Trump children's roles blur line between transition, company

Someone needs to oversee these things to make sure there is no corruption. I don't think many of us trust Trump to police himself.

You might have won the election but your extra-chromosome kids didn't win anything and have NO BUSINESS attending ANY meetings having to do with the business of running this country. Tell them to go back to their hedge funds and mind their own damn business.

CrazyJoe: You might have won the election but your extra-chromosome kids didn't win anything and have NO BUSINESS attending ANY meetings having to do with the business of running this country.

Bill Clinton's wife, 1993+:

Travelgate

Filegate

Clinton health plan

at least.

Trump's presidency is a blatant conflict of interest. It's all just about promoting the Trump brand. Nothing elitist or insider about Trump, say his sheeple. He's just good honest working-class folks.

Americans have been suckered like never before.

BTW, where are those tax returns, Donald?

turbo: Bill Clinton's wife, 1993+

You yourself most likely want to see a separation between Trump and his business dealings. We are on the same side on this. Don't work against your own interests because everything needs to be us vs. them.

@Turbotsat, you are going to love Jaredgate, Ericgate, Ivankagate, Juniorgate, and Tiffanygate. (We'll leave Baron out of it because he's not on any conflicted company boards yet, hopefully.)

Bill Clinton's wife, 1993+:

Oh, "crooked Hillary?" Well, she lost the race, not sure what she has to do with the obvious conflict of interest at hand here. Setting the bar awful low there for yourself, no?

Bill Clinton's wife, 1993+:

Winner! Dead squirrel beating PLUS zombie lie!

Trump's presidency is a blatant conflict of interest. It's all just about promoting the Trump brand.

What is good for the Trump brand is to be a popular president who works for the interests of the larger American public. I don't see any conflict.

Right Lizz, but at a minimum someone would have to pry the Twitter out of Trump's fingers. Otherwise he comes across as a creep like Richard Nixon on a live mic.

It will be interesting to see how this situation can be resolved. Trump and his children must be removed from any business activities affected by government decisions. Not sure how that can be done.

I agree he shouldn't be so worried about not being able to keep his Android as president. It feels like Clinton and the Blackberry all over..

It will be interesting to see how this situation can be resolved. Trump and his children must be removed from any business activities affected by government decisions.

I'm glad to see we agree on this point.

Not sure how that can be done.

It's called a 'blind trust'.

But a blind trust wouldn't allow Trump to use his power as president to directly further his business interests, so I don't see him doing it.

PTownsend:

Bill Clinton's wife, 1993+:

Winner! Dead squirrel beating PLUS zombie lie!

PTownsend's unsupported opinion! Straight from the playbook!

Where's the lie? They're not married??? Does anyone else know this?

J. LeMire, AP: Trump has insisted he will build a wall between his White House and his company by placing his holdings into a blind trust, but with his children as its trustees. Federal requirements are that independent outsiders run such trusts.

Such trusts are not required, and so how can there be requirements on a non-required trust?

And what if he backtracks? So what?

The USA may be getting Jared and Ivanka's services for free. They (the USA) should applaud themselves for electing Trump. Donald, Jared, and Ivanka are all billionaires already. What kind of enrichment do you think they'll feel the need to engage in?

They (the Trumps) would have to be pretty stupid to engage in stock manipulation, etc. They have lawyers enough to advise them on conflicts of interest.

http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php

The Use of Blind Trusts by Federal Officials - CRS Report for Congress

... For elected federal officials, that is, Members of Congress, the President and Vice President, public financial disclosure and the attendant publicity is the principal method of conflict of interest regulation, as such constitutional officers are not required by statute to disqualify or recuse themselves from the performance of their constitutional duties.

Someone needs to oversee these things to make sure there is no corruption. I don't think many of us trust Trump to police himself.

He's not. The left is just still angry that the election didn't go there way. Don't worry, the swamp is on its way to being drained.

@plastic

Seriously? I think the country at this point is more focused on wanting jobs created than Trump's tax returns.

