The surprising reason Trump is immune to conflict of interest laws

When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many assumed that he would recognise his sprawling business empire was set to collide with the responsibilities of the presidency.

On the surface, it seemed obvious: with luxury real estate all across the world, plus his Cheetos-covered fingers dipped in media and finance, Trump’s private ventures cannot continue to expand as he holds the most powerful political office in the country. Surely then, he will give up his businesses so as not to cause a political scandal, right?

Wrong. The people who thought this either forgot to take the turn off at Rainbow Road, or grossly underestimated Trump’s lack of shame when it came to anything akin to following rules.

And what makes this situation even more striking is a legal quirk that will delight him, as he can keep the White House gift shop open: the president of the United States is largely exempt from federal conflict of interest statutes.

That exemption is long embedded in federal law, and means Trump is free to maintain ownership stakes, accept certain gifts, and profit from ventures that could be affected by his administration’s decisions.

While members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and federal employees are tightly bound by strict rules, the President and their VP are treated differently. Of course, over the years, morally sound, ethically balanced presidents have avoided abusing this gap by divesting their holdings or placing them in blind trusts.

Jimmy Carter gave up his peanut farm; Trump has done nothing.

Let me repeat that: Jimmy Carter gave up a peanut farm.

“Every other president since the Civil War voluntarily avoided conflicts”

“The presidential exemption in the law undermines public confidence in the government,” Richard Painter, the top ethics lawyer in the Bush White House, told CNN. “Every other president since the Civil War voluntarily avoided conflicts. They understood how important this is.”

Instead, his presidency has doubled as a platform for his businesses. His family brand remains intricately tied up in hotels, and even new financial products offered through Trump Media & Technology Group, which has launched itself into cryptocurrency, a truly honourable way to make money as President. Then there’s the Trump cell phone, Trump cologne, and of course, his golf courses.

And his mixing of public duty with personal gain doesn’t stop at stealing White House pens — Trump is way too high-end for that. Instead, he accepted a luxury jet — dubbed a “flying palace” by reports — from Qatar that was so big he gave it away.

Related stories

Labor Day

Labor Day may affect your garbage pickup

Society

The unlikely spot cockroaches love hiding in your home

So it’s legislation that is stopping Trump from being held accountable for his sprawling business empire while in office. As you were, then.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.