on daddy-dearest's phone calls, or even attending a face-to-face meetings as well.
This country has once more become the butt of the joke abroad, except that this latest joke frightens the bejesus out of our allies.
But then what? Instead of a gaudy and vulgar Crook-in-Chief we'll receive a deluded, oh-so-pious Pastor-in-Chief, one popier than the pope?
More than half the nation is still in shock about the result of this past election. When reading foreign publications - even the ones from the center right - it is clear that the governments of all advanced nations are in collective shock about the man they have to deal with in the future.
It is highly doubtful that even center right politicians, Chancellor Angela Merkel, PM Theresa May et.al will be amused when Ivanka and Jared are listening in on daddy-dearest's phone calls, or even attending a face-to-face meetings as well.
This country has once more become the butt of the joke abroad, except that this latest joke frightens the bejesus out of our allies.
279
And the last time the US was on the receiving end of these jokes and disrespect was with the last republican president, Bush 43.
2
Our allies? It frightens the bejesus out of a lot of Americans. I've seen disappointment over elections. But I've never before seen hate crimes go up. I've never before heard people talk about grieving.
More people voted for Hillary. But our unbalanced system elected Trump. In states like CA, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and LA pick the candidate. The votes from rural areas become nullified. Ditto for the reverse in states like Pennsylvania and Florida. Urban votes get nullified.
We need balance in our system. Approximately half of the eligible voters didn't vote. The votes were approximately split in half, with, last I heard, 2 million more going to Hillary. But, because the vote hinges on Ohio, Florida, and a varying slate of other swing states, the people who vote in those states cast the only votes that matter. That's unbalanced. A small number of states should not be deciding for the whole country.
My suggestion for balancing it is to keep "electoral votes" as numbers to win. Instead of winner takes all in each state, electoral votes get divided up according to the percentage of people who voted for each candidate. Example: A state has 100 votes. The two major candidates got 46% & 44%. The third party candidates got 7% & 3%. They'd get 46, 44, 7 and 3 electoral votes, respectively.
That's a balanced system. It won't happen because it's easier to campaign when you can safely ignore most of the country, knowing their vote won't change the outcome.
More people voted for Hillary. But our unbalanced system elected Trump. In states like CA, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and LA pick the candidate. The votes from rural areas become nullified. Ditto for the reverse in states like Pennsylvania and Florida. Urban votes get nullified.
We need balance in our system. Approximately half of the eligible voters didn't vote. The votes were approximately split in half, with, last I heard, 2 million more going to Hillary. But, because the vote hinges on Ohio, Florida, and a varying slate of other swing states, the people who vote in those states cast the only votes that matter. That's unbalanced. A small number of states should not be deciding for the whole country.
My suggestion for balancing it is to keep "electoral votes" as numbers to win. Instead of winner takes all in each state, electoral votes get divided up according to the percentage of people who voted for each candidate. Example: A state has 100 votes. The two major candidates got 46% & 44%. The third party candidates got 7% & 3%. They'd get 46, 44, 7 and 3 electoral votes, respectively.
That's a balanced system. It won't happen because it's easier to campaign when you can safely ignore most of the country, knowing their vote won't change the outcome.
drain the swamp? trump is a one man swamp!
5
Just as he sold his Trump University 'clients' a bill of bogus goods, so he sold his voters a lot of hot air. His presidency is already a fraud. Despite his claim to drain the swamp and eliminate corruption, we're already looking at an historically corrupt character by orders of magnitude. I would like to see the congress initiate impeachment proceeding immediately on is arrival, and pursue relentlessly to the exclusion of all other affairs. There will be new grounds for impeachment with every new day, as there have been reasons to reject him from the start. Donald Trump is not the champion of the American working class, or anybody for that matter but only for himself and his family.
2
How can this president ask Americans to pay his salary with the taxes WE pay. The man doesn't pay taxes himself and will not throughout his tenure....I would like to revolt by not paying his salary, but I don't have the kind of money to buy the tax lawyers to protect me. I'm sickened by the people who put him in office.
