As if Trump's willful disregard for ethics and law weren't enough to concern us, this brazen attitude will affect every regulated industry. Rule of law will apply on to those without substantial financial and political power. If POTUS can do it why can't I, will be the order of the day. Those of you who accused Clinton of a cozy relationship with Wall St. and crony capitalism will get a real taste of what corruption at every level looks like. Furthermore, that so called intellectual and cultural elite you so despised. Well, thanks to you, they might just not be around to stand between you and this nightmare.
102
"Flawed, At That"
Your currency
Mendacity
But you found sufficient fools amongst us
To question you
The audacity
For honesty you're in no rush
The world
Will hold you accountable
Regardless of the office you hold
For in the end
You are but a man
And flawed, at that, if I may be so bold
Your currency
Mendacity
But you found sufficient fools amongst us
To question you
The audacity
For honesty you're in no rush
The world
Will hold you accountable
Regardless of the office you hold
For in the end
You are but a man
And flawed, at that, if I may be so bold
34
There is no doubt that Trump's solution does not solve the problem of conflict of interest. But look at the alternatives. If his assets are held in a blind trust, he would still be affected by them and still be aware because real estate transactions are generally public. If he put his assets in a blind trust for immediate sale, then he is forced into a fire sale of real estate, which would surely result in a financial disaster, a burden that no other President has borne.
In judging what is most fair, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of divesting. And that is to avoid illegal profiteering on the part of the President. The present system calls for the elimination of all conflicts in advance. But in Trump's case that leads to huge losses. I believe it makes more sense to allow for potential conflicts and to wait to enforce the law until it is broken. The Ethics Commission should work overtime on Trump, and should investigate any and all illegal profiteering. Any improper proceeds should be turned back and any self-dealing should be cause for impeachment. Too many critics are tied in to the traditional enforcement methods that simply do not fit Trump's situation. The better way to go is with ongoing enforcement and serious penalties for violation. People are too tied to conventional solutions to an unconventional problem.
In judging what is most fair, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of divesting. And that is to avoid illegal profiteering on the part of the President. The present system calls for the elimination of all conflicts in advance. But in Trump's case that leads to huge losses. I believe it makes more sense to allow for potential conflicts and to wait to enforce the law until it is broken. The Ethics Commission should work overtime on Trump, and should investigate any and all illegal profiteering. Any improper proceeds should be turned back and any self-dealing should be cause for impeachment. Too many critics are tied in to the traditional enforcement methods that simply do not fit Trump's situation. The better way to go is with ongoing enforcement and serious penalties for violation. People are too tied to conventional solutions to an unconventional problem.
12
In a hair's breadth we transform into Putin's kleptocracy. Look at the expressions - or lack thereof - on those two faces.
53
Trump is quiet clever, he is actively committing questionable acts that may after investigation be deemed criminal. But, by then he will be President, and a republican congress loath to impeach their own man.
Having his kids meet face-to-face and be on conference calls with foreign dignitaries gives them a leg-up. The dignitaries are less likely to decline their bids for real estate.
What happens when foreign countries award his kids valuable real estate over other qualified bidders? Trump can then say, I never told them to do it. Trumps family will financially benefit from the Oval Office.
Having his kids meet face-to-face and be on conference calls with foreign dignitaries gives them a leg-up. The dignitaries are less likely to decline their bids for real estate.
What happens when foreign countries award his kids valuable real estate over other qualified bidders? Trump can then say, I never told them to do it. Trumps family will financially benefit from the Oval Office.
52
The logical answer is for Trump to recognize that he really didn't think things through when he started this escapade of running for President. If he is not willing to stop being DONALD TRUMP in big gold letters everywhere and thus he is not willing to sell his empire, he should resign and never take the position. That's the easiest thing for him and for the country.
92
Bottom Line: Trump has no shame.
51
Thank you Richard, for your service to the country.
34
There's a simple solution here - build walls around all of Trump's hotels to keep the foreigners out.
24
Everything about Trump is an illusion. He has proven himself to be smarter than the average narcissist, because he is willing to stoop lower than anyone imagined possible. How much longer are we going to get played by this goon?
How about if the media stops sensationalizing his escapades? Stop giving him front page credibility. Put all references to Trump back in the political section, or at least under the fold on the front page. Focus the reporting on news that is important or positive or helpful. We get it already with this stooge, and the more attention paid to him just yields control to him.
I am tired of getting played by Trump. I do not care about his unbelievable utterances, his disjoint sentences, his flawed logic, the fights he picks, and the twitter rants he flies into at the slightest slight. We get it already, so how about controlling him by ignoring him and taking away his prized possession, the spotlight.
How about if the media stops sensationalizing his escapades? Stop giving him front page credibility. Put all references to Trump back in the political section, or at least under the fold on the front page. Focus the reporting on news that is important or positive or helpful. We get it already with this stooge, and the more attention paid to him just yields control to him.
I am tired of getting played by Trump. I do not care about his unbelievable utterances, his disjoint sentences, his flawed logic, the fights he picks, and the twitter rants he flies into at the slightest slight. We get it already, so how about controlling him by ignoring him and taking away his prized possession, the spotlight.
42
Donald Trump already addressed the "emolument" clause during his press briefing yesterday. Foreign entities that stay in his hotel are paying for a service, not providing gifts. There is a distinct difference between gifts and payments. You're not gifting your local McDonalds when you purchase a BigMac. And their handing you a sandwich is not a gift to you either. Its rendering an exchange of value and services for equal pay. So, staying in one of the Donald's hotels is not a gift either, its a value exchange after rendering payment for them housing your carcass. This was clearly explained yesterday and no one is doubting this interpretation. So, why is it included in this article?
4
It is marginally a gift and has the odor if corruption because those rooms aren't let go at cost.
25
Let us see Bill and Hillary return all their speaking fees from corporations and foreign entities, and also make Donald divest?
1
The way Trump talks about the presidency, you get the feeling he thinks it is no big deal and that he can squeeze it in between meetings with foreign leaders and domestic business leaders as he runs his Trump "empire". Why not just tie one of his arms behind his back with a big white tie, so he can make the picture complete--he's so awesome that he can do the job that has turned the hair of the last several presidents to gray with one arm tied behind his back. What a show-off. It's just so sad is that so many Americans think this is the best we can do.
33
Supreme Court: declare a state of emergency immediately!
Trump and all of his financials must be investigated thoroughly by a bipartisan group. All of the Russian connections and involvements in the elections are part and parcel of the investigation.
He cannot be inaugurated until he is thoroughly vetted, so it must be put on hold.
If he doesn't pass muster, the election must be declared tainted (Pence is tainted as well) and a new election for president must be held.
We lead the world and must show everyone that we deal with problems and fix them.
Trump and all of his financials must be investigated thoroughly by a bipartisan group. All of the Russian connections and involvements in the elections are part and parcel of the investigation.
He cannot be inaugurated until he is thoroughly vetted, so it must be put on hold.
If he doesn't pass muster, the election must be declared tainted (Pence is tainted as well) and a new election for president must be held.
We lead the world and must show everyone that we deal with problems and fix them.
41
This is like living through Watergate again - only now we appear to be nearer the end than the beginning. At the moment, we are roughly at the Saturday Night Massacre phase and the gradual unravelling of the cover-up. I dread what comes next.
35
Republicans just want trump to be inaugurated, so that Pence can step into the presidency right after Trump is impeached.
28
I think that the real difficulty will be for Donald's two sons.
How to avoid charges of insider trading?
How will they not have discussions with father about the state of the world? Will they be privy to inside information which would impact their business decisions? Whether to buy or sell, whether to go with this or that partner, whether to anticipate instability? If they profit by insider connections, will they be liable to prosecution?
Some attention will have to go to the sons' side of the ethics.
How to avoid charges of insider trading?
How will they not have discussions with father about the state of the world? Will they be privy to inside information which would impact their business decisions? Whether to buy or sell, whether to go with this or that partner, whether to anticipate instability? If they profit by insider connections, will they be liable to prosecution?
Some attention will have to go to the sons' side of the ethics.
25
Maybe they shorted Toyota and quietly bought up LL Bean.
19
Maybe we can have a new competition with Russia, or at least between the respective leaders. Who can profit the most from their presidency? Given that Putin has a big head start with conservative estimates of his wealth at $40 billion and perhaps much higher. There is much greater wealth in the U.S however, such that even with a Putinesque "little bit here" and a "small percentage there", Trump may triumph. Given that much of Putin's wealth comes from Russia's oil holdings, the Exxon partnership and Tillerson's appointment as Secretary of State may prove to have additional benefits for Trump. As yesterday theatrics showed, nothing seems to far fetched for the Trump presidency.
18
Trump is just continuing to make the same calculation he has been making all along, which is that anything resembling principled opposition from within the Republican Party can just be bulldozed, which would be the end of any possibility of impeachment.
The question is, has anything changed enough to matter? Possibly, in two ways:
1. Trump is now basically asserting a right to a vast windfall profit from having ascended to the presidency, and
2. Mike Pence will be waiting in the wings.
Is this really enough the reverse the pattern of spineless capitulation on which Trump has learned to rely? It doesn't seem likely, but if there is anything we have learned from the past year is that our concept of what is likely has been letting us down.
The question is, has anything changed enough to matter? Possibly, in two ways:
1. Trump is now basically asserting a right to a vast windfall profit from having ascended to the presidency, and
2. Mike Pence will be waiting in the wings.
Is this really enough the reverse the pattern of spineless capitulation on which Trump has learned to rely? It doesn't seem likely, but if there is anything we have learned from the past year is that our concept of what is likely has been letting us down.
31
President Obama just warned of the dangers facing our democracy. The most serious is failure of any President or elected officials to breach their oath of office by refusing to uphold the Constitution. That is what President-elect Trump is proposing. The Constitution is the very foundation of our democracy and civil society. Any President who willfully disregards it with impunity is engaged in tyranny of the highest order. We either adhere to "the rule of law" or we descend into anarchy or totalitarianism.
57
Imagine Sunday night family dinner at the White House.
"Ivanka can you pass the Idaho mashed potatoes to me?" President Trump
"Sure, here daddy. Don, Jr. How are things going since you guys have taken over the business?" Ivanka asks.
"Well things couldn't be better. I know we can't discuss details, but our business iEastern Europe is up 80 percent. I understand that Uncle Vlad has been very helpful eliminating the infamous red tape. I don't know who to thank on this end, but I really believe we have earned this success by our hard work and excellent strategy." Say Don Jr.
"Jared, how do you like you new digs in the West Wing? Asks Melania
"Well to be honest it is a step down from midtown NYC, but this is the sacrifice we all have made to make America great again." Says Jared.
"You know I'm thinking about putting some new taxes on the pharma industry." Says President Trump.
"I'm so sorry I need to excuse myself, I have an important call with Novartis. You know something I've been working on for some time. But the steak was excellent. I think it was a great move to replace the Obama kitchen staff with temporary staff from that famous culinary school Uncle Vlad recommended. Enjoy you dinne. Says Eric.
"And those guys at the Tomes didn't believe me when we separated the business from the office of president. So sad." Donald Trump
"Ivanka can you pass the Idaho mashed potatoes to me?" President Trump
"Sure, here daddy. Don, Jr. How are things going since you guys have taken over the business?" Ivanka asks.
"Well things couldn't be better. I know we can't discuss details, but our business iEastern Europe is up 80 percent. I understand that Uncle Vlad has been very helpful eliminating the infamous red tape. I don't know who to thank on this end, but I really believe we have earned this success by our hard work and excellent strategy." Say Don Jr.
"Jared, how do you like you new digs in the West Wing? Asks Melania
"Well to be honest it is a step down from midtown NYC, but this is the sacrifice we all have made to make America great again." Says Jared.
"You know I'm thinking about putting some new taxes on the pharma industry." Says President Trump.
"I'm so sorry I need to excuse myself, I have an important call with Novartis. You know something I've been working on for some time. But the steak was excellent. I think it was a great move to replace the Obama kitchen staff with temporary staff from that famous culinary school Uncle Vlad recommended. Enjoy you dinne. Says Eric.
"And those guys at the Tomes didn't believe me when we separated the business from the office of president. So sad." Donald Trump
13
Take a good look at the son, Donald, in the picture. See his expression? He looks like he knows that he's in so far out of his depth that he wakes up in a cold sweat at night. He's putting on a brave face, but he is worried.
See the clown to his left? He looks like he's concerned what a failure might do to his image, but he believes he can bluff his way out of it.
Hold on to your hat.
See the clown to his left? He looks like he's concerned what a failure might do to his image, but he believes he can bluff his way out of it.
Hold on to your hat.
19
Can someone be inaugurated and then charged for a Statutory violation immediately thereafter? Could the 45th President be led away from the Capitol dais in handcuffs? Preferably before his Inaugural Address? Jim Comey, your country needs you now more than ever.
Watch for the next installment of "Celebrity President" airing live at Noon next Friday.
Watch for the next installment of "Celebrity President" airing live at Noon next Friday.
18
He should never have run if the almighty dollar is so important to him.
30
How can wE ever have a businessman run for president if first he has to sell all his assets? You would just end up with politicians and college professors and we know where they have got us. We have fallen back in almost every category except deb,
5
Insurance companies in the US and abroad will have no choice but to assess the risks to covered Trump properties with actuarial rather than wishful thinking. As those premiums skyrocket, Trump and his congressional toadies will attempt to fund them with our money. If this plays out as described, including any Democratic cave-ins, there will have to be political recriminations.
27
I hope Messrs. Painter and Eisen get exponentially more press attention as the last days before the inauguration unfold. The idea that Trump will be in direct violation of the Constitution, by his own, fully informed choice, the instant he finishes swearing on the Bible to defend it, is a punch in the gut to American democracy.
It's like some sort of politico-verbal M. C. Escher painting for the person who is swearing to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution to be endangering, harming, and attacking it in real time, by pronouncing the words of the oath while in violation of the Emoluments Clause.
It's like some sort of politico-verbal M. C. Escher painting for the person who is swearing to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution to be endangering, harming, and attacking it in real time, by pronouncing the words of the oath while in violation of the Emoluments Clause.
39
Also, Trump's contention that he has "ZERO" investments in Russia (all caps in the original) is not at all convincing, since in 2008, Trump Jr. told a NYC real estate convention, “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
It's also known that Trump's several bankruptcies that left banks holding the bag made US banks wary of dealing with him. So from what banks did the "King of Debt," as Trump called himself, get financing? Russian? Chinese?
How can we know if Trump, with his secrets and lies, won't be committing impeachable offenses once he takes office? We can't, unless he releases his tax returns.
It's also known that Trump's several bankruptcies that left banks holding the bag made US banks wary of dealing with him. So from what banks did the "King of Debt," as Trump called himself, get financing? Russian? Chinese?
How can we know if Trump, with his secrets and lies, won't be committing impeachable offenses once he takes office? We can't, unless he releases his tax returns.
39
The timing of Buzz Feed's publication is suspicious. Where is Mr.Bannon, and who is he whispering sweet nothings to? Isn't that what Mr. Trump needed to avoid really answering the questions about his business? And his taxes? Why does no one repeat on a daily basis, in every tweet, that there is no barrier to releasing your taxes even if you are being audited? Why does Mr. Trump not explain something of what the audit is doing? Why are we accepting this? I love what you are doing, but I so agree with Rothenberg that you keep getting distracted by the newest potential scandal. Didn't the bus one coincide with an earlier attempt at getting the guy's taxes out? I'm beginning to be a conspiracy theorist...
22
This excellent article adds further urgency to the need to investigate the claims made by Christopher Steele made public on Monday. Though the Times made scant mention of it in its coverage, in fact the bulk of Steele's report dealt not with "salacious" claims about Trump, but with the continual exchange of information between his advisers and people in the Russian government (among other alarming and illegal activities that are detailed). This is, of course, very relevant to debts that Trump may have to Russian organizations, as well as undisclosed dealings with China, another subject the report touches on. We have little idea what conflicts of interest Trump may be entering into because we have little idea of what financial arrangements he may have.
We were told that the claims in the report are unsubstantiated. We were also told that this information was known by intelligence agencies and the media since late summer. Why haven't any of these claims been investigated and either confirmed or refuted in this time period? A number of them involve simply determining whether certain meetings have occurred between various high level people. (Note that Trump denied in his news conference yesterday that he knew Carter Page, despite the fact that he is one of his main advisers on Russia; Page figures prominently in the Steele report.)
This is the kind of investigative work you can and should be doing, NYT. It is hard to think of a matter that is of greater national importance.
We were told that the claims in the report are unsubstantiated. We were also told that this information was known by intelligence agencies and the media since late summer. Why haven't any of these claims been investigated and either confirmed or refuted in this time period? A number of them involve simply determining whether certain meetings have occurred between various high level people. (Note that Trump denied in his news conference yesterday that he knew Carter Page, despite the fact that he is one of his main advisers on Russia; Page figures prominently in the Steele report.)
This is the kind of investigative work you can and should be doing, NYT. It is hard to think of a matter that is of greater national importance.
136
Why does anyone with a brain cell working think that Hillary Clinton would not have done anything different than Trump when it came to the Clinton Foundation. She did not divest herself from the Foundation as Secretary of State and probably would not have done it as president if elected. Where were the ethics police when she was Secretary of State? I will tell you where ---- OUT TO LUNCH! Just handing the Foundation over to her daughter, that is what she said she would do, is the same as what Trump is doing with his business.
Again --- Where was the media outrage when she was Secretary of State and the Foundation was taking millions from foreign governments.
