Donald Trumps Complex Businesses Bring Potential Conflicts of Interest

[EarlG]

Source: Wall Street Journal

Donald Trump will enter the White House with more potential conflicts of interest and less transparency about his finances than any recent president.

The president-elect’s influence over trade policy, taxes, government contracts and foreign relations present countless opportunities for him to benefit his own businesses. President Barack Obama had a humdrum list of investments, and Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan put holdings into blind trusts.

So far, Mr. Trump hasn’t said exactly what he will do, beyond transferring management of his companies to his adult children and other executives. And unlike every other major-party candidate and president since Gerald Ford, Mr. Trump hasn’t released his tax returns, which would provide more insight into his business dealings.

As president, Mr. Trump wouldn’t have to release his returns, but he must continue to disclose his holdings annually in broad ranges, which he has done since becoming a candidate.

Read more: http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trumps-complex-businesses-bring-potential-conflicts-of-interest-1479221276

[ehrnst]

1. Time for the Dems to take a cue from Chaffetz and Gowdy.

This is no time for niceties.

It is time to go for the throat. This is democracy at stake.

Cry havoc and let loose the lawyers.

[SharonAnn]

2. And today, he filed a suit against D.C. to reduce the taxes on his hotel in D.C. Awkward.

He leases the old post office in Washington, D. C. and turned it into his newest hotel. Today, he (his company) filed suit against Washington D.C. to reduce the taxes on his hotel.

That looks pretty bad. But I understand it's typical for Trump.

[Judi Lynn]

3. He must believe he has become the King of All Living Things Everywhere.

Apparently he imagines there's no one who's entitled to block any of his demands.