2
The "government" has no integrity, people do. And this page already has achieved disreputable status, not to mention sinking to a sixth grade reading level. Which of course makes things easier for your most ovine-like followers.
Let's all agree on the obvious. Trump never actually wanted the job, as evidenced by his refusal to receive daily presidential briefings. What he wanted was to win the election in order to prove that if Obama could win the election, so could Trump.
8
Asking only, 'What's the country doing for me, me, me,' the angry and frightened have chosen an ego without conscious to be their commander-in-thief. The malignant culmination of decades of corporate capitolism, the apotheosis of greed, DT will bring an entirely new level of understanding to 'The Bucks stop here'. The rocky trump picture show is about to begin.
4
Ethics?
He dont have no stinkin' ethics!
He dont have no stinkin' ethics!
8
Banana Republic mentality and governmental administration is coming to the United States. Jump on board to benefit or be one of those who lines the pockets of those who are on board.
2
The Republicans have taken over. Conflicts of interests? Fugetaboutit. The Mob is in charge now, so get over it.
5
Dear Editorial Board,
You should have shown this level of care during his candidacy. I am still waiting for an article from the editorial board admitting, and apologizing to your readers for failing to exercise your journalistic responsibilities. Then, your focus on these matters will find more listening ears.
You should have shown this level of care during his candidacy. I am still waiting for an article from the editorial board admitting, and apologizing to your readers for failing to exercise your journalistic responsibilities. Then, your focus on these matters will find more listening ears.
5
Perhaps our Republican legislators will find a way to oust this rogue elephant and leave Pence in charge. Pence is an ideologue and therefore unconflicted, albeit in a simplistic way. Moreover, he will be controllable. Pence is not an unstable, vindictive, mendacious, blatantly racist and misogynistic, narcissistic, socio/psychopathic, tax-dodging, Putin-lover like our con-man president-elect. He's like another Gerald Ford, if not as bright or principled. He can serve four years and be roundly voted out. And then the party that inflicted this, and him, upon the United States will be deservedly dead.
2
No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.
5
I only hope those who thoughtlessly voted for the Trumpster enjoy their Thanksgiving crow.
2
He's just going to try to get away with as much as he can in every way. Why can't anyone see this? Because the education system has produced a president who can't read and a brainwashed, forgetful and gullible public that doesn't know even recent history, never mind the Constitution and the history of this country: Berlusconi, anyone? The campaign just pushed back the standards for ethics, decency, and truth so far as to be invisible, so now it's an open field run for the self aggrandizing, hate-mongering con man.
4
Mr . Trump's will work within the disclosure and conflict t of interest rules.
Viewing petty subjects such as this, when there are other much more serious issues to focus on, is typical for the media and emotionally charged readers.
It's irrelevant and a non issue - let's concentrate on poverty, education and healthcare - issues that Mr. Trump will be challenged as he never has been before.
Viewing petty subjects such as this, when there are other much more serious issues to focus on, is typical for the media and emotionally charged readers.
It's irrelevant and a non issue - let's concentrate on poverty, education and healthcare - issues that Mr. Trump will be challenged as he never has been before.
2
The founding fathers were very worried about bribes and emoluments
Definition of emoluments .. a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office.
synonyms: salary, pay, payment, wage(s), earnings, allowance, stipend, honorarium, reward, premium; fee, charge, consideration; income, profit, gain, return "his name alone is worth the emolument they're willing to offer"
Example .. So who is going to pay to protect Trump properties in the US/Overseas .. Focusing on the overseas properties .. If the foreign countries do that .. Then it is a violation of the emoluments clause
So too would be foreign dignitaries staying at his hotels both here and overseas .. And then of course the mixing of government business with personal business is clearly a conflict of interest with an emolument overtone
If we ignore these issues .. We do so at our own peril
Definition of emoluments .. a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office.