Again --- Where was the media outrage when she was Secretary of State and the Foundation was taking millions from foreign governments.
4
He's a jerk
14
Dear Trump Supporters and Apologists:
Enjoy the spectacle while it lasts but keep your pitchforks and torches handy for day you awaken to discover you have been conned the same way many others have been conned by the Orange Monstrosity.
A caution: If you believe that you too are "in" on the deal, you have been taken for a rube. Don't bother checking your wallet -- it'll be too late.
Enjoy the spectacle while it lasts but keep your pitchforks and torches handy for day you awaken to discover you have been conned the same way many others have been conned by the Orange Monstrosity.
A caution: If you believe that you too are "in" on the deal, you have been taken for a rube. Don't bother checking your wallet -- it'll be too late.
17
Hail to the Clown-in-Chief!
He is laughing at all of us in our face. Diminishing our institutions like used tissues.
And we are going to crown him. Who's the fool?
He is going to turn our beloved country into a circus and he will be the Clown-in-Chief.
What a shame!!
He is laughing at all of us in our face. Diminishing our institutions like used tissues.
And we are going to crown him. Who's the fool?
He is going to turn our beloved country into a circus and he will be the Clown-in-Chief.
What a shame!!
16
The Trump Presidency;
"Why did you do/say that Mr. President?"
"Because I can."
"What if you are wrong?"
"I'm never wrong."
"Why did you do/say that Mr. President?"
"Because I can."
"What if you are wrong?"
"I'm never wrong."
14
Tax Returns. Now!
21
"Now, I have to say one other thing. Over the weekend, I was offered $2 billion to do a deal in Dubai with a very, very, very amazing man, a great, great developer from the Middle East, Hussein Damack, a friend of mine, great guy. And I was offered $2 billion to do a deal in Dubai — a number of deals and I turned it down.
I didn’t have to turn it down, because as you know, I have a no-conflict situation because I’m president, which is — I didn’t know about that until about three months ago, but it’s a nice thing to have. But I don’t want to take advantage of something. I have something that others don’t have"
That was our dear leader speaking yesterday at his "press conference" The financial equivalent to the Billy Bush tape, "And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything...Grab ’em by the p****. You can do anything."
Yes folks now that he's the President he has "a no conflict situation" He can do anything. Any bets on the Republican Legislature holding him accountable?
Great article by the way Mr. Painter.
I didn’t have to turn it down, because as you know, I have a no-conflict situation because I’m president, which is — I didn’t know about that until about three months ago, but it’s a nice thing to have. But I don’t want to take advantage of something. I have something that others don’t have"
That was our dear leader speaking yesterday at his "press conference" The financial equivalent to the Billy Bush tape, "And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything...Grab ’em by the p****. You can do anything."
Yes folks now that he's the President he has "a no conflict situation" He can do anything. Any bets on the Republican Legislature holding him accountable?
Great article by the way Mr. Painter.
49
There is nothing in the world that would ever satisfy Trump-haters like editors of this newspaper.
He shouldn't have done anything and just kept running the Trump empire and continue making deals.
He shouldn't have done anything and just kept running the Trump empire and continue making deals.
6
@ Eric
Aren't just an eensy, weensy bit curious to see his taxes?
Aren't just an eensy, weensy bit curious to see his taxes?
16
Why would Trump want to leave a big target on his back for opponents to take him down? It's only a matter of time. Maybe he thinks he's immune, a la"I could shoot someone and voters would still love me"? Problem is, with this matter, he's not dealing with just voters anymore.
8
Every day we wake up to another outrage perpetrated by Trump and the GOP. I hope these details about the dangers we face because of Trump's conflicts of interest appear in every newspaper and on every news show across the United States. Keep this issue alive until it is resolved.
19
To those who think it "unfair" that Trump sell off his personal empire to serve as President of the United States:
It would cost Trump NOTHING to release his tax returns, but he still refuses to do that too. When soldiers give life and limb for country, is releasing tax returns too burdensome?
For people so suspicious of Clinton's every word or step, Trump supporters seem remarkably unconcerned about the implications of his behavior. For me, I will assume ALL his actions are self-dealing, until he reveals his tax returns, with the details of his global interests, partnerships and debts.
It would cost Trump NOTHING to release his tax returns, but he still refuses to do that too. When soldiers give life and limb for country, is releasing tax returns too burdensome?
For people so suspicious of Clinton's every word or step, Trump supporters seem remarkably unconcerned about the implications of his behavior. For me, I will assume ALL his actions are self-dealing, until he reveals his tax returns, with the details of his global interests, partnerships and debts.
38
PEOTUS has made a big effort here! He has told us that he cares about us... almost as much as his family business. Real love of country would prompt clear-headed view of potential conflicts of interest. Sure, you can tackle conscious decision making, but subconscious bias will always be uncontrollable.
Perhaps the "mogul" owes more than he owns and liquidating would result in loss/debts. @NYT please investigate.
I am in accord with the writer. This is a non-plan; I am NOT assuaged by it.
Perhaps the "mogul" owes more than he owns and liquidating would result in loss/debts. @NYT please investigate.
I am in accord with the writer. This is a non-plan; I am NOT assuaged by it.
16
If Trump didn't have the country's best interest in mind and wanted to benefit his company, he would not have run in the first place.
After all, he turned half of Americans against him, and all polls showed him with a very low chance of winning. NYTimes had him at 6%. Huffington Post had him at 2%.
Making people hate you knowing you have a low chance of winning isn't how a businessman tries to benefit his company. He did it to benefit the country.
Besides, no one cares about these "conflicts." The law exempts Presidents for a reason. Everyone knew he had a vast business empire, yet he won in a 306-232 landslide.
After all, he turned half of Americans against him, and all polls showed him with a very low chance of winning. NYTimes had him at 6%. Huffington Post had him at 2%.
Making people hate you knowing you have a low chance of winning isn't how a businessman tries to benefit his company. He did it to benefit the country.
Besides, no one cares about these "conflicts." The law exempts Presidents for a reason. Everyone knew he had a vast business empire, yet he won in a 306-232 landslide.
4
He won by 100k voters in 4 states. If you wish to call that a "mandate" that's your prerogative.
The Constitution's Emolument Clause says that he cannot benefit from foreign sources.
The Founders may have not anticipated an individual with worldwide property interests, but they didn't anticipate AR15s either.
As it now stands, under the Constitution, Trump can own his business empire or be President. Not both." If you don't agree with that, you should also agree that the 2nd Anemendment is limited to the kinds of arms extant at the time it was written.
If you'd like that to be otherwise, Trump's beloved Antonin might have said "boo hoo, pass a law to amend the Constitution."
The Constitution's Emolument Clause says that he cannot benefit from foreign sources.
The Founders may have not anticipated an individual with worldwide property interests, but they didn't anticipate AR15s either.
As it now stands, under the Constitution, Trump can own his business empire or be President. Not both." If you don't agree with that, you should also agree that the 2nd Anemendment is limited to the kinds of arms extant at the time it was written.
If you'd like that to be otherwise, Trump's beloved Antonin might have said "boo hoo, pass a law to amend the Constitution."
16
a three million less votes landslide? maybe you should break out a dictionary and a calculator?
15
A perceptive guest on the news last night pointed out that Trump was broadcasting exactly how all interested parties, foreign and domestic, should funnel their, uh, good wishes and praise. He turned down the $2B, even though he didn't have too, but here, let me introduce you to my sons...
20
What potential courses of action are likely to be used to compel Donald Trump to comply with the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution? Is impeachment the
likely remedy?
likely remedy?
15
Mr. Trump appears to believe once he becomes POTUS, he will become impervious to any legal or ethical scrutiny. I wonder how long it will take until the first challenges to his delusions emerge?
15
"......Trump will be in violation of the Constitution as of next Friday....."
There's nothing really new here. Most of us who have followed the (real) news closely since the start of the election cycle could have predicted that we would end up here if Trump ever got elected. It will soon be a question of whether or not the newly elected Congress has any spine or not when it comes to enforcing the Constitution. Unfortunately, we know the answer to that one too.
There's nothing really new here. Most of us who have followed the (real) news closely since the start of the election cycle could have predicted that we would end up here if Trump ever got elected. It will soon be a question of whether or not the newly elected Congress has any spine or not when it comes to enforcing the Constitution. Unfortunately, we know the answer to that one too.
26
That pile of folders wasn't large enough to prove anything. It's all smoke and mirrors. Does the president elect think we are all that dumb?
Divest himself from his business? How is that going to happen? Answer is, it's not and it never was going to happen. He's already told us how it's going to happen. He's boasted he could run the country and his business and that's what he's going to do.
There will be 4 years of him standing in front of a podium and bragging about the deals his sons have supposedly turned down.
Which he is supposed not to know about. Just wait.
Divest himself from his business? How is that going to happen? Answer is, it's not and it never was going to happen. He's already told us how it's going to happen. He's boasted he could run the country and his business and that's what he's going to do.
There will be 4 years of him standing in front of a podium and bragging about the deals his sons have supposedly turned down.
Which he is supposed not to know about. Just wait.
14
Betting a nickel he is gone within a couple of weeks. Repugs were willing to ride the gasbag's coat tails in, but they know he is way to crazy to be allowed to touch anything.
4
I will be looking to see a Supreme Court case after January 20th, and a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution sometime in the next four years.
8
I believe he wants to claim "charitable" deductions when he "gives" the "profits" of his conflicts of interest to the treasury. Gee, what a generous guy! But no thanks, trump.
12
Okay, I'll bite.
Who is responsible for enforcing the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution and what is the next step?
Who is responsible for enforcing the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution and what is the next step?
26
Sure, he won't discuss his businesses with his sons. That's alone the lines of "I don't have a special relationship with Puti", "I was elected fair and square", "I will bring coal jobs back to the midwest" and on and on and on. He is crooked. This cannot stand.
13
Thank you, Mr. Painter. You seem to be the only voice of reason in this dark forest into which we are entering. Please continue to speak out against this new emperor, who not only has huge conflicts of interest, but who can make businesses and the stock market soar or fail on the basis of a tweet.
15
It is nice to see a President Elect - soon to be president, hiding behind a woman's skirt.
He is setting an example unlike we have seen in the United states.
Nepotism, corruption and cronyism is the new black.
He is setting an example unlike we have seen in the United states.
Nepotism, corruption and cronyism is the new black.
14
Mister Trump is just behaving according to his nature. But it is in the nature of citizens who care about law, order, and the honesty and integrity of government to insist their officials care about these same things. That so many of his supporters take a belligerent 'So what?' attitude without realizing that Mister Trump is also disrespecting them as well as the Constitution is a very, very bad sign.
15
This is one unholy mess. As a candidate for POTUS, Mr. Trump should have been ready and willing to divest completely - and that should be a requirement of candidacy.
Only one thing keeps me going these days. My new mantra: He did not win the popular vote. He did not win the popular vote.
Only one thing keeps me going these days. My new mantra: He did not win the popular vote. He did not win the popular vote.
9
Unfortunately, the game was electoral votes. Victor Spassky couldn't claim to have beaten Bobby Fischer because he took more pawns.
Focus your attention on around the distractions:
1. Tax returns. Now!
2. Republican killing ACA without a replacement.
3. Repub tax cuts to kill SS, Medicare, Medicaid, public schools
Focus your attention on around the distractions:
1. Tax returns. Now!
2. Republican killing ACA without a replacement.
3. Repub tax cuts to kill SS, Medicare, Medicaid, public schools
7
As I've said from the start on this topic given the nature of his business, if Trump was serious about the office, if Trump had confidence in winning the office, if Trump really didn't need the money, he would have gotten out before, or at least during the campaign, so that when he got to this point there would be a just big bank account, no ties to his business.
That he didn't separate before now points to a lack or seriousness or fear of not winning and wanting to be sure he still had his businesses to fall back on at 70, or a lack of confidence in his kids for running the business, or simply the megalomaniacal belief that only he can run his company. After all he said that he could run both "his company and the com...country." And that he'd be great at it. Or possibly he isn't as rich as he says he is.
That he didn't separate before now points to a lack or seriousness or fear of not winning and wanting to be sure he still had his businesses to fall back on at 70, or a lack of confidence in his kids for running the business, or simply the megalomaniacal belief that only he can run his company. After all he said that he could run both "his company and the com...country." And that he'd be great at it. Or possibly he isn't as rich as he says he is.
5
There’s a difference between a *potential* conflict of interest and an *actual* conflict of interest, though politically, it doesn’t matter.
1
Mr. Trump has not been properly vetted to become President of the U.S.. The second he puts his hand on the bible and swears the oath-of-office, he will be, legally, illegitimate.
For all you folks fond of the "he's a businessman" analogies and apologetics, consider the following: When you hire someone, there are usually specific qualifications and requirements the candidate must meet in order to get the job. For POTUS one of the key LEGAL requirements is compliance with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Trump refuses to comply. As people who apparently believe in the rule-of-law, you should be outraged rather than making excuses for his contempt for the letter and spirit of our laws.
And, I need to repeat this again: Mr. Trump volunteered to become president. He owes us his allegiance, service and attention to us citizens, not the other way around. If we can't trust him to apply the laws to himself, how can he be trusted to be "a good employee?"
For all you folks fond of the "he's a businessman" analogies and apologetics, consider the following: When you hire someone, there are usually specific qualifications and requirements the candidate must meet in order to get the job. For POTUS one of the key LEGAL requirements is compliance with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Trump refuses to comply. As people who apparently believe in the rule-of-law, you should be outraged rather than making excuses for his contempt for the letter and spirit of our laws.
And, I need to repeat this again: Mr. Trump volunteered to become president. He owes us his allegiance, service and attention to us citizens, not the other way around. If we can't trust him to apply the laws to himself, how can he be trusted to be "a good employee?"
16
I will watch the inauguration only to see if the Bible bursts into flames the second he touches it. Then all will be revealed!
12
It should be apparent to anyone with half-a-brain that Trump:
Violates nepotism rules by appointing his daugher, Ivanka and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner as "unpaid advisors in his administration." Like him, President-elect Trump, they have conflicts of interest since they've not divested themselves of their businesses, sold their business holdings and put those assets in a blind trust.
People should travel to his inauguration and protest the failure of our courts, legislative brance and other Govt. agencies to protect the American people from such breaches of ethical conduct.
Violates nepotism rules by appointing his daugher, Ivanka and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner as "unpaid advisors in his administration." Like him, President-elect Trump, they have conflicts of interest since they've not divested themselves of their businesses, sold their business holdings and put those assets in a blind trust.
People should travel to his inauguration and protest the failure of our courts, legislative brance and other Govt. agencies to protect the American people from such breaches of ethical conduct.
17
It should be apparent that Trump's closest advisers are family members because he has no friends.
12
Painter is just another Bush Family hack who complains about nonsense. Painter conveniently forgets that Trump is exempt from any and all conflict of interest laws, so his whining and complaining about Trump is irrelevant. Nobody except the media, Democrats and Never Trumpers cares about his taxes. There is something seriously wrong in this country when we demand that a self made billionaire divest himself of the business that he built, yet turn a blind eye when "poor" public servants enrich themselves at the government trough. Washington, Jefferson, Kennedy, Roosevelt never would be expected to divest themselves of their life's work. This is a stupid argument being pushed by the Times and other media know nothings.
I notice everyone is unequivocally saying that a Republican majority wouldn't impeach Trump. On the other hand, wouldn't they rather have Pence, ultimately, who will be more putty in their hands?
As for the rest of us, I never thought I would say this, but I'd take four years of Pence now, if at all possible.
As for the rest of us, I never thought I would say this, but I'd take four years of Pence now, if at all possible.
9
Enough is enough !
Congress is required to vet government office holders to protect our nation.
Congress needs to instruct the IRS to release all tax forms of Mr. Donald Trump and provide them to the Congressional Ethics Office.
Enough is Enough !
Congress is required to vet government office holders to protect our nation.
Congress needs to instruct the IRS to release all tax forms of Mr. Donald Trump and provide them to the Congressional Ethics Office.
Enough is Enough !
12
As Mr. Painter said last night, Mr Trump needs to decide if he wants to be a landlord or President of the United States. Conflicts of interest arise from love, blood, or money--and all three apply here. His business is the love of his life, an extension of himself.
If Mr Trump won't divest himself, he needs to tell the American people he will not take the oath of office; Mr Pence will take his place. Not what I had hoped for on January 20, but preferable to four years with a corrupt president who thinks bullying, bragging, whining, and tweeting comprise the highest and best use of his time.
If Mr Trump won't divest himself, he needs to tell the American people he will not take the oath of office; Mr Pence will take his place. Not what I had hoped for on January 20, but preferable to four years with a corrupt president who thinks bullying, bragging, whining, and tweeting comprise the highest and best use of his time.
13
Trump will be asking the men and women in uniform to risk and possibly loose their lives in the service of his country.
All we ask is that he risk loosing some money in the service of his country.
Trump’s money is evidently worth more to him than the lives of the men and women in uniform.
All we ask is that he risk loosing some money in the service of his country.
Trump’s money is evidently worth more to him than the lives of the men and women in uniform.
17
I wonder how many people listened carefully to Rex Tillerson, ex-boss of Exxon, as he was vetted for Secretary of State. How does he compare to Trump on ethics? A brief mention among his non-answers was the opinion that China should not gain overall control over the ocean bordered by its newly built and fortified islands. Is he proposing war?
