Donald Trump's decision to populate his cabinet with a bevy of millionaires and billionaires is creating what the New York Times labeled a "minefield" of potential conflicts of interest that are already raising the eyebrows of watchdogs.
Before every one of the re-elected president's nominees have been confirmed, agreements are being hammered out detailing limitations on outside business dealings that, due to an "uncharacteristically" large number of entanglements, could be hard to police.
According to the Times' Eric Lipton, Trump's people are signing letters making guarantees to federal ethics officials that put some restraints on their dealings outside of their jobs.
ALSO READ: 'Driven to self-loathing': Inside the extremist website believed to 'groom' teen attackers
The report notes, "Each signed letter is supposed to detail what decisions these officials can be involved in, and which they must stay away from, to avoid violating federal conflict of interest rules," before adding, "That there are so many redlines being identified — and other situations where nominees are being given clearance to remain involved in matters despite outstanding family or past financial ties — is perhaps not surprising. Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees have combined assets worth at least $1.5 billion, according to counts by The New York Times."
Pointing out that there are currently 467 separate conflicts that require recusal, that has raised concerns among ethics watchdogs that "this is a minefield of potential problems, and reason to be apprehensive, given that during Mr. Trump’s first term, several of his cabinet members failed to honor ethics promises they made to avoid actions that benefited their families or financial interests."
Case in point, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi "will be free to handle matters involving some of her former lobbying clients," with the Times reporting, "that for one year after her confirmation as U.S. attorney general she will refrain from doing business on 'any particular matter' that involve parties represented by Ballard Partners, her former firm. She also agreed not to do business with any clients she personally represented for one year from when she last dealt with them."
According to Kedric Payne, general counsel at Campaign Legal Center, "The array of potential conflicts is huge. And there is no certainty there will be enforcement. Ethics is not an issue you need to focus on. That is the message so far from the top.”
You can read more here.