synonyms: salary, pay, payment, wage(s), earnings, allowance, stipend, honorarium, reward, premium; fee, charge, consideration; income, profit, gain, return "his name alone is worth the emolument they're willing to offer"
Example .. So who is going to pay to protect Trump properties in the US/Overseas .. Focusing on the overseas properties .. If the foreign countries do that .. Then it is a violation of the emoluments clause
So too would be foreign dignitaries staying at his hotels both here and overseas .. And then of course the mixing of government business with personal business is clearly a conflict of interest with an emolument overtone
If we ignore these issues .. We do so at our own peril
1
If you widen your field of vision, you will find that Trump's behavior is not unique in America. There is corruption and dishonesty at all levels of our government and society. When was the last time any of these Royalists paid a price for their crimes against the US? Who went to prison for trashing the economic system in 2008, lying us into war in 2003, or torturing people in 2004, etc.?
We have an autocratic system that allows those at the top to plunder the fruits of the labour of those at the bottom. Meanwhile, they imprison more citizens that any other country in the world, arm the domestic police departments with weapons of war, allow the purchase of Congressmen, make money on medical bankruptcy, and the list goes on.
This is a systemic problem and can only be corrected through a revolution. The GOP royalists are the main culprits, but the Wall Street Democrats are also players in this coup over our democratic freedoms. Will that revolution be achieved through mechanisms laid down by our founders in the Constitution or has that document been so denigrated by the acts of the GOP that extra-constitutional methods are needed?
We have an autocratic system that allows those at the top to plunder the fruits of the labour of those at the bottom. Meanwhile, they imprison more citizens that any other country in the world, arm the domestic police departments with weapons of war, allow the purchase of Congressmen, make money on medical bankruptcy, and the list goes on.
This is a systemic problem and can only be corrected through a revolution. The GOP royalists are the main culprits, but the Wall Street Democrats are also players in this coup over our democratic freedoms. Will that revolution be achieved through mechanisms laid down by our founders in the Constitution or has that document been so denigrated by the acts of the GOP that extra-constitutional methods are needed?
1
It's not like The Donald kept his business interests a secret from the voters. Apparently the Times prefers the ethics of people who become rich while holding elective office and dealing in the dark. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
1
If he violates the Constitution, he should be made to answer for it. If that means impeachment, so be it. But seeing as how both the Republicans and Democrats lack any integrity, it will probably turn into another political circus.
1
What Would Michael Bloomberg Do?
2
Do not expect the Republicans to monitor trump's self-serving behavior;after all they have been self-serving also in their support of this fraudulent president.
4
#GrifterInChief
5
Ok I get it. The NYT editorial board is functioning as a group therapy leader for all those who can't accept the constitution and the fact that Trump won. For those who can't accept that people are still living in despair despite The Obama. So, the others are only demons serving The evil Trump. They can not possibly still be real humans that care about people. They all should be put in the. basket of deplorables, not just half. They are stupid and uneducated, probably inbred idiots incapable of making a rational decision. Guess what, they all told you to...
3
exactly Alan. The left and the Times need to grow up. They've had wo weeks plus the Thanksgiving holidays to get over it. I've never heard such whining in my life.
No they are conned by Trump. They are his victims. And some of them are deplorable, like those neo-Nazis and KKK supporters who endorsed Trump. I accept there are still people living in despair, I see them on the subway and in the streets of New York every day, but I bet there are a lot fewer of them than before Obama. And if the Republicans hadn't been so obsessed with obstructing him, he could have done a lot more for the poor. And Trump is evil, no doubt about that. Like Madoff.
1
I really don't think you get it.
When he says that the President that "the president can’t have a conflict of interest”, he's interpreting it as if a conflict is not possible so he can do whatever he wants. Any reasonable person would understand that the President cannot have a conflict because he (or she) is the leader of our country so no conflict should exist.