Not mentioned was the existing oil drilling contract Exxon has with Vietnam to drill in ‘Chinese’ waters. Tear apart the Chinese ocean claim and Exxon enters more fat city, or is it oily ocean.
The rest of Trump’s nominees do not look much better. Put it this way: Is his cabinet of 4-star generals, plus millionaires going to have much sympathy for the down-trodden who put Trump in office? Will they represent the corporate interest or the down-trodden rural citizens’? Will they prevent the slaughter of Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare?
I bet life is going to become much harder for Trump voters and most others. The only hope is that they will seek revenge in four years.
Not mentioned was the existing oil drilling contract Exxon has with Vietnam to drill in ‘Chinese’ waters. Tear apart the Chinese ocean claim and Exxon enters more fat city, or is it oily ocean.
The rest of Trump’s nominees do not look much better. Put it this way: Is his cabinet of 4-star generals, plus millionaires going to have much sympathy for the down-trodden who put Trump in office? Will they represent the corporate interest or the down-trodden rural citizens’? Will they prevent the slaughter of Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare?
I bet life is going to become much harder for Trump voters and most others. The only hope is that they will seek revenge in four years.
10
An article elsewhere in the Times points out the extreme difficulty Trump would confront if he did attempt to separate himself from all his holdings, including the loss of a large amount of money in what would amount to "fire sales." Well, he knew, or should have known, when he entered the presidential race the kinds of financial sacrifices required of wealthy people who win the Oval Office.
Trump had almost 18 months to prepare for the possibility that he would win the election, and to take the steps that would enable him to shed his assets in a timely fashion. Instead, he exploited his candidacy to increase the value of and profits from his businesses. Clearly, whatever other motives drove him to seek high office, he also regarded the venture as a business opportunity.
Although legally Trump may face no insurmountable hurdles in his refusal to sell off his assets, Professor Painter leaves no doubt about the potentially disastrous practical consequences he may suffer. If the Republican congress refuses to force his hand, perhaps with the threat of impeachment, then allegations of corruption or a terrorist attack on one of Trump's properties could destroy his presidency.
Trump's dilemma might offer an entire tv season of interesting melodrama, except for the fact that the rest of us have been assigned supporting roles in the president's reality show. Too bad we can't say to him, as he has said to so many, "You're fired!" At least, not for another four years.
Trump had almost 18 months to prepare for the possibility that he would win the election, and to take the steps that would enable him to shed his assets in a timely fashion. Instead, he exploited his candidacy to increase the value of and profits from his businesses. Clearly, whatever other motives drove him to seek high office, he also regarded the venture as a business opportunity.
Although legally Trump may face no insurmountable hurdles in his refusal to sell off his assets, Professor Painter leaves no doubt about the potentially disastrous practical consequences he may suffer. If the Republican congress refuses to force his hand, perhaps with the threat of impeachment, then allegations of corruption or a terrorist attack on one of Trump's properties could destroy his presidency.
Trump's dilemma might offer an entire tv season of interesting melodrama, except for the fact that the rest of us have been assigned supporting roles in the president's reality show. Too bad we can't say to him, as he has said to so many, "You're fired!" At least, not for another four years.
12
I would like a group of wealthy Democrats to put together a fund to sue Donald Trump for every lie he told about Hillary Clinton and other individuals, as well as journalists and businesses he defamed before he became president. I don't believe being a candidate absolves one from telling the truth. Does it? If Melania can sue a blogger for $150 million, can't we give him a dose of his own medicine? If Peter Thiel could put Gawker out of business, why can't we put Trump out of business? That would take care of his conflicts of interest. Also, judgments would force a look into Trump's actual financial status. We could kill many birds with one stone.
18
What simplistic drivel this is. Naive and unrealistic. Trump has spent almost 50 years in business. Real estate deals are complex, long term, and have illiquid underlying assets. The writer is a lawyer/academic who can probably unwind his business interests (if he has any at all) in an afternoon.
3
Bigisland: Your argument is spurious. You are saying that Trump's assets are ill-liquid and therefore Constitutional restrictions on conflict of interest should be ignored in his case. Well, the Constitution does not make any compassion-based exceptions to its rule!
14
Go ask those "Table of Knowledge" folks in Iowa also on the front page this morning. See if they care about this. My guess is they are equally unfazed that our next president will be in violation of the very Constitution he will swear an oath to uphold. What strange and amazing times we live in, and even stranger still the people who accept these things. We are a nation of nothing.
24
"Shockingly, the president-elect did not even mention the grave risk posed to the people who live and work in these buildings, which are likely to be prime terrorist targets because they carry the name of the president of the United States."
The cannons and guns fired on January 20 may not be only explosionw heard in Washington.
The cannons and guns fired on January 20 may not be only explosionw heard in Washington.
8
It may be useful to know Mr. Trump's actual level of involvement in his business operations
When I was at a lawyer's meeting for ACC several months ago,an attorney who worked at his company in house told a small group that Donald was no longer involved in operations.
That certainly surprised me, given Trump's self promotion.
When I was at a lawyer's meeting for ACC several months ago,an attorney who worked at his company in house told a small group that Donald was no longer involved in operations.
That certainly surprised me, given Trump's self promotion.
3
Regardless of how untroubled trump's supporters are by violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, the fact remains:
The President doesn't get to violate the Constitution with impunity. It's our Constitution, convenient or not.
The President doesn't get to violate the Constitution with impunity. It's our Constitution, convenient or not.
13
Trump voters should be ashamed, but they are not. They are proud of the behavior he illustrated toward the press. He's really "stickin' it to em." Even though the same press, faulted as it may be, really works to help them. They feel the same of the Democratic Party. Even though those folks really more have their interests in mind than the oligarchical, turned kleptocratic Republicans, demonstrably from the policy positions of each. One day, when the smoke all clears and, Lord help, the Republicans have gotten everything they wanted done, perhaps the cult members will awake to find they made a Faustian bargain. I thought that with the Bush administration though, and look how that turned out. Some folks, it would seem, just can't ever learn a thing, and partly because they can't remember much, but also because the same group who would blow the smoke, is also the one who always yells fire, packed theater or not.
9
The Republican members of Congress collectively and Trump have several things in common:
1. They lie continuously.
2. They hold themselves above the law. (How about that supreme court nominee--that was a clear violation of the intent of "advise and consent".)
3. They are mostly looking out for themselves despite both ample pay and perks, and lavish benefits. Their jobs should be to look out for the country.
4. Both show a child-like trust that nothing really bad can happen. The country will be just fine no matter what they do, so they may as well do whatever they want to do.
Unfortunately, this means that now there will be nobody minding the store.
Trump is proposing a clear, continuous violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution. He will be in violation at the moment he is sworn in with his hotel in Washington. There will be far more examples created as time goes on. Meanwhile, Trump will be selling off mining rights, park lands, national forest lands, etc. to himself and his cronies. Congress will be doing its best, with Trump's help, to poison the air and water, warm and flood the planet, destroy our public education for profit, and make the interstate system a set of toll roads with revenues going to plutocrats.
Leaving Trump in office will do irreversible damage to the country. The Republicans in Congress have not yet figured out that they are there to do real work, not just feather their nests.
1. They lie continuously.
2. They hold themselves above the law. (How about that supreme court nominee--that was a clear violation of the intent of "advise and consent".)
3. They are mostly looking out for themselves despite both ample pay and perks, and lavish benefits. Their jobs should be to look out for the country.
4. Both show a child-like trust that nothing really bad can happen. The country will be just fine no matter what they do, so they may as well do whatever they want to do.
Unfortunately, this means that now there will be nobody minding the store.
Trump is proposing a clear, continuous violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution. He will be in violation at the moment he is sworn in with his hotel in Washington. There will be far more examples created as time goes on. Meanwhile, Trump will be selling off mining rights, park lands, national forest lands, etc. to himself and his cronies. Congress will be doing its best, with Trump's help, to poison the air and water, warm and flood the planet, destroy our public education for profit, and make the interstate system a set of toll roads with revenues going to plutocrats.
Leaving Trump in office will do irreversible damage to the country. The Republicans in Congress have not yet figured out that they are there to do real work, not just feather their nests.
12
Everything about this incoming administration is in fact far less than window dressing. I call it whipped cream minus the cream, pop corn without the corn etc. The container makes a lot of noise providing the illusion of performance.
8
I for one am very happy to read that Trump is still more than neck-deep in his own businesses and very likely will be on Jan. 20. Presumably, all that will be needed then to at least begin the process of of removing him from office with, hopefully, as much public humiliation as possible, will be a sufficient number of duly elected officials with the kahunas and enough love of country and its people who are willing to vote for impeachment and actually do so.
Please, let this happen. By now, this close to his coronation (er, inauguration, but coronation somehow seems more fitting), the world very much needs to be saved from, ironically, the man who has boasted, multiple times, that he "alone can fix it."
Finally, I enjoyed watching Trump's presser yesterday. Does he know that he's actually a man about to become the real president or does he believe himself to be an actor cast to play the president in some TV show? He seems sufficiently mentally impaired to believe the latter. While listening to his chaotic and abstract spewings, to the relentlessly repetitive syntax, and especially to his imperious dismissal of CNN's reporter, I thought "And THIS is what the good people in America are offering up as leader for the next 4 years?" Clearly, your democracy MUST have been hacked to have coughed up this hairball.
Please, let this happen. By now, this close to his coronation (er, inauguration, but coronation somehow seems more fitting), the world very much needs to be saved from, ironically, the man who has boasted, multiple times, that he "alone can fix it."
Finally, I enjoyed watching Trump's presser yesterday. Does he know that he's actually a man about to become the real president or does he believe himself to be an actor cast to play the president in some TV show? He seems sufficiently mentally impaired to believe the latter. While listening to his chaotic and abstract spewings, to the relentlessly repetitive syntax, and especially to his imperious dismissal of CNN's reporter, I thought "And THIS is what the good people in America are offering up as leader for the next 4 years?" Clearly, your democracy MUST have been hacked to have coughed up this hairball.
20
Anyone who believes that President Trump has acted in a manner which caused a substantial loss while one of Trump's business enterprises profited directly or indirectly may sue the President and in the process of preparing a case force discourse of anything which the President has not disclosed, so far. Just in case anyone thinks that the Republican Party is going champion Trump and provide him with cover from conflicts of interests exposure, consider that Trump has always run his businesses privately and has a long history of using bankruptcies and delay in performance to minimize losses. There is no deep well of respect nor of loyalty with the Republican Party and Trump nor with a huge proportion of businesses across the world. Trump has always used the last successful venture and the promise of the next future one without any concern with any long-term relationships. If Trump runs into trouble, the Republicans will not reject him outright, but they will not try to cover for him, either.
43
That "anyone" will need standing to sue, and to do so will have to document that they have been or will be harmed. Even with this information, a court may say no right to sue.
1
Prof. Painter's excellent article here is yet one more reason why Trump's business deals and affiliations, especially with Russia, must be thoroughly investigated by our security services, as well as why Trump's tax records must be subpoenaed by same. The info disclosed thus far from a variety of sources surely indicates a very shady Trump=Putin relationship, while Trump's pronouncements regarding divestment are mere lip-service to such a move. His statement that he can both run his business and run the country simultaneously is a lie and fantasy, straight out of Jules Verne; apologies to Mr. Verne!
28
There's good reason why Congressional Republicans have remained silent about all of Trump's conflicts - much less done anything about it. They are buying time, and the timetable is January 20.
Republicans do not want the Trump applecart upset before he is sworn in as a Republican president. He is more so a mere placeholder for the party than someone even they can embrace as their own, and there is ample evidence of that - their own words - that came out during the campaign.
After Trump is sworn in, they likely don't care about the public outrage or the drag on a functioning government, or even if they commence impeachment proceedings themselves (more likely by a Democrat-controlled congress two years hence) - Republican Pence is their backup, followed by Ryan.
Republicans do not want the Trump applecart upset before he is sworn in as a Republican president. He is more so a mere placeholder for the party than someone even they can embrace as their own, and there is ample evidence of that - their own words - that came out during the campaign.
After Trump is sworn in, they likely don't care about the public outrage or the drag on a functioning government, or even if they commence impeachment proceedings themselves (more likely by a Democrat-controlled congress two years hence) - Republican Pence is their backup, followed by Ryan.
25
I think that the popular conversation would stay more reasonable if journalists assume the default state of Trump is that what you see is what there is, no more, no less. Trump has lived a life from a young age as a celebrity and a gregarious showman. When he blew most of his real estate business apart with poor business decisions, he did not attempt to correct his mistakes to restore his businesses, he replaced it with a business using his name as his brand, he followed his bliss, as the anthropologist Campbell would describe, his celebrity and his love of showmanship. There is no secret persona who needs time alone and private study and reflection to generate the energy he needs, Trump gets in in the spotlight with live audiences (which is why he simply cannot stop tweeting). What you see, is what there is, no more, no less. There is no hidden agenda at work when it comes to Trump. Putin and any other leader who is used to playing the game of power can anticipate what Trump is likely to do, just do not bother listening to anything he says or thinks aloud.
8
So our representatives can walk out of congress directly into a K Street lobby firm representing defense contractors, multinational companies, or even foreign governments, yet they are outraged over possible conflicts of interests with Trump. Please. Oh, and let's not forget Citizens United which is blatant legal bribery. I'm disgusted with the whole swamp.
11
Trump get's it but can't be bothered with it. Very similar attitude held by Leona Helmsley when she said, " only the little people pay taxes", before she was convicted and carted off to prison for tax evasion. It is an attitude of entitlement that comes from the detachment the 1% feels towards the rest of us. Rules simply do not apply. They do of course, but the 1% has the clout and resources to keep them at bay. That's all Trump is doing.
So, public interest law groups need to start the presses, raise the funds, and sue him on day one. Only the courts can force him to disgorge his holdings, his taxes and his foreign entanglements...and that's the sand box Trump likes to play in...win, lose or draw.
So, public interest law groups need to start the presses, raise the funds, and sue him on day one. Only the courts can force him to disgorge his holdings, his taxes and his foreign entanglements...and that's the sand box Trump likes to play in...win, lose or draw.
15
This approach (promise much, deliver little) has worked well for Trump in the past, so why would he change now?
- Business failing? Just declare bankruptcy. The losses are someone else's problem.
- Vendors? Let them finish their work, then offer them 30% less than the agreed-upon price. Take it or leave it.
- Customers? Provide a shoddy product or service. When they complain, let them contend with your army of lawyers.
- Taxes? Don't pay them.
- Tax returns and medical history? Disclosure is for suckers.
- Conflicts of interest and divesting? Deny that there's a problem.
Apparently, following rules is (as Leona Helmsley said of paying taxes) is only for the little people.
- Business failing? Just declare bankruptcy. The losses are someone else's problem.
- Vendors? Let them finish their work, then offer them 30% less than the agreed-upon price. Take it or leave it.
- Customers? Provide a shoddy product or service. When they complain, let them contend with your army of lawyers.
- Taxes? Don't pay them.
- Tax returns and medical history? Disclosure is for suckers.
- Conflicts of interest and divesting? Deny that there's a problem.
Apparently, following rules is (as Leona Helmsley said of paying taxes) is only for the little people.
28
Dealing with Trump's conflicts of interest is still worth getting rid of the Clintons from the national political scene. The liberals still are blind to their corruption. They deny that Hillary had the same problems of conflict of interest with her "charitable foundation" and her "service' as Secretary of State. They are blind to her arrogance that allowed her to be so careless with our national security.
They won't admit that while Secretary of State she was running for president, not serving our country.
They won't admit that while Secretary of State she was running for president, not serving our country.
1
I'll take on that h hypothetical re FDR.
The first thing to keep in mind is that like Trump, FDR had endless numbers of powerful people trying to waylay the entirety of his efforts, who considered him a traitor (socialist variety), and who were deeply devoted to seeing him fail and would have been popping champagne had he ever been assassinated. He was one of the most hated men in America and remains so, even as his legacy has been established as irreplaceable to the success of this nation. (I suggest Jean Edward Smith's 2016 work - "FDR.")
Furthermore you do not have to invent conflicts, FDR and his mother had many serious business interests that you could use as brickbats for this game. And it's quite clear that Roosevelt's preferences guided by the family's money sources did in fact influence his policies. The volume of the Delano fortune was made selling opium to China in the 19th Century, and US China policy was an object of disproportionate attention by the Roosevelt administration.
If you know enough to love FDR you accept any faults, & the hypothetical is just muck-racking. If you as many did, hated him, then the WPA was communist and he ruined America with Social Security.
See how that works? In fact it's best to thoughtfully try to have your influence over power, then as history rolls into view add your two cents. Besides, Trump haters (I voted for Hillary) should welcome the wide open door for taking him down within the next couple of years.
The first thing to keep in mind is that like Trump, FDR had endless numbers of powerful people trying to waylay the entirety of his efforts, who considered him a traitor (socialist variety), and who were deeply devoted to seeing him fail and would have been popping champagne had he ever been assassinated. He was one of the most hated men in America and remains so, even as his legacy has been established as irreplaceable to the success of this nation. (I suggest Jean Edward Smith's 2016 work - "FDR.")
Furthermore you do not have to invent conflicts, FDR and his mother had many serious business interests that you could use as brickbats for this game. And it's quite clear that Roosevelt's preferences guided by the family's money sources did in fact influence his policies. The volume of the Delano fortune was made selling opium to China in the 19th Century, and US China policy was an object of disproportionate attention by the Roosevelt administration.
If you know enough to love FDR you accept any faults, & the hypothetical is just muck-racking. If you as many did, hated him, then the WPA was communist and he ruined America with Social Security.
See how that works? In fact it's best to thoughtfully try to have your influence over power, then as history rolls into view add your two cents. Besides, Trump haters (I voted for Hillary) should welcome the wide open door for taking him down within the next couple of years.
2
By now we should realize that what he says carries no weight and can change from day to day, regardless of truth, decency, or even law. We can do nothing about what he says, and can only react based on what he does. Come January 20th, we can easily build a case of legal violations to impeach him if Congress has an ounce of integrity left to do so. The question is, will they?
Know that he will also try to appoint a Supreme Court justice who will interpret the Constitution in a way that suggests it was written by and for Trump. At this point, nobody will be surprised if he picks Chris Christie or Rudy Giullani.
Do a search for local Trump protests, and you will find many on both the 15th and the 21st across the country. Most protests on the 21st are called "women's marches", but all men, women, and children should show up to show our solidarity with women and the rest of our concerned citizens.
Know that he will also try to appoint a Supreme Court justice who will interpret the Constitution in a way that suggests it was written by and for Trump. At this point, nobody will be surprised if he picks Chris Christie or Rudy Giullani.
Do a search for local Trump protests, and you will find many on both the 15th and the 21st across the country. Most protests on the 21st are called "women's marches", but all men, women, and children should show up to show our solidarity with women and the rest of our concerned citizens.
13
it is clear hypocrisy to be outraged about Mr. Trump's apparent "separation" from his business empire. By law, Mr. Trump as president doesn't even need to establish, or prove or indicate any sort of detachment from his business dealings in the US and around the world.
The law simply allows this practice and opens the door to corruption and skewed policies that put profits above the public good. But this is the law, written by rich business men who ruled this country since its establishment, and has nothing to do with Mr. Trump.
If the NYT was honest, it would have been raising this issue years ago and not just at the time that Mr. Trump is about to become the president. This is a 'knee jerk reaction' to everything that is 'Trump'.
Indeed Liberal elite was hardly disturbed when the Clintons made their fortune using conflict of interest; exchange access to power for great wealth. Their foundation was involved with foreign donor while Mrs. Clinton was the Secretary of State, more often giving priority to those who donated to the foundation.
Regardless, the law that legalizes corruption through campaign donation, or lobbying and revolving doors between corporation and government agencies or by allowing presidents to keep their business should be change. It would mark a transition from Oligarchy to Democracy.
The law simply allows this practice and opens the door to corruption and skewed policies that put profits above the public good. But this is the law, written by rich business men who ruled this country since its establishment, and has nothing to do with Mr. Trump.
If the NYT was honest, it would have been raising this issue years ago and not just at the time that Mr. Trump is about to become the president. This is a 'knee jerk reaction' to everything that is 'Trump'.
Indeed Liberal elite was hardly disturbed when the Clintons made their fortune using conflict of interest; exchange access to power for great wealth. Their foundation was involved with foreign donor while Mrs. Clinton was the Secretary of State, more often giving priority to those who donated to the foundation.
Regardless, the law that legalizes corruption through campaign donation, or lobbying and revolving doors between corporation and government agencies or by allowing presidents to keep their business should be change. It would mark a transition from Oligarchy to Democracy.
1
The political wind would seem to be blowing in the opposite direction, regardless of the Founding documents and any consideration for the welfare and security (which doesn't mean outspending the next 9 countries combined on defense) of our citizens.
1
This is an insult!
But not only from Trump, from whom we have come to expect his disdain and above-the-law behavior, but from the Republican-controlled Congress who refuse to hold him accountable to the law and long-standing tradition. In essence, we have been taken over by a cabal, concerned only with their own agenda. Their hypocrisy is unlimited! If any Democratic President acted in the manner of Trump they would be shutting down government and launching impeachment proceedings, but their silence now is deafening. One can only hope that Democrats grow a spine and apply the same tactics that the Republicans have used to thwart their anti-democratic mission.
But not only from Trump, from whom we have come to expect his disdain and above-the-law behavior, but from the Republican-controlled Congress who refuse to hold him accountable to the law and long-standing tradition. In essence, we have been taken over by a cabal, concerned only with their own agenda. Their hypocrisy is unlimited! If any Democratic President acted in the manner of Trump they would be shutting down government and launching impeachment proceedings, but their silence now is deafening. One can only hope that Democrats grow a spine and apply the same tactics that the Republicans have used to thwart their anti-democratic mission.
21
Mr. Trump referenced his win over Mrs. Clinton several times over the course of his press conference, suggesting that none of this disclosure or divestment stuff matters because he "won" the election. Mr. Trump has also suggested the sore losers should get over it and move on. Mr. Trump is the one who needs to get over it and move on. He is no longer compared to Hillary Clinton, he is compared to Obama, Bush, and predecessors. So far, he has fallen far short of the example set by all other presidents to make clear his assets so we can all be confident that Trump's decisions are not influenced by personal financial interests. It does not seem long until we are primarily comparing him to one president most, Richard Nixon.
18
Generally, people who say "let's move on" are the ones who do not wish to acknowledge or apologize for their transgressions.
4
It's doubly clear to all of us now (as it was to majority of voters on November 8) that Trump is devious and that he had no intention of heeding the Constitution or putting the country's interests ahead of his own.
The question is: in the face of a Republican controlled Congress, what law-abiding citizens can do (since the House won't immediately impeach, as they should). Perhaps a large group of dedicated citizens can sue (if we have standing as citizens) or cause such a hew and cry that the House will be forced to take up the matter (few Republicans defended Nixon in the end, though it took a lot of time).
In 2018 the reckoning will come, I hope. Realizing that the Republicans, led by Trump, have duped them into believing that have better jobs and health care, voters will throw the rascals out. How much damage Trump and Congress may do before then God alone knows.
The question is: in the face of a Republican controlled Congress, what law-abiding citizens can do (since the House won't immediately impeach, as they should). Perhaps a large group of dedicated citizens can sue (if we have standing as citizens) or cause such a hew and cry that the House will be forced to take up the matter (few Republicans defended Nixon in the end, though it took a lot of time).
In 2018 the reckoning will come, I hope. Realizing that the Republicans, led by Trump, have duped them into believing that have better jobs and health care, voters will throw the rascals out. How much damage Trump and Congress may do before then God alone knows.
6
At last a major voice regarding the Trump conflicts of interest raises the neglected fact that all the Trump properties and places bearing the Trump name will be "prime terrorist targets." Reporters should press Mr. Trump on his apparent lack of concern for the safety of those who work in, use or live near any of the Trump properties. Whether the dangers come from terrorists, criminals or insane lone-actors craving attention, the Trump Organization's holdings are now enddangered locations. On a related subject: apparently no inquisitive reporter bothered to look into the contents of those stacks of manila envelopes so prominently displayed at the news conference to learn if they were more than dramatic stage props. Just as the Trump-act performance has changed political show business, so must the press change the way it deals with the performers as the show goes on.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
12
"Shockingly, the president-elect did not even mention the grave risk posed to the people who live and work in these buildings, which are likely to be prime terrorist targets because they carry the name of the president of the United States."
Thank you for this. It is the first mention I have seen of this problem. Will we, the little people who actually pay taxes, be on the hook for security at all of the properties displaying the Trump name, for as long as he is President?
As a result of these mounting problems, I am beginning to wonder if we might see Mike Pence take the oath of office on Jan. 20 as President.
Thank you for this. It is the first mention I have seen of this problem. Will we, the little people who actually pay taxes, be on the hook for security at all of the properties displaying the Trump name, for as long as he is President?
As a result of these mounting problems, I am beginning to wonder if we might see Mike Pence take the oath of office on Jan. 20 as President.
5
Are we really worried about how much Trump will enrich his net worth by being POTUS.
Here is the story. Anyone who is POTUS has increased equity value when they step down. Some are honorable, like the Bushes, Jimmy Carter, Reagan, and presumably Obama. Some are snakes, like Bill Clinton.
I am sure the economic impact on Trump will be mixed. First, if as we believe, his named properties might be targeted. That will be between the Trump organization, people who choose to spend money there, and the companies that insure the properties. I could see this breaking either way; and if terrorists are dumb enough to micro-target his hotels, they will make everyone's job easier and drive away business.
As for Russia, this is probably the most stupid thing written. First, Trump cannot be blackmailed with sex tapes...he's already done every bad thing his wife might wince over. As for Tillerson, the guy has no long-term interest in Exxon and the notion that he will be hostage to non-existent business interests is ludicrous.
The Wall Street Journal, a paper that actually understands markets, is much more balanced on this appraisal. Trying to disgorge illiquid investments is never going to happen. George Washington was estimated to have been worth $500 million in 2017 dollars. I am sure that some wanted him to sell Mount Vernon but to what end?
If the goal is to obsess about Trump's net worth when Obama left a smoldering mess behind, I will take the conflicts.
Troubling, not terminal.
Here is the story. Anyone who is POTUS has increased equity value when they step down. Some are honorable, like the Bushes, Jimmy Carter, Reagan, and presumably Obama. Some are snakes, like Bill Clinton.
I am sure the economic impact on Trump will be mixed. First, if as we believe, his named properties might be targeted. That will be between the Trump organization, people who choose to spend money there, and the companies that insure the properties. I could see this breaking either way; and if terrorists are dumb enough to micro-target his hotels, they will make everyone's job easier and drive away business.
As for Russia, this is probably the most stupid thing written. First, Trump cannot be blackmailed with sex tapes...he's already done every bad thing his wife might wince over. As for Tillerson, the guy has no long-term interest in Exxon and the notion that he will be hostage to non-existent business interests is ludicrous.
The Wall Street Journal, a paper that actually understands markets, is much more balanced on this appraisal. Trying to disgorge illiquid investments is never going to happen. George Washington was estimated to have been worth $500 million in 2017 dollars. I am sure that some wanted him to sell Mount Vernon but to what end?
If the goal is to obsess about Trump's net worth when Obama left a smoldering mess behind, I will take the conflicts.
Troubling, not terminal.
1
The question is, when are the American people going to hold Trump to account. It seems to me that this man is flouting the conflict of interest laws with impunity. Incidentally, it will have serious consequences for America's image in the wider world when its President is seen to be corrupt and flagrantly in contempt of the rule of law, where as every other corporation, person and entity is held to a much higher standard. Deutsch Bank just paid a fine of $12.5 Billion for malfeasance, will Donald Trump be held to the same standard?
If not, you can be sure that America's its pre-eminent position as "honest broker" will evaporate and its credibility in the international economy will cease to exist.
If not, you can be sure that America's its pre-eminent position as "honest broker" will evaporate and its credibility in the international economy will cease to exist.
5
I believe we heard the answer yesterday, from the King himself: Donald Trump is above all of these petty concerns. None of the laws apply to him, but he will magnanimously give lip service to them to soothe any savage beasts out there in the audience, other than those he considers 'garbage' he will not deign to answer.
As of January 20, Trump believes he will be Supreme Leader. If you care to see the model for his rule, Trump already has stated repeatedly where to look: 'strong leaders' like Vladimir Putin and, god forbid, Rodrigo Duterte.
I could take this one step further and invoke the man with the funny little mustache, as a core group of his cultists already have done. However, we we need not set the bar that high, or that low, however one characterizes atrocity on that scale. But do not doubt for one second the direction we are headed if Donald Trump is permitted to continue without resistance. It is a post-Soviet Union, Russian-style kleptocracy, governed by an assortment of super-rich oligarchs who will acquire private ownership and control over public resources and government functions, backed by the power of the military, the legislature, the bureaucracy and the courts, all under the firm control of a single powerful authoritarian and his inner circle.
As of January 20, Trump believes he will be Supreme Leader. If you care to see the model for his rule, Trump already has stated repeatedly where to look: 'strong leaders' like Vladimir Putin and, god forbid, Rodrigo Duterte.
I could take this one step further and invoke the man with the funny little mustache, as a core group of his cultists already have done. However, we we need not set the bar that high, or that low, however one characterizes atrocity on that scale. But do not doubt for one second the direction we are headed if Donald Trump is permitted to continue without resistance. It is a post-Soviet Union, Russian-style kleptocracy, governed by an assortment of super-rich oligarchs who will acquire private ownership and control over public resources and government functions, backed by the power of the military, the legislature, the bureaucracy and the courts, all under the firm control of a single powerful authoritarian and his inner circle.
8
Donald Trump has made an art form of appearing corrupt whether he is in actuality. His entire family that he wishes to foist upon us as advisors follow his example. Apparently, his transition staff is also ethically challenged (or ignored.) How many pay-for-play charity events were proposed (and cancelled hastily) during the 1 month since election? And, Trump's Foundation has used other people's donations to pay for his legal costs.
Even prior to taking the oath of office, Trump's Presidency is becoming a byword for corruption making the US an adjunct to his business dealings.
Does this mean impeachment preparation can begin Jan 20th when his official violations also begin?
Even prior to taking the oath of office, Trump's Presidency is becoming a byword for corruption making the US an adjunct to his business dealings.
Does this mean impeachment preparation can begin Jan 20th when his official violations also begin?
9
I believe he should disclose tax returns.
But I actually think his plan as presented is fair and practical. We have never seen anything of this magnitude for a presidential candidate in recent history.
The law does not require him to dispose of any of his holdings.
As noted in the presentation, there would be questions on fairness and favors even if he disposed of all the properties, none of which would satisfy the opposition.
Also, he likely would have a fire sale if he had to dispose immediately. It is often said, he should have known. Perhaps, but remember the law does not require his disposition. I am sure if the democratic party had a president elect with similar holdings, they would also be seeking a practical solution.
Besides, I do not understand the anger. Democrats now have a built in issue to continually harass and sue the President-elect for. Sounds like he is doing you a big favor for the 2018 and 2020 elections.
You are a winner either way
But I actually think his plan as presented is fair and practical. We have never seen anything of this magnitude for a presidential candidate in recent history.
The law does not require him to dispose of any of his holdings.
As noted in the presentation, there would be questions on fairness and favors even if he disposed of all the properties, none of which would satisfy the opposition.
Also, he likely would have a fire sale if he had to dispose immediately. It is often said, he should have known. Perhaps, but remember the law does not require his disposition. I am sure if the democratic party had a president elect with similar holdings, they would also be seeking a practical solution.
Besides, I do not understand the anger. Democrats now have a built in issue to continually harass and sue the President-elect for. Sounds like he is doing you a big favor for the 2018 and 2020 elections.
You are a winner either way
I see that Mr. Putin's checks are still being honored.
In addition to all of the obvious psychological problems Donald displayed at his press conference (and throughout the election) – primarily narcissism, paranoia, and psychopathy – he also, once again, demonstrated just how self-destructive he is. By foolishly refusing to sell off all of his businesses and come clean on his taxes, he is seriously handicapping his presidency right out of the gate.
Every member of the GOP, voters included, should be very, very embarrassed about their new standard-bearer. There’s just no way to respect this guy, which raises a real problem for all of the self-respecting people in Washington who have to deal with him – Congress, the intelligence agencies, the military, even his cabinet. While normally they would be thinking about how best to work with an incoming President, they all need to think much more about how, if at all, they can contain him and get things done without him.
Still, maybe all of this shared distaste for the crazy uncle at 1600 Pennsylvania will help bring the rest of the “family” – i.e., Republicans and Democrats – closer together. It sometimes takes one dysfunctional relationship to alleviate another dysfunctional relationship.
My advice to every public official in D.C. who will have to work with Donald: learn some child psychology (especially juvenile delinquency), some abnormal psychology, and some history – specifically, how royal families and their advisors successfully managed obstreperous child monarchs.
Every member of the GOP, voters included, should be very, very embarrassed about their new standard-bearer. There’s just no way to respect this guy, which raises a real problem for all of the self-respecting people in Washington who have to deal with him – Congress, the intelligence agencies, the military, even his cabinet. While normally they would be thinking about how best to work with an incoming President, they all need to think much more about how, if at all, they can contain him and get things done without him.
Still, maybe all of this shared distaste for the crazy uncle at 1600 Pennsylvania will help bring the rest of the “family” – i.e., Republicans and Democrats – closer together. It sometimes takes one dysfunctional relationship to alleviate another dysfunctional relationship.
My advice to every public official in D.C. who will have to work with Donald: learn some child psychology (especially juvenile delinquency), some abnormal psychology, and some history – specifically, how royal families and their advisors successfully managed obstreperous child monarchs.
6
Ironically, and, to some extent, sadly, the russians knew how to deal with monarchies.
2
We are seeing a classical tragedy being played out before our eyes. A ruler in the highest position is brought low, pretty quickly (according to the Greeks it should play out in 24 hours, but we won't be so lucky), by his character flaws (pride, blindness, greed), eliciting sensations of pity and fear (more fear for many of us than pity, but give some thought to the painful consequences for Donald, crashing within the ruins of his palaces and his triumphs, all emblazoned with his name).
Of course there is an alternative scenario, if we shift from the absolute retribution of tragedy to the more comfortable and familiar world of farce in which we now live. It was all tactics and technique, a way to bull his way through the feeble restraints of our accommodating system of bouncing checks and footnoted balances. Since he never meant it, it will not cost him if he has to change his tune, thereby showing us ho smart he was all along. But he is betting he won't have to; and judging by his success so far he may be right.
It will be a lovely irony if he selects a very tough, conservative Supreme Court Justice who is prepared, as an originalist, to say that the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution means exactly what it says.