4
I repeat my earlier comment on the subject of Trump: ignore the man and his programs, start working on laying ground for his impeachment.
5
Impeach on what grounds? You don't like him. That's all you get so why don't you and your fellow travelers just keep quiet for a while -- and try to understand how the constitution works. You don't impeach presidents because you don't like them or disagree with their policies. OK?
In order to impeach, the democrats need to win majorities in Congress. This needs to be the focus in the future.
I am going to email this editorial to my state senators and members of congress. In Tennessee they worship at a Republican altar so it won't do any good, but perhaps if everyone out there does the same thing some of our representatives will pay attention.
4
We have a elected a huckster-in-chief who already has shown little interest in governing and an overwhelming interest in feeding his already bloated wallet and ego. How long will it take the American people to conclude that they have duped? My hope is not very. Unfortunately, the events of the last few months have greatly eroded my sense of hope and trust in the American people.
7
Well Gee another reason that Trump won't be making America great again. I am much more worried about dopes obstructing elections that any conflicts of interests that he might have. And putting things in a blind trust is not liquidating your interests, and his business needs to be run by those that actually understand it, that happens to be his family. Pretty simple people voted for him and we expect him to make America great again, nothing more or less.
1
In hindsight it feels odd that newspapers like The Times did not cover this possibility before the election. The material was there for any eager
journalist to dig into. Instead, all time was taken up by singing Ms. Clinton's
praises and concentrating on how sexually and morally sleazy Trump is.
journalist to dig into. Instead, all time was taken up by singing Ms. Clinton's
praises and concentrating on how sexually and morally sleazy Trump is.
4
kurt eichenwald of newsweek, like cassandra, tried to warn our country of dïsaster, but the people would not listen. had the nyt brought their considerable clout to publicizing how trump's business interests are in direct conflct with america's interests, perhaps we would not be at a point where the president elect rumages through our allances for goodies like a shopper at barain basement sale.
The force of Christian Biblical values in the US failed to cast light on the Golden Calf we just elected. We have no modern Moses to return from the mountain and scold them. Polls show that most of the Christian media, US church leaders, and Evangelical followers focused on abortion and the Supreme Court as the top most compelling moral ethical issue. The issues of greed, anger, revenge, dishonesty, false witness, adultery, and pride slid through the moral filter of many.
We voted for the Roman Emperor God, and trust his all consuming sense of power to embolden our power, and lead us to wealth and moral superiority. I hope it is not too late for Jesus based Christians to soon begin to pull power away from the self worshipping human Man-God that we just elected. The shimmer of gold blinded our eyes.
We voted for the Roman Emperor God, and trust his all consuming sense of power to embolden our power, and lead us to wealth and moral superiority. I hope it is not too late for Jesus based Christians to soon begin to pull power away from the self worshipping human Man-God that we just elected. The shimmer of gold blinded our eyes.
2
How can Trump possibly be allowed to be sworn-in as President when there are numerous prima-facie and material conflicts with the emoluments clause of the Constitution? Apparently all those Constitution-carrying right-wingers who love to pull that out to support their causes don't seem interested in pursuing this, even though this is exactly the situation that the clause speaks to.
If Democrats have any spine left, they will be pulling-together constitutional lawyers and prosecutors to make this case prior to inauguration. If this doesn't happen and the situation doesn't get cleared, there will indeed be a cancer on the presidency for the next four years. It should be easier to manage this now, rather than an impeachment down the road.
If Democrats have any spine left, they will be pulling-together constitutional lawyers and prosecutors to make this case prior to inauguration. If this doesn't happen and the situation doesn't get cleared, there will indeed be a cancer on the presidency for the next four years. It should be easier to manage this now, rather than an impeachment down the road.
4
Trump meets ethics.
Achilles meets heel.
Achilles meets heel.
5
These are not conflicts these are opportunities. I fully expect negotiations for a Trump hotel in Havana to begin shortly.