Of course there is an alternative scenario, if we shift from the absolute retribution of tragedy to the more comfortable and familiar world of farce in which we now live. It was all tactics and technique, a way to bull his way through the feeble restraints of our accommodating system of bouncing checks and footnoted balances. Since he never meant it, it will not cost him if he has to change his tune, thereby showing us ho smart he was all along. But he is betting he won't have to; and judging by his success so far he may be right.
It will be a lovely irony if he selects a very tough, conservative Supreme Court Justice who is prepared, as an originalist, to say that the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution means exactly what it says.
10
If a judge has any financial connection to/stake in the outcome of a case, s/he must recuse.
How can we allow a LOWER standard applied for the presidency, when the stakes are infinitely higher, affecting ALL of us, quite possibly the very survival - and certainly the security, prosperity, & well-being of the country in the balance?
Trump absurdly appeals to a law exempting the president from "conflict of interest" litigation & the fact that voters knew of his business involvements when electing him. "The president can't have a conflict of interest. The law is totally on my side!" trump ludicrously declared.
Obviously the apparent exemption only exists to avert the danger of a president becoming embroiled in conflict of interest litigation, & the practical difficulties of applying a policy that as written requires subordinates to inform their superiors - who then make determinations, such as requiring recusal, l when the issue arises: obviously a chief executive cannot do that. The only reasonable interpretation is it is up to the president himself to avoid that situation, the financial stake, direct or indirect, in any policy action or decision, just as a judge loses impartiality by such a stake.
As to the voters knowing- the simple answer is a) trump promised to adhere to the ethical standard and is now reneging, and b) the voters were distracted (Comey, wikileaks & myriad scandals deflecting scrutiny); c, the press frankly dropped the ball.
How can we allow a LOWER standard applied for the presidency, when the stakes are infinitely higher, affecting ALL of us, quite possibly the very survival - and certainly the security, prosperity, & well-being of the country in the balance?
Trump absurdly appeals to a law exempting the president from "conflict of interest" litigation & the fact that voters knew of his business involvements when electing him. "The president can't have a conflict of interest. The law is totally on my side!" trump ludicrously declared.
Obviously the apparent exemption only exists to avert the danger of a president becoming embroiled in conflict of interest litigation, & the practical difficulties of applying a policy that as written requires subordinates to inform their superiors - who then make determinations, such as requiring recusal, l when the issue arises: obviously a chief executive cannot do that. The only reasonable interpretation is it is up to the president himself to avoid that situation, the financial stake, direct or indirect, in any policy action or decision, just as a judge loses impartiality by such a stake.
As to the voters knowing- the simple answer is a) trump promised to adhere to the ethical standard and is now reneging, and b) the voters were distracted (Comey, wikileaks & myriad scandals deflecting scrutiny); c, the press frankly dropped the ball.
7
It's not that Mr. Trump's announced plans don't go far enough, it's that they are irrelevant.
If Mr. Trump is going to own those firms, then what determines a conflict of interest isn't whether Mr. Trump is the president of the firms, it's whether he's President of the United States. Either he severs his and his immediate family's financial interests in those firms or he has conflicts of interest.
The law does not penalize the President for having conflicts of interest, but they're still conflicts.
It would not have been that difficult for Mr. Trump to eliminate them. Before election day, he could have calculated the cash he feels he needs for his period in office. After the election (two months ago), he could have set that amount aside (selling relatively liquid assets as needed) and set up a trust to own all his other assets, assigning a trustee to divest them.
The proceeds of each divestment up to the value of each asset as of the day before the election would remain in the trust (invested in neutral assets like U.S. treasury bonds or perhaps stock-market index funds) to become Mr. Trump's property after he leaves office. Any remaining balance above the November 8, 2016 value of each divested asset would immediately be donated to charity.
Thus, Mr. Trump's actions as President (or President-Elect) could not specifically affect the value of the trust that he would receive back on leaving office, and he would have no conflict of interest.
If Mr. Trump is going to own those firms, then what determines a conflict of interest isn't whether Mr. Trump is the president of the firms, it's whether he's President of the United States. Either he severs his and his immediate family's financial interests in those firms or he has conflicts of interest.
The law does not penalize the President for having conflicts of interest, but they're still conflicts.
It would not have been that difficult for Mr. Trump to eliminate them. Before election day, he could have calculated the cash he feels he needs for his period in office. After the election (two months ago), he could have set that amount aside (selling relatively liquid assets as needed) and set up a trust to own all his other assets, assigning a trustee to divest them.
The proceeds of each divestment up to the value of each asset as of the day before the election would remain in the trust (invested in neutral assets like U.S. treasury bonds or perhaps stock-market index funds) to become Mr. Trump's property after he leaves office. Any remaining balance above the November 8, 2016 value of each divested asset would immediately be donated to charity.
Thus, Mr. Trump's actions as President (or President-Elect) could not specifically affect the value of the trust that he would receive back on leaving office, and he would have no conflict of interest.
6
The people who voted for Trump are probably wondering what all the fuss is about. It's doubtful that they have the mental acuity to get it.
What part of our Constitution will Donald Trump not simply ignore?
15
Any part he wants.
Trump and his team are largely ignorant of how government works. Its a huge scheme of score settling and I told you sos. The GOP see this and are using him as their patsy to get essentially whatever they want. Donald is too busy playing with the shiny lights and acting the bigshot.
Trump and his team are largely ignorant of how government works. Its a huge scheme of score settling and I told you sos. The GOP see this and are using him as their patsy to get essentially whatever they want. Donald is too busy playing with the shiny lights and acting the bigshot.
2
The Second Amendment, of course. No way will he ignore that puppy.
2
There was nothing in the press before the election about the security threats Trump properties worldwide would face, but it's a serious problem. There was also very little about Trump's Russian financial and business ties, or his many conflicts of interest. If only as much press had been devoted to these serious subjects before the election as the Clinton Foundation and emails got, we might not be in this position now.
6
As Mitt might say, the stacks of papers next to trump at his dog and pony show were binders of corruption.
10
Of course he's not speaking, or even thinking about, about the danger to his employees. Employees are little people, after all, and little people are good for nothing other than their votes or their tax dollars.
7
Trump said yesterday that he was offered a 2 billion $ deal from a "friend" businessman in Dubai ,he said he turned it down looking for praise for being so "honest". His two sons now will be offered billions in secret deals hoping to curry favor with the president of the USA.would they turn that down I wonder if we would ever know for sure. Trump is following the lead of Putin in amassing wealth using political power his supporters only understand bumper sticker slogans so he feels free to charge ahead.
9
Yesterday Trump mentioned the $4 billion deal he nixed over the weekend, but I'm more worried about the probable $8 or $12 billion deal he hasn't told us about.
10
Didn't Richard Nixon demonstrate that the President is not above the law?
5
I'm not sure what is unclear about this. If Trump can get away with something that is in his business interest, and it won't get him prosecuted, then he's going to do it. An "ethics" discussion is pointless with a man like Trump. If you don't legally force, and I do mean force, him to do something else, he'll continue right on.
12
Why is this not a featured top page article?! Where is the investigative reporting and alarm? This is not an opinion. It's a fact.
11
Why all the angst NOW? The Russian memo- long known before the election. Why the best kept secret? We not bring it up as so often is the case with unconfirmed sourced information? Why the Public Disclosure of emails from someone else's computer; without a shred of confirmation they were anything other than already known "Hillary Emails"? Every citizen had a right to know about this- mess. If Congress does not do the right thing and begin extensive and exhaustive investigations immediately- we no longer have a government Of-By-For the People. Nixon had TAPE placed on the locks of hotel doors- for pity's sake and was impeached. Does this not rise to comparable gravity folks?
9
I couldn't imagine my father handing me his wallet and telling me I could spend or sell all of his assets in anyway I wanted to without asking him first,,
4
I still can't believe our system (including the media Trump dominated and the voters who ate his blatant lies) has failed us so badly. We will soon have an alligator-in-chief who promised to drain the swamp. Morally, ethically and intellectually he is his own one-man swamp. Half of Congress sold out for a taste of holy swamp water, and Mitch McConnell saved him a Supreme Court seat so he can not only write executive orders but start packing the court from day one.
7
Richard, let's start out with the facts. Trump has no legal obligation to separate from his businesses to become President of the United States. Is there really any reason to discuss this further?
2
Yes there is. We voters ought to hold our leaders to an ethical standard higher than "its not against the law!".
5
No reason to discuss this further at all, if what you want is a part-time President instead of a full-time President. Do you want his time fully occupied with being President of the last three words of his title "the United States"? or are you ok with him being the President jointly of the United States and Trump Enterprises? Should his desk hours be fully devoted to you and all fellow citizens of the US or is it ok that his focus be diverted to what's happening in the Trump organisation? And how does some one like Trump ever switch his head off from thinking about a trade deal or a foreign policy decision and wondering whether it will be good or bad for his businesses? And then changing the decision.
3
Who can enforce the Constitution? There is only one path forward: Enforce the Constitution.
7
I suggest to the press corps. Refuse to play Trump's infomercial game with Potempkin Press Conferences. Tax Returns now!
7
Here's one thing that is never going to happen, Trump will never release his tax returns. Most likely for two reasons, one is he pays little to no taxes, two his holding are substantially less than he claims. This is a guy that is saying he won the the election in a landslide when he actually got the second highest amount of popular vote. If you apply the same ratio of clinical level braggadocio to his claim of net worth, you can see that he obviously has a fraction of his claim. I wonder if he is even a billionaire.
7
This article makes a lot of sense and brings up many good points. However, something else needs to be brought out to the open. Often times the reason that foreign investors purchase real estate at inflated prices in the US, in Trump (and other properties) is to shift money from local currencies into more stable US dollars. This is in effect a quasi-legal money laundering scheme which Trump actively participates in. This noxious and prevalent practice needs to be discussed as well in the context of conflicts of interest.
5
Trump said that he would do the most important job in the world -- part time.
6
Trump's conduct raises a myriad of issues regarding conflict of interest, Russian election rigging, profit before country, bullying, sexual assault, honesty, reality and more. The Press is following its primary purpose by reporting on these issues. The importance of the free press in these times is great. Lets all be vigilant to that the Press press remains strong and free. Reading and sharing important discussions about Trump's actions will give hope to millions during the trying times we are in.
5
Because potential violations of the emolument clause of the Constitution can be overridden by consent of the Congress, don’t you imagine Trump and his legal team will claim that the act of inaugurating him President is implied consent for whatever baggage he brings with him?
2
The law should be changed, but not after the fact. Starting with the 2020 election the President Elect must fully divest, and that includes Trump if he runs and wins again.
4
Our president-elect clearly sees himself as above the law, and he revels in the "fact" that by definition the POTUS "can't have any conflicts of interest", i.e., ANYTHING he wants to do, he can, by virtue of his office. How naive of us to think that our highest elected official's duty is to anyone other than himself.
Welcome, world, to the Trumputin regime. God help us all!
Welcome, world, to the Trumputin regime. God help us all!
4
Did anyone notice that during this big announcement about removing conflicts of interest, Trump bragged that when he should be concentrating on creating a government he was instead meeting with developers from Dubai and discussing multiple real estate projects where he would get $2 billion. Do these developers realize that they have already committed a crime by offering a bribe to a public official even though he says he says he choose to not receive it now. (He probably just delayed acceptance for 4 years when he will reap his rewards). It is unacceptable for him to be discussing bribes as President. They both need to be locked up.
4
Usurpers do not stop. They are stopped. It's getting late.
Thank god Bernie Sanders is in there fighting this man, every day, for us.
8
Points of conflict made quite clear, not that crooked lying Trump intents in disengaging from them any time soon. Ethics is a foreign word to this demagogue, as are the facts, and the truth, as they stare at him. He is shameless. And unscrupulous. He has no business becoming the next president of the U.S., as his conflicts of interest keep mounting, incompatible with an honest appraisal of his duties to defend the country...from himself. His unwillingness to divest from his private businesses (why should he sacrifice now, having never done so before) is akin to cheating his way to riches at our expense. Insofar his refusal to release his tax returns (and the IRS said there are no excuses, even if he were being audited), he must be considered a crook and a fraudster of the highest order, a touch of reality for his hapless misinformed and close-minded followers. If a rigorous vetting is of the essence for his team advisers (too bad russophile Flynn escapes scrutiny), so to rule out conflicts of interest, why should the liar-in-chief be exempted? Corruption galore, for all to say, and the safety of the nation in jeopardy by shady businesses in Trump's sphere of influence. If this is not going to be a mafia-like business, what is?
1
But if no one profited from their time in office the Obama's would not be able to afford a house in Washington DC. The vast number of political appointees who get jobs with private industry after they "serve the nation" profit from their government jobs. The Clintons certainly profitted from their time in office. Bill was selling overnight stays in the Lincoln bedroom for a profit. Hillary was selling influence through her charitable foundation. They both profited by giving highly paid speeches based on their fame as government officials.
Smoke and mirrors best describes Trump's plans to divest. He's the penultimate huckster. The only credibility he has is with Ms.Conway. Lumped together they represent the flotsam and detritus of our society. They are the bottom feeders in the swamp.
4
typo reply to Donna: "Why" not bring it up as so often is the case with unconfirmed....
No one seems to get it....Trump CANNOT exclude himself from his businesses because by nature the business IS Trump. Aside from the real estate holdings in buildings in NY and SF(all of which are salable under the fair and non-biased direction of an independent party and real estate brokerage), the balance of Trump's net worth is the intangible value of his name. So selling the "business" carries little brand equity which means that the price someone would pay for the assets is but a fraction of what Trump believes it it worth if he continues to own and operate the business. For example, if Trump dies today, the net worth of the estate is but a fraction of value if he is alive. Coupled with the fact that the brand value is enhanced by his Presidency, he is unwilling to let it all go( though even if he liquidated, he has enough money to live out his days). Frankly, he should have thought about this when he ran but in typical Trump style( as enumerated in his book), he doesnt deal with a problem until it is a problem and then he rejects the premise that it is a problem over and over until you wear people down.
This is something that we cannot allow precedence.This is a major problem that must be fixed. Frankly, Trump should pick between his net worth and the Presidency. It is binary. one or the other
This is something that we cannot allow precedence.This is a major problem that must be fixed. Frankly, Trump should pick between his net worth and the Presidency. It is binary. one or the other
7
I loved the big pile of folders that the Trump propaganda artists put on the table, to make it appear as if he was working overtime to divest himself of his interests. One has to wonder whether they were filled with blank pages. No journalist asked to see them, but I'm sure the answer from the Trump crowd would have been a resounding no.
4
Trump's "Ethics" plan is merely a way to pretend he isn't going to use the presidency to loot. Only the most feeble minded will think it is sufficient. Luckily for Trump the feeble minded comprise most of his support.
1
Democrats will shout from the rooftops till they are hoarse but I am willing to take a substantial bet that the feckless GOP led Congress will give him an exception to all these laws after Trump makes a show of "signing away" his management of his assets and giving it over to his sons. Its not just the President-elect who cares about himself more than the country let us also include the GOP. They have clearly demonstrated they don't have any morals or firmly held beliefs.
2
This type of column is always gratifying because it confirms what most of us already believe. But columns like these are all rhetoric. I am waiting impatiently to read the article that outlines exactly what will be done starting on January 20, to fight this cancer. I want to know that there are organizations that will bring lawsuit after lawsuit, indictments if necessary, congressinundating him and his administration, embarrassing and humiliating him for his insane and immoral hubris.
3
Yes, he's the president, he can do what he wants....
From what I have read and heard from experts being interviewed on NPR, Trump will be in violation of the law (including the Constitution) very, very quickly. This could be a very short presidency.
This is not an original comment, but turn the tables and have a Democratic president show unending love to a Russian Communist dictator, reveal having much money tied up with Russian oligarchs (as Trump. Jr admitted, but has not been brought up again and again and again by a polite press), request openly that the Russians hack Hillary and when it revealed that they had and were continuing blame in on a 400 lb man, fold a fake Foundation designed to reward Trump Ego, inc., plead no contest on fraudulent dealings with Trump U, and finally claim he's removed himself from his businesses by turning them over to the Little Trumps "and I won't even talk to them".
You don't have to imagine what Fox News, and Rush, and Breitbart, and even the MSM would say, because they said it about Hillary's much milder transgressions: speeches to GS, a real Foundation that does good, and an e-mail "scandal".
You can't expect the severely brain-washed, maybe even brain-damaged, Trumpistas to do anything but applaud Ole Donald sticking it to the system. But aren't there any reasonably intelligent Republicans out there (there's a regular NYT commenter who comes to mind) who should be having buyers remorse about this ego- and wealth-driven liar? Has the Hillary hatred subsided enough for eyes to open to the fact that the US is headed for some serious perils if this behavior isn't stopped?
Democrats, stop being polite and invisible. Stand up and scream and do your best obstructionist dance.
You don't have to imagine what Fox News, and Rush, and Breitbart, and even the MSM would say, because they said it about Hillary's much milder transgressions: speeches to GS, a real Foundation that does good, and an e-mail "scandal".
You can't expect the severely brain-washed, maybe even brain-damaged, Trumpistas to do anything but applaud Ole Donald sticking it to the system. But aren't there any reasonably intelligent Republicans out there (there's a regular NYT commenter who comes to mind) who should be having buyers remorse about this ego- and wealth-driven liar? Has the Hillary hatred subsided enough for eyes to open to the fact that the US is headed for some serious perils if this behavior isn't stopped?
Democrats, stop being polite and invisible. Stand up and scream and do your best obstructionist dance.
3
It's pretty clear that Mr Trump has not even read the Constitution. Many of his statements about the press (refusing to answer questions from a free press because he doesn't like the news organization) and certainly this "emoluments clause" issue of business conflicts indicate that he has no interest in this most important document --the one on which our entire nation is based. It is still unfathomable to me how anyone could have voted for him! It is crucial that the American public hold the new President to account and demand his compliance with the Emoluments clause. If he persists in refusing to comply, we must elect Democrats in the mid-term elections and hope they will vote to impeach!
2
If Obama was like a chess player, someone who checked out the second and third possible results of his actions with respect to the problems or opponents who he faced -- which he was -- then Trump is the roulette player, assessing the odds and willing to tolerate substantial losses to achieve wins at more risky odds, knowing that his resources are so deep and growing that they losses will be forgotten. He's going to try to keep his businesses and remain the President until he's forced to make an choice. The risks of his businesses generating conflict of interests which violate the law are unknown, so there are no odds to consider. This is a black swan kind of situation where while the outcome could be bad, the likelihood is entirely unknown. Trump has run many businesses into insolvency and litigation over the years and it never stopped, so it's clear that he is prone to taking on long odds and not shying away from bad outcomes in doing so. Given the extent, kind, and participants in his ventures, it seems only a truly scrupulous, insightful, erudite and wise man could avoid trouble, if he's lucky.
No sensible American citizen can expect DT, the elected Con-in-Chief to act honorably and divest his businesses before he assumes the presidency of the United States of America on Jan 20. This reality shows star looks at our beloved country as his prize for winning the majority of the electoral college and all of its riches is for him and his family to pillage. Yesterday during his press conference debacle he said he was doing the country a favor by not accepting a two billion dollar deal from Mr. Hussein of Dubai, a good friend of his. What a sleaze. But I guess his children could, now that he put them in charge of his billions, and this they will do because if they don't, as he said in his press conference, they will be fired.
What would this selfish Con-in-Chief have to do in order for the American people to believe that he is unfit to be president of the United States. We already know that he said during the campaign he could walk down 5th avenue and kill 5 people and his followers would still vote for him regardless. I hope and pray that it wouldn't take more than that before the Congress of the United States decide to get red of this reckless man.
What would this selfish Con-in-Chief have to do in order for the American people to believe that he is unfit to be president of the United States. We already know that he said during the campaign he could walk down 5th avenue and kill 5 people and his followers would still vote for him regardless. I hope and pray that it wouldn't take more than that before the Congress of the United States decide to get red of this reckless man.
5
Trump continuously reminds us that the conflict of interest laws don't apply to the president. Moreover, based on his prior behavior, he seems to believe that this exemption gives him license to do anything at all. As we all know, he has no respect for any rule, requirement or law -- none of these could ever possibly apply to him.
3
The documentary on how this is likely to play out: "The Emolument Men."
1
Since Trump thinks and operates like the Lone Ranger, a scenario where his responsibilities are only to himself and family, I sincerely hope that his financial decision to not separate his affairs from his global responsibility to the US voter and our country is the unconditional demise of his office. His arrogance is appalling and deserves the beatdown that is coming his way.
3
His statements at the "press conference" and many other venues show that he does not see himself in terms of being the president of a republic but more like a monarch, someone who is above the laws that apply to everyone else, even his courtiers--perhaps King Bigly I.
2
Trump's presidency is a pathetic, dishonest ruse to seize control of government and turn the 'political will' of these grotesques into increased corporate profits and to facilitate the theft of government resources, by removing ethical evaluation and regulations in service of that endeavor.
1
President Obama may have been a candidate of hope and change. However, Trump is the most transformative President in our history. Unless a bipartisan act of Congress addresses Trump's conflicts of interest, and he then appropriately unravels them, the nature of our government will be changed forever. Trump will be the first President in our history to govern and simultaneously benefit from a vast business enterprise. The dangerous precedent he set will insure that he will not be the last. I believe the arrogant Trump poses a threat in his own right; even if he should govern without scandal an eventual,successor will compromise our national interests.
3
Like the story goes - You can take a pig, put makeup, pearls, and lipstick on it, dress it in silk, douse it with Chanel, and call it ' Monique ', but it's still be a pig.
And it's the same with the really really Big Big Shewwww from DJT Tower on Wednesday.
Just because a lawyer shows up on screen with a bunch of files trying to dress up a pig, doesn't mean the pig has morphed into a butterfly or hummingbird.
It's still a ham, and always will be.
btw - Wasn't this press event where DJT was supposed to show everyone all the things that only he his own incredible self knew about hacking, and computers, etc. ? The things he knows ' that no one else knows ' ?
What happened to that ??
And it's the same with the really really Big Big Shewwww from DJT Tower on Wednesday.
Just because a lawyer shows up on screen with a bunch of files trying to dress up a pig, doesn't mean the pig has morphed into a butterfly or hummingbird.
It's still a ham, and always will be.
btw - Wasn't this press event where DJT was supposed to show everyone all the things that only he his own incredible self knew about hacking, and computers, etc. ? The things he knows ' that no one else knows ' ?
What happened to that ??
85
V.Putin told him to keep his mouth shut. or else.
2
The television show "Blackish" had an episode last night that addressed the angst many Americans feel about the election and why some supported
The Con Don. One young man said, "America is a business - the biggest business in the world. Doesn't it make sense that we would have a business man run it?" Of course others chimed in about his failed business practices and conflicts of interest but no one addressed the real issue.
OUR American government - and all governments - are NOT BUSINESSES. They are social constructs meant to protect us against this very thing - one person acting like he has a right to make all the decisions and that a hostile takeover for private profit is just fine and dandy. It is NOT. Not now, not ever.
THEY work for US - WE do not work for them. It's time WE flex our muscles and demand that they stop trying to destroy OUR social, economic and civil rights safety nets.
The Con Don. One young man said, "America is a business - the biggest business in the world. Doesn't it make sense that we would have a business man run it?" Of course others chimed in about his failed business practices and conflicts of interest but no one addressed the real issue.
OUR American government - and all governments - are NOT BUSINESSES. They are social constructs meant to protect us against this very thing - one person acting like he has a right to make all the decisions and that a hostile takeover for private profit is just fine and dandy. It is NOT. Not now, not ever.
THEY work for US - WE do not work for them. It's time WE flex our muscles and demand that they stop trying to destroy OUR social, economic and civil rights safety nets.
227
Open with a ref to a TV show, then make naive all-caps tirade concerning the theory of government that disagrees with every intelligent book ever written on the subject.
In fact all wise books on government teach that governments are real things run by people who have interests and act like people with interests, and work for a payday. This is why we have Inspectors General and ethics oversight committees. Yes governments are just bureaucratic institutions, and in fact many businesses are more tightly run.
The sad part of the post is people giving you recs. This is the value of the comment forum teetering on an edge, ready to become the run of the mill online dreck.
In fact all wise books on government teach that governments are real things run by people who have interests and act like people with interests, and work for a payday. This is why we have Inspectors General and ethics oversight committees. Yes governments are just bureaucratic institutions, and in fact many businesses are more tightly run.
The sad part of the post is people giving you recs. This is the value of the comment forum teetering on an edge, ready to become the run of the mill online dreck.
Couldn't we at least pick one with less bankruptcies and who pays his contractors, rather than a 3 card monte man?
4
Yes, our new President is a successful real estate guy with holdings around the world. It's not reasonable to ask him to demolish his family company. As long as he's not actively involved day to day, I really couldn't care less, this professor's hyperventilating notwithstanding.
1
With the hyperventilating that occurred because Hillary Clinton's ASSISTANT MIGHT have taken phone calls from foreign leaders who also happened to contribute to a charity foundation that she was not involved with beyond the family name, it's only fair to see the HUGE conflicts of interest that will accompany the financial benefits he will personally reap from his real estate deals around the world and how he deals with leaders in countries where those holdings exist. Can we chant "Lock him up" in the next election cycle?
147
Trump is NOT a successful real estate guy. He is a successful self-promoter and con artist who games the system by shifting his losses onto other people, including the tax-paying public and the workers he refused to pay. Successful business people don't go bankrupt four or more times-that is what is called failure. He used personal funds to buy chips (that he didn't cash in, of course) at his casino to avoid the casino going bankrupt. He promised not to sell junk bonds to finance his casinos, then sold junk bonds, and still failed. His greatest strength is gaming the system and self-preservation. That is not saying much for a guy born rich and privileged.
6
Then he had no business running for President. Unless I now live in a dictatorship the deliberate manipulation of our country to line his family's pockets is not acceptable
5
Contrary to Prof. Painter’s final paragraph, it appears that we are most decidedly _not_ entitled to a president who can protect the interests of our country. The financial tangles are merely one part of a much larger abandonment of legal precedent that we’ve come to expect from our incoming commander in chief.
Trotting out a lawyer and filling a folding table with impressively high stacks of documents says nothing about how the office of the president would be safeguarded from influence by economic forces, whether foreign or domestic. It was a ham-fisted display, the intent of which was to awe the slack-jawed rubes who might be impressed by those things. Its intent was not to answer the question, but to end the debate.
It says a lot about how the incoming president regards ordinary humans who do not have tall buildings with their names emblazoned on them. If his incongruous appointments of white supremacists, billionaires, evangelicals and ordinary idiots to high positions didn’t send the message forcefully enough, his brushing aside serious concerns about conflict of interest must surely let us know just where we are in the pecking order. He is the head pecker. End of story.
Handing the operations over to the kids isn’t much of a safeguard. Uday and Qusay were chips off Saddam’s block, and that didn’t work out too well. So before the new president declares Mission Accomplished, he should sure he’s not standing on a powder keg with a lit fuse.
Trotting out a lawyer and filling a folding table with impressively high stacks of documents says nothing about how the office of the president would be safeguarded from influence by economic forces, whether foreign or domestic. It was a ham-fisted display, the intent of which was to awe the slack-jawed rubes who might be impressed by those things. Its intent was not to answer the question, but to end the debate.
It says a lot about how the incoming president regards ordinary humans who do not have tall buildings with their names emblazoned on them. If his incongruous appointments of white supremacists, billionaires, evangelicals and ordinary idiots to high positions didn’t send the message forcefully enough, his brushing aside serious concerns about conflict of interest must surely let us know just where we are in the pecking order. He is the head pecker. End of story.
Handing the operations over to the kids isn’t much of a safeguard. Uday and Qusay were chips off Saddam’s block, and that didn’t work out too well. So before the new president declares Mission Accomplished, he should sure he’s not standing on a powder keg with a lit fuse.
156
When the checks and balances were set up for this country, apparently our founders could not conceive of a Congress and a political party that places fidelity to Party above their oaths of office. They did conceive of a man elected who is manifestly unfit for the job as Trump is, and detailed the process of removing an unfit President--but they did not imagine the depths of pandering by Ryan, McConnell and the GOP for personal power to the detriment of our country. Nor did they conceive of corruption by the massive amounts of money passing through elected office.
3
"He is the head pecker."
No, actually Trump is the pecker head.
No, actually Trump is the pecker head.
3
Thank you for this informative article. Trump's perspective and motivations and focus as POTUS are blatantly obvious. His concerns do not involve the American People or "Making America Great Again". Donald Trump does not care about democracy, decency or the American People, He cares about himself and his personal wealth. And NOW his Son-in-Law has been designated / appointed his Senior Advisor. The majority of the American People do want him his taxes to be reviewed. He has had all the time in the world to prepare these documents. He hasn't done it because Donald Trump doesn't believe he is required to be accountable to anyone but himself. EVERY SENATOR & member of Congress needs to insist he submit his taxes. If they don't... they also aren't doing their job.... which means we must not reelect them.
69
Come on. Congressmen, if not senators are hoping to get in on the lolly once the liar in chief makes ethics another contractor that he doesn't pay because, he didn't like the work.
1
Did JFK release his returns?
Why can't we as citizens of the United States refuse to pay the congress since they didn't do their job i.e., leaving the Supreme Court unfilled. While we're at it can we take away their health plans?
Do we have any recourse besides just voting and protesting?
Do we have any recourse besides just voting and protesting?
1
It seems that even the press and intelligence communities as well as most people with keen insight are aware now that Trump is a Putin puppet, and his campaign was aware and he is still aware and is hand in hand with all the plans to continue to sell USA for Trump's gain. For God's sake - go after the treason committing fraudster now and gut him like the swamp creature he is please. Thank you.
94
Trump's businesses are far to complicated to divest. It would take decades.
No matter who he chooses to run them, he knows the impact of any decision he makes on those types of business, and he will avoid making decisions that hurt them. For example, if it became in the national interest to soften the increase in housing prices, he would decline, as he is a major landlord.
Like it or not, as long as he is president, he is going to make decisions that favor his businesses over competing interests. Count on it.
I do wish somebody would mention the legal principle of an "arms-length" relationship. Apparently he has chosen his sons to run his business; that does not qualify as an arms-length relationship.
No matter who he chooses to run them, he knows the impact of any decision he makes on those types of business, and he will avoid making decisions that hurt them. For example, if it became in the national interest to soften the increase in housing prices, he would decline, as he is a major landlord.
Like it or not, as long as he is president, he is going to make decisions that favor his businesses over competing interests. Count on it.
I do wish somebody would mention the legal principle of an "arms-length" relationship. Apparently he has chosen his sons to run his business; that does not qualify as an arms-length relationship.
20
There are many perfectly qualified property management companies in this country who can more than adequately manage The Trump Organization's portfolio during his time in office. They are already managing commercial property portfolios that far exceed the value of the Trump properties.
However, The Trump Organization would be required to disclose financial information to a 3rd party manager or trustee we all know they will refuse to share. Their refusal to consider alternative management should tell us much about their operations.
However, The Trump Organization would be required to disclose financial information to a 3rd party manager or trustee we all know they will refuse to share. Their refusal to consider alternative management should tell us much about their operations.
2
I suspect talking to Trump is pointless; his repeated bankruptcies attest to his power to con sober men into backing his unsuccessful ventures. Further, the language of Ethics is obviously a foreign language he has no wish to understand and he doesn't do reason---only self-enrichment. Trump will only understand once he is caught breaking the law and having to pay the full consequences rather than some token penalty.
Using his Foundation to pay his personal legal fines? Bribery in business? Tax evasion? He has no immunity for crimes not committed while in the office of President.
The fact that Trump has so much to hide that he would prefer to be seen as corrupt and beholden to a foreign government than show his tax records or clear himself. This says it all.
Using his Foundation to pay his personal legal fines? Bribery in business? Tax evasion? He has no immunity for crimes not committed while in the office of President.
The fact that Trump has so much to hide that he would prefer to be seen as corrupt and beholden to a foreign government than show his tax records or clear himself. This says it all.
1
The Russian business connections alone need to be thoroughly investigated, as it appears he is beholden to Putin. The risk is that our country's national interests could be undermined by business deals that are paltry in value compared to the potential damage to our real national interests. Senators like John McCain need to push for the investigation as our alliances are at stake here.
24
Did people follow Senator Warren's questioning of the HUD appointee, Ben Carson in the confirmation hearings?
Basically, Ben Carson, in response to Senator Warren's direct and pointed question on HUD benefiting Trump and his family, left the door open to programs that further enriched Trump (and family) as long as it was providing housing to Americans (duh, someone would obviously get housing!!)
THIS is how you explain to Trumplandia what conflict of interest means! Don't ask people, whom Trump spoke to in 3rd grader language, in the abstract about concerns about "conflict of interest". What the heck will they understand? Flesh it out for them. Make it concrete and understandable at 3rd grader language.
The media asks them about Russian prostitutes. Why would they care when they didn't care about him grabbing American women without their permission? But, explain to them what Trump's conflict of interest means in concrete, and not abstract, terms and you will set the ball rolling to eventually them taking the blinders off their eyes. Not immediately. But, eventually...
KISS still works: Keep It Simple Stupid!
Basically, Ben Carson, in response to Senator Warren's direct and pointed question on HUD benefiting Trump and his family, left the door open to programs that further enriched Trump (and family) as long as it was providing housing to Americans (duh, someone would obviously get housing!!)
THIS is how you explain to Trumplandia what conflict of interest means! Don't ask people, whom Trump spoke to in 3rd grader language, in the abstract about concerns about "conflict of interest". What the heck will they understand? Flesh it out for them. Make it concrete and understandable at 3rd grader language.
The media asks them about Russian prostitutes. Why would they care when they didn't care about him grabbing American women without their permission? But, explain to them what Trump's conflict of interest means in concrete, and not abstract, terms and you will set the ball rolling to eventually them taking the blinders off their eyes. Not immediately. But, eventually...
KISS still works: Keep It Simple Stupid!
70
Yes, we need to provide concrete examples, early and often. I agree that most people who voted for him simply do not understand the conflicts implications. (time to work on our educational system, as well........)
1
We really do not know the extent of the Trump family empire. Tax returns would be a start. We need to see the returns for the whole family and not just daddy Trump. Are there off shore accounts? Where else are there hidden financials?
In the long run none of this will matter to the Trump supporters. What will mater is how the country succeeds over the next few years.
In the long run none of this will matter to the Trump supporters. What will mater is how the country succeeds over the next few years.