Trump's conflicts of interest would normally demand Congressional action. In fact, that's what the Times editorial calls for. Yet, relying upon Congress to take action to protect the fidelity of the political system is like asking a junkie to watch a bag of heroin -- and that's probably not fair to heroin users.
5
Do you think the people who erected him their savior care?
This is your america - a banana republic.
This is your america - a banana republic.
2
Trump, as a ruthless egomaniac cares of nothing but himself. He doesn't seem the slightest interest in governing this country but only in enriching himself.
If the GOP congress has a shred of integrity left [doubtful] they will impeach him before he totally drags this country down to his level, i.e. a sewer.
If the GOP congress has a shred of integrity left [doubtful] they will impeach him before he totally drags this country down to his level, i.e. a sewer.
4
Nice to see that at least one national news leader, the NYTimes, will not cow to the posturing creature that somehow is in my country's White House, or will be.
Strongmen are not warm, loving parents, at least in the sense that they ever see the need for power and money to go to anyone else but them. Trump will take everything he can, and then declare some sort of personal bankruptcy, leaving office, all the while blaming everyone else.
I am with Charles Blow. Never surrender or all is lost, as 1% greed and pharaoh like power is what Trump has now.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Strongmen are not warm, loving parents, at least in the sense that they ever see the need for power and money to go to anyone else but them. Trump will take everything he can, and then declare some sort of personal bankruptcy, leaving office, all the while blaming everyone else.
I am with Charles Blow. Never surrender or all is lost, as 1% greed and pharaoh like power is what Trump has now.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
4
We are depending on you, the great investigative reporters at the NYT to scrutinize this President -elect and remain steadfast as he hurls insults, threatens and sends wave upon wave of his lawyers to intimidate you. Trump's visit to the NYT was a show. The only real news from that meeting was that Trump thinks he can manipulate the Times. Be fair with him while being fair to your mission.
In the end, I fear that The Truth about Trump will be disturbing and, yes, criminal. He certainly has a chance to produce a great Presidency. However, if past is prologue, he is too narcissistic and embarrassingly uninformed to succeed.
In the end, I fear that The Truth about Trump will be disturbing and, yes, criminal. He certainly has a chance to produce a great Presidency. However, if past is prologue, he is too narcissistic and embarrassingly uninformed to succeed.
4
It is near impossible to overstate the set of double standards that were applied to both candidates during the campaign. In an 'Alice -Through-the-Looking Glass' world one candidate was deemed 'guilty' on no evidence and the other was deemed 'innocent' despite ample evidence.
Should Trump's base and the GOP continue with this unwillingness to scrutinize this man he will 'shill' his corporate brand right throughout his tenure.
Should Trump's base and the GOP continue with this unwillingness to scrutinize this man he will 'shill' his corporate brand right throughout his tenure.
237
@Aussie
Well said.
Well said.
His conflicts of interest are a threat to our national security. Just as governments will bribe the president by doing business, terrorists and detractors will retaliate against properties owned by the US president. Then in a manner we have witnessed time and again, Trump will retaliate. Unless something is done we will no longer have a government that acts in the best interest of its citizens, but for Trump Inc. Congress must make him choose, business or the oval office, but not both.
5
Just think of the money to be made by Trump's cronies when Trump/Pence/Ryan/McConnell privatize the building, storing and deployment of nuclear weapons.
Just think of the money wall street is going to make when Trump/Pence/Ryan/McConnell privatize Social Security and Medicare.
Just think of the money wall street is going to make when Trump/Pence/Ryan/McConnell privatize Social Security and Medicare.
2
Well, America, you wanted a businessman for president. Let's see how that works out. After all, Keynes called them "the worse of men doing the worse of things". There is little objective evidence that Keynes was mistaken.
Yes, we have entered the company of countries whose governments leaders are only in it for themselves. With the GOP in control of all three branches, there will be no attempt to curtail this unfolding horror.