12
Where is our Joseph Welch today? Who will call out Trump now, before he wrecks everything in sight? Unusual times, as the one we're facing today call for unusual and creative solutions. It seems to me everyone is asking the questions, but no one is coming up with usable answers. We need not keep saying how bad the PE is, we already know more than we want. We need to hear from the smart among us to offer solutions. He has lawyers to explain away his conflicts. Where are ours to litigate in a court of law before it's too late? This is no joke, not funny, definitely not entertainment. Lots of people about to get hurt! HELP! We already know what we can't do, now find what we can, lawfully and legally.
16
Christine,
Weighing in on your questions, I believe the general consensus is to wait unti Trump takes office. There is a dwindling but hopeful few, such as Joe Biden, who are praying that Trump, whom I cannot muster a modicum of respect for, will be transformed by the gravitas of the Oval Office. That in such will start to behave as a person millions have (mis?) placed their trust in.
Then there is the reality, I am disheartened to finally admit. This country is so deeply entreanched in racism, a "better" life isn't even a concern. A man leading who lacks integrity, wisdom, and a grade school understanding of the Constitution, isn't a concern. As long as there is a cleansing of the objects of their rage. In the mind of a racist "those people" are to blame for all the the ills of an ever evolving and striving society. There is no logic. It is our shame and now burden that we did not educate our people.
In lieu of some miracle, many are contributing funds to the ACLU and other legal/civil rights NGOs to provide the necessary representation when it is time.
Weighing in on your questions, I believe the general consensus is to wait unti Trump takes office. There is a dwindling but hopeful few, such as Joe Biden, who are praying that Trump, whom I cannot muster a modicum of respect for, will be transformed by the gravitas of the Oval Office. That in such will start to behave as a person millions have (mis?) placed their trust in.
Then there is the reality, I am disheartened to finally admit. This country is so deeply entreanched in racism, a "better" life isn't even a concern. A man leading who lacks integrity, wisdom, and a grade school understanding of the Constitution, isn't a concern. As long as there is a cleansing of the objects of their rage. In the mind of a racist "those people" are to blame for all the the ills of an ever evolving and striving society. There is no logic. It is our shame and now burden that we did not educate our people.
In lieu of some miracle, many are contributing funds to the ACLU and other legal/civil rights NGOs to provide the necessary representation when it is time.
3
I would like a group of wealthy Democrats to put together a fund to sue Donald Trump for every lie he told about Hillary Clinton and other individuals, as well as journalists and businesses he defamed before he became president. I don't believe being a candidate absolves one from telling the truth. Does it? If Melania can sue a blogger for $150 million, can't we give him a dose of his own medicine? If Peter Thiel could put Gawker out of business, why can't we put Trump out of business? That would take care of his conflicts of interest. Also, judgments would force a look into Trump's actual financial status. We could kill many birds with one stone.
1
Trump's answer to potential conflicts of interest seemed reasonable on the face of it. He will even hire an ethics overseer. But then I wondered what will happen when his son(s) are over for dinner. Will the ethics advisor be invited as well to ensure that the conversation does not drift over into Trump business matters? This is clearly an impossible-to-manage conflict of interest; and given Trump's disdain for norms, he may still be running his business via proxy.
I'm not so sure the Republicans won't impeach him if he gets too far off a normal presidential path. Pence is really the type of president that legislator's want. Maybe Trump will resign when he sees what really is involved in running the country. I think his goal was only to win the contest, not actually take the prize. I don't see longevity in the Trump presidency.
I'm not so sure the Republicans won't impeach him if he gets too far off a normal presidential path. Pence is really the type of president that legislator's want. Maybe Trump will resign when he sees what really is involved in running the country. I think his goal was only to win the contest, not actually take the prize. I don't see longevity in the Trump presidency.
9
He wants to run the country from an office down the hall from the Trump Organization offices. Most likely will have his own security detail, so the Secret Service will be out of vocal range. And........ dare I say a private server?
It wouldn't surprise me if all this was going according to plan. Trump doesn't want the job and impeachment would make him look like a martyr to his dimwitted fans making it easier to swindle them with his next phony business, Republicans would get Pence and Ryan in office and could proceed with dismantling our democracy, a win for the 1% and the end of life as we know it for the rest of us.
1
My thoughts run along the same lines. He comes across as confused and arrogant. It would be best for the country for him to simply retire and let Pence have it.
President-Elect Trump has an unbroken history of stonewalling and deflection beginning with the first unfair housing claim made by virtue of their discrimination against blacks in 1973. Guided by Senator McCarthy's former counsel, Ray Cohn, Trump began the same practices of denial, obfuscation and false statements.
I suspect the guidance from Mr Cohn still resonates with him strongly. Never produce anything demanded from you. Stall. Counter-sue. Deny all allegations. And then keep doing what you have always done. Sad!
I suspect the guidance from Mr Cohn still resonates with him strongly. Never produce anything demanded from you. Stall. Counter-sue. Deny all allegations. And then keep doing what you have always done. Sad!
29
I simply don't think Trump understands what it means to be a public servant. It is a given that a public servant works for all of us (all 250 million plus of us)` I am sorry that he didn't understand that when he committed to us. If he is unwilling to live with the very clear terms of employment he needs to be asked to leave and, failing that, needs to be terminated.
59
250 million? How long were you asleep Rumplestiltskin?
It's the word "servant" that blocks him.
2
An international businessman would have a sensitivity to events in the world that most government bureaucrats are oblivious to. Trump's international business interests are not all liability to his presidency. Business transcends politics in the real world. Jewish diamond dealers regularly travel to Arab countries to do business. The Lebanese are great diamond traders and most of their diamonds are cut and polished in Israel.
I think you've completely missed the point of why it's important not to have those with large business interests like this hold the presidential office. No one is claiming that Trump doesn't understand international business sensitivity. The point is that it should be separated so that political decisions are not made to directly benefit his business, and hurt competing ones, all while the decision flies under a veil of some Trumped up reason to the public.
5
What "events in the world" are you referring to? Please back up this statement with some examples.
Nobody is questioning whether his experience in international business will help him in the presidency. What is in question is whether he should be allowed to personally profit from his position as president. If "business transcends politics" as you say, this is why he must divest from his business interests. Otherwise, we have no way to ensure that his actions are taken for the good of the country, instead of the good of his bank account.
2
Asking trump to remove his name from buildings and sacrifice the profits those licensing agreements garner, in order to reduce the danger (grave danger, as you accurately put it) to occupants of building that will become immediate terrorist targets, is like asking a crack addict to give up his fix for some altruistic consideration.
Trump simply does not care about other people's lives to even remotely the extent he loves loot and having his name on buildings. I fear we are very soon to see the sacrifices trump's greed and vanity require.
Trump simply does not care about other people's lives to even remotely the extent he loves loot and having his name on buildings. I fear we are very soon to see the sacrifices trump's greed and vanity require.
27
Weren't we told that Trump can't be bribed or beholding because he is wealthy and doesn't need the money? If he is truly rich what profits would he sacrificing if he doesn't need the money?
1
Marie, this should put that ridiculous canard to rest- that being so rich, trump is above the kind of wealth motivation that would make him susceptible to bribe and influence, trump's own words from "Art of the Deal":
"Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score," he writes. "The real excitement is playing the game."
The truth is the *opposite* of what we're being told. Trump is like a Barry Bonds (warts and all) of money-getting. For him it's a trophy, like his wives and buildings, which he likes both as tall and gleaming as possible. Money, since it is by his explicit acnowledgment his "way of keeping score," he pursues in the largest quantity possible. It is an utter canard, in a sea of them, that Trump is above economic motive: he chases wealth more zealously than - well, you can fill in the rest.
"Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score," he writes. "The real excitement is playing the game."
The truth is the *opposite* of what we're being told. Trump is like a Barry Bonds (warts and all) of money-getting. For him it's a trophy, like his wives and buildings, which he likes both as tall and gleaming as possible. Money, since it is by his explicit acnowledgment his "way of keeping score," he pursues in the largest quantity possible. It is an utter canard, in a sea of them, that Trump is above economic motive: he chases wealth more zealously than - well, you can fill in the rest.
2
Trump complains that he and his family shouldn't have to sacrifice their business interests so that he can be President. But he undertook to run for this office and knew or should have known the consequences of winning. Time didn't start yesterday. He wanted to become president, with all that that entails. If he wanted to be a businessman, he should have remained a businessman. He has no basis to complain about the consequences of his own actions.
60
Another way of putting it: he should have read the contract before running. He would not let one of his business deals go because the other party didn't read the contract. It would be tough on them. In this regard he has a contract with the people of the United States. It's called the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the land.
3
Perhaps we need to update our laws to provide that anyone, prior to an official nomination for President, sign an understanding that he/she MUST divest, and authorize release of tax returns. This should not be a 'new' issue a week before an Inauguration!
3
He made a choice to run for President. He has reneged on putting the nation first and not caring about his business post election and showing us stacks of paper (unverifiable) that prove he's being ethical. Unfortunatel, Trump's being ethical is like "being a little pregnant."
3
A layman's reading of the relevant statutes suggest that while Trump is exempt from certain prohibitions on "potential corruption," i.e., "conflicts of interest," there's no reason to assume that exemption extends to "actual corruption." That is, under the statute the attorney general need not prove that the Federal official actually benefited from any improper decision-making - having a financial interest under which he might have is sufficient. As President, Trump won't be prohibited from having the financial interest in and of itself - but that doesn't in any way imply that he's therefore permitted to engage in actual self-dealing, does it? Would love an expert opinion on this.
9
Unfortunately Congress provides oversight over the Exec. branch--and the GOP has already shown what they think of ethical oversight (at least when it applies to themselves.)
1
Although I agree that it would be hard to get an impeachment vote with this Congress, I think there could be a veto-proof majority pulled together to require ALL candidates for president to make full financial disclosure in the form of tax returns for at least the prior 10 years. Even mid-level managerial civil servants have to make annual financial disclosures to prove a lack of conflicts of interest, we should expect no less from the chief executive.
17
Much like his shady (but, very technically, legal) tax dealings in the 90's, I assume several laws will be passed explicitly requiring future presidents to do things that have have been long-time honored practices. But not for Trump himself.
2
The Constitution places Bribery right alongside Treason as an impeachable offense. Foreign emoluments are banned even if there is no quid pro quo. But since Mr. Trump has declared himself in business to receive domestic quo, the first instance of any quid makes him indictable.
House Democrats only need to recruit a handful of appalled Republicans to indict immediately. Conviction in the Senate will be more difficult, unless (or until?) there is a Congressional upset in 2018.
Unfortunately, divestiture at this late date would require that Trump and his family not know who purchased the properties, since otherwise the purchase itself could constitute a bribe. Conceivably this could be done by means of a trustee appointed by Congress or a Federal court.
House Democrats only need to recruit a handful of appalled Republicans to indict immediately. Conviction in the Senate will be more difficult, unless (or until?) there is a Congressional upset in 2018.
Unfortunately, divestiture at this late date would require that Trump and his family not know who purchased the properties, since otherwise the purchase itself could constitute a bribe. Conceivably this could be done by means of a trustee appointed by Congress or a Federal court.
13
This is not a time for game-playing by Mr. Trump. If he doesn't divest himself of his holdings this country is looking at chaos for the next four years. I still firmly believe that Donald Trump NEVER thought he would be elected but a minority of the populace called his bluff. Unfortunately this isn't the Miss Universe competition. If you want to be President, and apparently he does, there are certain things that you have to do or you recuse yourself. You can either have your business empire or you can be President. Which is it Mr Trump? It's high time you made up your mind.
26
CDC, you forgot the third option: pretend the rules don't apply to you and ignore them. This is what he usually does. And when things don't go his way, he just sues!
2
I think it is worth asking how much Trump is behaving like so many others of us in his "me first" attitude. We scream about global warming but don't want to change our consumptive lifestyle. We boast about our democracy and then prevent people from voting. We want affordable health care and then block attempts to expand medicare for all. We cringe over the violence in Syria and then continue to sell billions in arms every year to foreign governments who use the weapons. We decry immigration but no one wants to pick vegetables or wash dishes. We demand that dysfunction in our government stop but won't publicly finance our elections or cronyism. Trump's behavior is so repulsive in part because it reflects ourselves to much extent. It's just magnified.
6
Most of us wish to be ethical people and try to be honest. I don't think that applies to Trump. We all are still reeling in astonishment most of all at Trump's lack of shame in being perceived as corrupt. (Along with the spectacle of NC and the GOP in repealing the ACA and risking chaos in our health care insurance.)
1
"Emolument" means what he wants it to mean, I guess.
8
Donald needs to decide: Do I run this country or do I run my business? He can't do both. If he tries to do both he will likely fail at both.
9
"A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world."
- Albert Camus
Donald Trump is an unleashed wild, feral boar let loose on the Presidency, America and the world.
Devoid of any sense and right and wrong, devoid of decency, diplomacy and dignity, devoid of respect for others, devoid of paying federal income taxes, Donald Derriere Trump simply has no ethics.
His Presidency is a Constitutional and national wrecking ball.
Not yet even in office, has already destroyed a good part of the fabric of America with his Birther Liar ascendancy to the Fake News National throne of proud ignorance.
Wait until he's inaugurated and legitimate news organizations are effectively banished from asking him questions about his award-winning lack of ethics.
America dug itself quite a grave on November 8.
- Albert Camus
Donald Trump is an unleashed wild, feral boar let loose on the Presidency, America and the world.
Devoid of any sense and right and wrong, devoid of decency, diplomacy and dignity, devoid of respect for others, devoid of paying federal income taxes, Donald Derriere Trump simply has no ethics.
His Presidency is a Constitutional and national wrecking ball.
Not yet even in office, has already destroyed a good part of the fabric of America with his Birther Liar ascendancy to the Fake News National throne of proud ignorance.
Wait until he's inaugurated and legitimate news organizations are effectively banished from asking him questions about his award-winning lack of ethics.
America dug itself quite a grave on November 8.
263
It is fascinating that in a few short months we find ourselves living in a politically unstable country - when this has happened in the past with other countries we (USA) come in and save the day. Who is going to save us? How does some one looking to fill the position of POTUS show us a table with a pile of paper and say "see, lots of paper...no problem, nothing to worry about"? Think about it. What was that whole table of paper about? I've never seen anything so ridiculous in my life. Whatever happened to TRUST but VERIFY? The two parties need to put their differences aside and resolve the trump problem for all Americans - like any other job whether flipping burgers or running a nation - the employee needs to straighten out his act or we tell him YOUR FIRED!!
4
Boars have short fingers.
5
That's a good point. Wasn't Trump the originator of fake news with the birther antics, especially those continuing references to information only he knows about?
4
It is the measure of the man, Trump, and the ratified elite class to which he belongs that the Presidency of the United States is insufficient to sate his appetite for wealth, influence and power.
Whatever "loss" might be the consequence of ethical divestiture, which is to assume the value of the Trump brand is not worth more at this moment before he has the chance to bring shame upon himself in office, the fortune obtained by the sale of Trump business assets would be sufficient to keep Trump, his children, his grandchildren and likely his great-grandchildren wealthy to the end of their days.
Not enough for Trump's notion of himself and his hugeness. Serving the American people ethically unencumbered and living up to the honor of the office they have bestowed upon him is evidently a very distant priority.
Whatever "loss" might be the consequence of ethical divestiture, which is to assume the value of the Trump brand is not worth more at this moment before he has the chance to bring shame upon himself in office, the fortune obtained by the sale of Trump business assets would be sufficient to keep Trump, his children, his grandchildren and likely his great-grandchildren wealthy to the end of their days.
Not enough for Trump's notion of himself and his hugeness. Serving the American people ethically unencumbered and living up to the honor of the office they have bestowed upon him is evidently a very distant priority.
8
In all probability the Trump business empire is a rat's nest of outstanding debt and questionable assets. This unfortunately sounds like an accurate description of his cabinet and administration too.
It's called "l'etat, c'est moi." (Or put another way, if it's good for Trump street, it's good for Main Street.)
5
We saw what happened to the LAST guy who thought that he was the State. His head ended up in a basket. Let this be a lesson to his Orangeness.
1
“Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia,” Trump’s son, Donald Jr., said at a real estate conference in 2008, according to a trade publication, eTurboNews.
21
We've already called our U.S. House Representative and urged that individual to advise members of the Judiciary Committee it's nearly time to begin drafting articles of impeachment. Given that body is under Republican control, they'll surely do nothing of the kind, but anyone who truly values our Constitution (as opposed to Mr. Trump, who "cherishes" it - HA!) should keep those phones ringing. This egregious disregard for the rule of law must not go unchallenged.
10
Oh goody, then we get Pence and Ryan running the country into the ground.
1
Franklin Delano Roosevelt had intelligence, character, charisma and concern for the common man which he proved with the Social Security Act which was bitterly fought against by the super rich. Donald Trump is stacks of manila folders filled with reams of copy paper.
16
It's this simple: If can be confirmed that he is violating the emoluments clause in the Constitution after he is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, impeachment proceedings should begin forthwith. I cannot image the nation's legal canon not considering this option as soon as he assumes office.
10
Well, Doug Carr, that's the way it is supposed to work. The problem is getting passage in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives of a bill to commence impeachment proceedings. Then, even if you could somehow do that, getting the House to impeach would be impossible.
As far as getting the Republican-controlled Senate to convict President Trump, I can think of no English word to express an event with smaller odds of occurring than "impossible."
This is what authoritarian governments look like.
As far as getting the Republican-controlled Senate to convict President Trump, I can think of no English word to express an event with smaller odds of occurring than "impossible."
This is what authoritarian governments look like.