Yes, we have entered the company of countries whose governments leaders are only in it for themselves. With the GOP in control of all three branches, there will be no attempt to curtail this unfolding horror.
6
Let's try and be bipartisan about this, shall we?
Just as Mr. Trump stinks of public corruption and self-dealing (after only two weeks!), it was a moral certainty Mrs. Clinton would have also used the Oval Office just as she did her position at State and her husband has as president then ex-president, to cash in to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
It should therefore be easy enough to assemble legislators from both major parties made queasy by these disgusting displays, to write and pass strict laws against corruption, against the sale of office, against the use of "speaking fees" to bypass bribery statutes, and on and on.
When a nation cannot even sustain a conviction of the likes of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and tolerates nomination theft as Mrs. Clinton and the DNC were all too happy to engage in (the corrupt lead perpetrator, Debbie Wasserman Schulz, was fired then instantly hired by the Clinton campaign, in a remarkable display of total contempt for the process, for her own supporters, and for supporters of Mr. Sanders), then it's not excessive to say that as a nation, we are lost. Completely lost, to wholesale political corruption.
Our laws have been loosened to the point where the Supreme Court effectively told us we have no meaningful restrictions on open bribery.
Time for real, dramatic change. Time for severe prison sentences for public corruption. Time for bipartisan courage.
Just as Mr. Trump stinks of public corruption and self-dealing (after only two weeks!), it was a moral certainty Mrs. Clinton would have also used the Oval Office just as she did her position at State and her husband has as president then ex-president, to cash in to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
It should therefore be easy enough to assemble legislators from both major parties made queasy by these disgusting displays, to write and pass strict laws against corruption, against the sale of office, against the use of "speaking fees" to bypass bribery statutes, and on and on.
When a nation cannot even sustain a conviction of the likes of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and tolerates nomination theft as Mrs. Clinton and the DNC were all too happy to engage in (the corrupt lead perpetrator, Debbie Wasserman Schulz, was fired then instantly hired by the Clinton campaign, in a remarkable display of total contempt for the process, for her own supporters, and for supporters of Mr. Sanders), then it's not excessive to say that as a nation, we are lost. Completely lost, to wholesale political corruption.
Our laws have been loosened to the point where the Supreme Court effectively told us we have no meaningful restrictions on open bribery.
Time for real, dramatic change. Time for severe prison sentences for public corruption. Time for bipartisan courage.
1
Clinton was accused without being guilty by the rabid right and you apparently believe them. Sanders wasn't a Democrat until just before the election started. After Clinton's nomination he stumped for her. Get over it. Sanders lost the nomination to her. I would have gladly voted for him had he won, but he wasn't chosen by the voters. Hillary was, and she won the popular vote too, with a wide margin. I agree that public corruption should carry severe sentences, and I am convinced both democrats and republicans engage in it, but not Hillary Clinton. She showed all her tax returns from decades back to show for it, but where are Trump's tax returns?
I hope the upstanding, righteous Mr. Paul Ryan who was so concerned about our national security and Hillary's handling of classified information and Clinton foundation issues would speak up now!
Not holding my breath. He is as spineless and power hungry as the rest of them.
Not holding my breath. He is as spineless and power hungry as the rest of them.
14
Don, the Crooked Con.
5
In Trump's case, I guess, it is necessary to paraphrase Shakespeare, "Easy lies the head that wears a crown".
2
It is naive to assume that Republican politicians will even attempt to regulate Trump. The American people, at least those of them who got off the couch to bother to vote, knew what Trump is and what he stands fr. They voted for him anyway. They just don't care. And because of that, there will be no control over this man.
6
WE, JUST US, are gonna win so much, that all of you SUCKERS are gonna get tired of all of OUR winning...".
And Times Editors, please don't feel discouraged or anything for mistakenly assuming that the "We" in Trump's speech has a collective meaning, as in "WE, the People..." Console yourselves with the fact that a lot of people have made the same error. But we're catching on... Bigly.