2
Any of us who are lawyers, are familiar with the Constitutional limits on what a sitting president is permitted to do with his personal businesses and holdings, are aware of the emoluments clause, and are not blinded by the Trump rationalizations, know that Professor Painter is right.
The question, however, is what can the people do – given the fact that the Executive and Legislative Branches of our government are controlled by the same, anything-goes political party?
The question, however, is what can the people do – given the fact that the Executive and Legislative Branches of our government are controlled by the same, anything-goes political party?
23
The oath of office is scheduled to be administered at noon on January 20. The oath is short. I hope a clear-headed and responsible member of the House will commence the impeachment process at about 12:15. Even if it fails because of the Republican majority, maybe that would at last convince the President-elect of the seriousness of his actions and inactions.
13
As of next Friday, begin impeachment proceedings!
11
Trump tweeted an endorsement of a private company today. He told his followers to buy from LL Bean. As a salesman he sees nothing wrong with this, but as president of the United States, as a servant of the people of the nation, it is a problem. It suggests favoritism, do me a favor and I'll return a favor.
I don't think he understands the difference between private industry built on sales and civil service to a nation, including the competitors of LLBean.
I don't think he understands the difference between private industry built on sales and civil service to a nation, including the competitors of LLBean.
141
I disagree. This is a smart cunning mind. He may try to act as if he's clueless, but he has been warned . I believe he knows precisely what he's doing , and loves to get into fights/-the more the better. They whip up his base and feed his ego.
He has been told numerous times what he has to do on ethics. His behavior yesterday underscored his arrogance in that regard.
He has been told numerous times what he has to do on ethics. His behavior yesterday underscored his arrogance in that regard.
86
Trump has now decided to monetize his Twitter account.
Here is the headline from Bloomberg News, January 9.
L.L. Bean Faces Boycott for Family Member Donation to Trump PAC
So there it is. Send Trump money and he will give you a big recommendation on Twitter.
Sad!
Here is the headline from Bloomberg News, January 9.
L.L. Bean Faces Boycott for Family Member Donation to Trump PAC
So there it is. Send Trump money and he will give you a big recommendation on Twitter.
Sad!
11
His tweet is in reaction to the news that an L.L. Bean owner donated $60,000 to a PAC that supported him.
This is a flat out quid pro quo. It says "you dontae to support my campaign, and I will praise you and suggest people buy your porducts."
This is wrong on two counts:
1. Trump is basically doing a deal with this L.L. Bean supporter. That is no different than a bribe, just not paying the bribe directly to the candidaate.
2. It is PROOF that the Supreme Court Citizens United opinion when they said that they did not think such expenditures of money would lead to corruption. This situation shows that such expenditures lead DOTECT:Y to corruption.
This is a flat out quid pro quo. It says "you dontae to support my campaign, and I will praise you and suggest people buy your porducts."
This is wrong on two counts:
1. Trump is basically doing a deal with this L.L. Bean supporter. That is no different than a bribe, just not paying the bribe directly to the candidaate.
2. It is PROOF that the Supreme Court Citizens United opinion when they said that they did not think such expenditures of money would lead to corruption. This situation shows that such expenditures lead DOTECT:Y to corruption.
15
A Republican controlled congress won't vote to impeach. But if progressives get active and flip the congress in the mid-terms, we could evict Mr. Trump in less than four years.
138
The Republican controlled congress may vote to impeach when they find out what he owes to the Russians.
3
An excellent idea!
If Trump is gone Pence will be president. Not sure which is worse with a republican controlled Congress.
1
Donald Trump had, and still has, no concept of what it means to be a public servant. He does not understand, nor does he want to understand, what it means to be President and what is required of a President.
All he wanted was to be the big deal - the boss guy - the one everybody listens to.
He and all of his aids never considered any of this to be a problem, all the time he was running? He had time to tweet about the "fatso" Miss Universe contestant, the cast of Hamilton and Meryl Streep. But this? They bring in a big stack of folders and papers and say, "look, we're fixing it".
Trump has managed to manipulate and bluster stupid, selfish bankers, zoning officials, gambling officials and even a minority of the voters. But this - this he cannot fake. He's doing his best, but Trump is caught in a place he is unaccustomed to. He can't bluff or bluster his way through the constitution.
One commentator the night of his "press conference" said it best. Trump has to decide if he wants to be President or a property owner. He wants it all ways, of course, that's who he is. He wants to lie his way through it. He wants to say, "believe me", and have us believe him. He wants the entire constitution turned upside down for his personal benefit.
He really does not want to be President. But he doesn't realize it because he has no idea what a President is and what it requires of a person. But if Trump is half as smart as he wants us to think, how did we end up here?
All he wanted was to be the big deal - the boss guy - the one everybody listens to.
He and all of his aids never considered any of this to be a problem, all the time he was running? He had time to tweet about the "fatso" Miss Universe contestant, the cast of Hamilton and Meryl Streep. But this? They bring in a big stack of folders and papers and say, "look, we're fixing it".
Trump has managed to manipulate and bluster stupid, selfish bankers, zoning officials, gambling officials and even a minority of the voters. But this - this he cannot fake. He's doing his best, but Trump is caught in a place he is unaccustomed to. He can't bluff or bluster his way through the constitution.
One commentator the night of his "press conference" said it best. Trump has to decide if he wants to be President or a property owner. He wants it all ways, of course, that's who he is. He wants to lie his way through it. He wants to say, "believe me", and have us believe him. He wants the entire constitution turned upside down for his personal benefit.
He really does not want to be President. But he doesn't realize it because he has no idea what a President is and what it requires of a person. But if Trump is half as smart as he wants us to think, how did we end up here?
196
He's like a dog who finally caught the car he was chasing.
8
Good article - sums it all up well, but here is my question: WILL CONGRESS ACT?
93
As long as Trump appoints right wing Justices who will protect Citizens United so their big money donors can keeping pouring money into keeping him in power, and he signs their bills, Republicans will block any attempt to impeach him
To protect our democracy, start registering voters and organizing for a large turnout to vote for Democrats in 2018.
To protect our democracy, start registering voters and organizing for a large turnout to vote for Democrats in 2018.
24
Be sure to find Democrats who want to run for office, who can stand up to the Republicans in Congress and who are adult enough to say "no". I'm still waiting for someone to say "no" to Trump. I hope someone does.
3
Even selling his own personal interests in the various businesses wouldn't be enough if his children/other family members continued to have ownership interests in them. Sadly, it seems that many people who voted for him don't care if he is riven by conflicts. His election signals nothing less than a failure of American democracy.
82
If Trump is in violation of the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, is this an impeachable offense? What proof would be required? Who has standing to commence impeachment?
45
Impeachment proceedings originate in the House of Representatives. The trial takes place in the Senate.
1
"A simple majority of the U.S. House of Representatives (at least 218 votes) is required to impeach a U.S. President, followed by a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate (at least 67 votes)"
The House will be 246 Republican, 187 Democratic
The Senate will be 52 Republican, 46 Democratic, 2 Independent
It's not going to happen unless people can motivate their Republican representatives to put country before party. I'm not that hopeful about this, unless Trump threatens to cut their pay or benefits.
The House will be 246 Republican, 187 Democratic
The Senate will be 52 Republican, 46 Democratic, 2 Independent
It's not going to happen unless people can motivate their Republican representatives to put country before party. I'm not that hopeful about this, unless Trump threatens to cut their pay or benefits.
I don't think the Founding Fathers envisioned this situation. A president who cares about himself far more than his country, and a cooperative Congress that will let him do what he wants. As Trump said, he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes. And now he could do it and not lose congressional support.
This is awful.
This is awful.
157
They did envision this and that is why they wrote specific sections in the Constitution to address it. They had already seen this kind of unscrupulous, hunger for power and that is why they addressed it. They saw how the greed and power of the powerful can become unchecked and threaten the safety and welfare of citizens.
7
Oddly, his Fifth Avenue remark raised no journalistic eyebrows during the primary season.
Did he mean that he was so unpopular in his home town that he could eliminate random voters outside Trump Tower and not lose a single vote?
Did he mean that he is so above the law that he could commit murder in broad daylight and get away with it?
Disturbing either way.
Did he mean that he was so unpopular in his home town that he could eliminate random voters outside Trump Tower and not lose a single vote?
Did he mean that he is so above the law that he could commit murder in broad daylight and get away with it?
Disturbing either way.
8
Actually, the founding fathers did envision this situation.
That's why we HAVE an emoluments clause in the constitution.
That's why we HAVE an electoral college in the constitution.
The electoral college has already failed to do its job in refusing to vote for a blatantly unqualified demogogue.
Let's home the emoluments clause has more teeth.
That's why we HAVE an emoluments clause in the constitution.
That's why we HAVE an electoral college in the constitution.
The electoral college has already failed to do its job in refusing to vote for a blatantly unqualified demogogue.
Let's home the emoluments clause has more teeth.
3
Column is right on spot
21
Of course the NYT Editorial Board is absolutely correct. However, it will not matter because at this point there are no institutional checks and balances, and Republican voters don't seem to understand or care about the stakes involved.
Hoping there is some way to bring a lawsuit against Trump that will highlight this issue for the public. Hopefully it would get to the Supreme Court before Trump nominates, and the Republican-controlled Senate confirms, a rubber-stamping right wing Justice.
Hoping there is some way to bring a lawsuit against Trump that will highlight this issue for the public. Hopefully it would get to the Supreme Court before Trump nominates, and the Republican-controlled Senate confirms, a rubber-stamping right wing Justice.
32
As if Trump's political enemies including the press were ever going to be satisfied with anything he does. But, to look on the bright side, one is at least spared reading this stuff because one already knows what's in it. As far as entertainment value is concerned, Trump has everyone beat.
2
And here is the problem folks. This is entertainment to the right?
He was not elected to be an entertainer, Ed, but as the President of the United States. If you voted for him as the former, you got your wish, but then your total lack of understanding of the position should preclude you from ever having the responsibility of voting for it again.
11
Are you satisfied with the lying, the ranting and the complete lack of ethics?
5
Trump's lawyer commented that “President-elect Trump should not be expected to destroy the company he built.” Did he not know, when he ran for President, that he was choosing public service over his business career? Does he have any idea what public service is?
390
Likely not, as the idea of performing public or public good seems missing from his emotional toolkit. Mr. Khan famously said during an emotional moment on the campaign, Mr. trump has sacrificed nothing. Mr. Trump's angry response, essentially saying he sacrificed a lot of hard work to build his business, simply reveals how callow and selfish this man is.
23
Rachel, the answers to your questions are No and No.
He is not a very intelligent man.
He is not a very intelligent man.
5
It's not like he was conscripted to run for President. He voluntarily decided to run. One should understand the requirements of the office you would think!
4
Just remember that the kind of people who voted for him believe that pro wrestling is real. Explains a lot. They will gladly wolf down the empty calories of his fakery, day after day, and reject any true substance. Meanwhile, democracy itself dies of malnutrition.
56
"Just remember that the kind of people who voted for him believe that pro wrestling is real. Explains a lot."
The disdainful arrogance expressed by your comment is the real explanation. You people are amusing...
The disdainful arrogance expressed by your comment is the real explanation. You people are amusing...
1
trump has "worked" long and hard to build up his business empire and it is absurd to expect him to sell it all off. his businesses are part of his identity. the best we can do at this point is remain vigilant and when he takes an action as president that looks like its the result of a business decision call him out on it.
4
Finally, someone posted a sober and realistic opinion.
If calling him accomplished anything I'd be a lot less worried.
2
allen, we are a nation of laws with our foundation in the constitution. Doesn't seem fair as an excuse shouldn't hold water. We are concerned with specific issues that are outlined in this article, issues if unresolved could pose serious threat to our democratic republic. A public servant such as the President of the United States, must commit to country first. He should not have run for president if he was not willing to do as necessary to reduce risk.
8
Unless it hurts their self-interest, meaning that it threatens to hurt them at the polls, the Republican congress will overlook all of this. If their constituents demand ethical governance, congressionals will pay attention. Otherwise, it´s business as usual for Mr. Trump.
40
This charade will end badly--for Trump and I fear, for our country.
59
I've been a Trump zealot, from early on, when he ran the table against the 16 pygmies (sorry, Pygmies) and I wondered how he would manage his real estate affairs, give it to the kids
Plan B, was he would treat the POTUS job as a side gig, run out of spare bedroom at Trump Towers NYC
see, no conflict if he runs it as a side gig
Plan B, was he would treat the POTUS job as a side gig, run out of spare bedroom at Trump Towers NYC
see, no conflict if he runs it as a side gig
What I find incredible is that he's boasting that he was offered a $2 billion bribe by Dubai.
200
Even if he does nothing special in return for his Dubai deal and it therefore does not constitute a Bribe per Article II Section 4, it's still a Foreign Emolument per Article I Section 9.
1
I'm fascinated, in a horrified way, at how Donald Trump handled this issue, which the OGE has been warning of since November 8. The fact that Trump would simply hire a lawyer willing to say and do what he asks, doesn't make matter easier--it's no better than telling his doctor what to say about his health.
That press conference was a farce. Mr. Painter, you and Norm Eisen were blunt and forceful after watching Trump state how he plans to resolve ethics issues. For the average citizen, it's insulting that a President Elect claims to be above the law.
When he states "there is no conflict of interest for presidents," he's willfully misinterpreting the meaning of that phrase. Of course there are conflicts of interest for a president with a business empire the size and breadth of his! All of us have a right to be angered by his cavalier attitude, particularly the potential for terrorist attacks on his properties overseas.
The founders who wrote the constitution were adamant that presidents not enrich themselves in office. We are way past the point where Mr. Trump is given a free pass for ignorance. His willful arrogance that he can do what he pleases assuming die-hard supporters will share his ire that this is all a personal vendetta against him is insulting to every tax-paying American.
My questions to Trump are these: Why did you run for President? And, who is who's going to run the country during a constitutional crisis when you're tied up in court?
That press conference was a farce. Mr. Painter, you and Norm Eisen were blunt and forceful after watching Trump state how he plans to resolve ethics issues. For the average citizen, it's insulting that a President Elect claims to be above the law.
When he states "there is no conflict of interest for presidents," he's willfully misinterpreting the meaning of that phrase. Of course there are conflicts of interest for a president with a business empire the size and breadth of his! All of us have a right to be angered by his cavalier attitude, particularly the potential for terrorist attacks on his properties overseas.
The founders who wrote the constitution were adamant that presidents not enrich themselves in office. We are way past the point where Mr. Trump is given a free pass for ignorance. His willful arrogance that he can do what he pleases assuming die-hard supporters will share his ire that this is all a personal vendetta against him is insulting to every tax-paying American.
My questions to Trump are these: Why did you run for President? And, who is who's going to run the country during a constitutional crisis when you're tied up in court?
301
Christine, Good comment.
By the way, this can't be good for the Morgan, Lewis & Bockius firm. I hope they're billing Trump an awful lot, to make up for the stain on their firm. Especially since he'll only agree to pay them 40% of the bill, and will get other lawyers to sue them if they complain.
By the way, this can't be good for the Morgan, Lewis & Bockius firm. I hope they're billing Trump an awful lot, to make up for the stain on their firm. Especially since he'll only agree to pay them 40% of the bill, and will get other lawyers to sue them if they complain.
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To quote something that was said years ago about another politician: let Donald Trump be Donald Trump. In this case it might be a lesson to voters who thought that this man would solve or alleviate the problems facing America. Even though he hasn't taken the oath of office he's showing signs of how little interest he has in being bound by unspoken rules to safeguard America, American interests, and the presidency when it comes to security, ethics, and the integrity of all involved. If the president is able to get away with ignoring or denigrating rules, laws or clauses designed to ensure that he doesn't have a conflict of interest what will the rest of his cabinet do? The reason we don't tolerate conflicts of interest in the public sphere is the harm they can cause if the officials are asked to choose between a good deal for them that hurts the public or a good deal for the public that hurts their interests. It's why Trump ought to be ordered to place his business holdings in a blind trust. Of course he won't. His belief in himself as the exception to every rule, a belief supported by the GOP which doesn't want the public to know what's under the hood, means that the inevitable conflict of interest will probably leave us hurting with no recourse. I do hope the GOP is proud of this. I'm not.
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@hen3ry
Yes, let's let Trump be Trump and Obama be Obama.
History will judge them both, and that is all that matters. All the bloviating among the Progressive class when Bernie Sanders was their true love makes me roll on the floor in laughter.
Yes, let's let Trump be Trump and Obama be Obama.
History will judge them both, and that is all that matters. All the bloviating among the Progressive class when Bernie Sanders was their true love makes me roll on the floor in laughter.
1
It has become crystal clear from his words and actions that Donald Trump has utterly no respect for the office of the presidency of the United States of America. We should not be surprised over the course of the next months and years that his administration turns out to be the most corrupt in American history. The only remaining question is if, or when, the Republican Congress will initiate impeachment proceedings.
5
I sympathize with the sentiment expressed in the phrase, "it might be a lesson to voters who thought this man would solve or alleviate...problems," but we simply can't operate on the basis of that sentiment, particularly if doing so would mean letting the rule of law go by the wayside. Surely, you're not suggesting we should abandon the rule of law; and surely you're not suggesting that the press/media should turn a blind eye to conduct that either is or appears to be--or, under intense scrutiny, could well be found to be--unlawful. If ever there was an administration that will teach voters a lesson, Trump's is it; but whatever lesson(s) we learn will be truly instructive only if we look very closely at the relationship between what Trump's administration stands for, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the legal and political traditions and precedents that tend to characterize what this country has stood for, up till now.
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