They have lawyers enough, but we will see if they have brains enough. Mostly they have gotten where they are in life because their fathers paid a bunch of money to get them in the door, for example Jared Kushner, an average student in high school, got into Harvard after his father made a 2.5 million dollar donation. In short order it will be clear if they are all daddy's pampered darlings or real players in business and politics.

Jared Kushner, an average student in high school, got into Harvard after his father made a 2.5 million dollar donation. In short order it will be clear if they are all daddy's pampered darlings or real players in business and politics.

So spoiling children is a bad thing, especially if they have been highly instrumental in getting you elected. I think that's something to envy.

TorafusuTorasan: In short order it will be clear if they are all daddy's pampered darlings or real players in business and politics.

I thought that was made clear almost two weeks ago, when they won the election against the all-but-guaranteed candidate.

Seriously? I think the country at this point is more focused on wanting jobs created than Trump's tax returns.

Let's play a game. Connect the dots. No tax returns. Businesses are to be placed in a blind trust run by Trump's Children. Trump's children are part of the transition team. Trump wants security clearance for some of his kids. Trump is considering giving his son in law an unpaid position at the white house. Of course, he is married to Ivanka Trump, who will be running Trump's businesses. Trump continues to see "business partners." Nope, no problem here. I get he's "your guy," but at what point do you stop and think, "what the hell is he thinking?"

After 8 years of Donald, the prosperity will be continued under the leadership of one of his awesome children, perhaps Ivanka will be the first Madame President...

Trump Trolls the Media and Leftists with Safe Spaces Tweet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v_R24ih4-c

Don't worry, the swamp is on its way to being drained. only to be filled with the Trump kool aid, man why can so many people be drunk on this stuff and not see that nothing will change, the POTUS isnt a dictator he has to get his ideas passed through congressmen in the pockets of big business, and he certainly cant say "YOUR FIRED" if he doesnt get his way. Just shows that the lower class / uneducated are easily fooled.

Don't worry, the swamp is on its way to being drained. only to be filled with the Trump kool aid, man why can so many people be drunk on this stuff and not see that nothing will change, the POTUS isnt a dictator he has to get his ideas passed through congressmen in the pockets of big business, and he certainly cant say "YOUR FIRED" if he doesnt get his way. Just shows that the lower class / uneducated are easily fooled.

I think one of the reasons why the Democrats lost, not including putting up a terrible candidate and a criminal, but because the kook aid they were drinking was too good and too sweet and tainted with 80% proof of crap that they couldn't sober up get off of it until that defeating blow they suffered a few weeks ago.

Then reality sunk in.

Well, Americans did vote for entitled spoilt wealthy children to lead their country. Surely they will represent the working class

What's all the fuss about?????

Breaking News!

Apparently at Trump Tower, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, attending an after dinner chat with Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner revealed the incoming United States Trade Representative to Japan would be the highly skilled, Barron William Trump.

With ten years valuable experience, and recipient of a doctorate degree from the cutting edge of teaching, research, knowledge transfer, gaining a first on the "Gold Elite" program from the Trump entrepreneur Initiative, at the prestigious Trump University LLC.

On news of the appointment Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cannot contain his delight.....

https://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/meeting-the-family

A blind trust in any real sense of the word is a practical non starter unless the president is willing to have the assets all liquidated first before being renamed and put in the hands of a trustee to be named by the government. Even then I don't think it is entirely possible without the consent of partners, banks that hold debt etc. Last I heard he is planning to live in Trump tower on the weekends.

With ten years valuable experience, and recipient of a doctorate degree from the cutting edge of teaching, research, knowledge transfer, gaining a first on the "Gold Elite" program from the Trump entrepreneur Initiative, at the prestigious Trump University LLC.

Wow. Sounds like jealousy to me.

Seriously? I think the country at this point is more focused on wanting jobs created than Trump's tax returns.

Seriously, I don't see how interest in one rules out interest in the other.

We see how Chris Christie's loyalty was rewarded (for jailing Ivanka's father-in-law).

No conflict.

We see how Chris Christie's loyalty was rewarded (for jailing Ivanka's father-in-law).

No conflict.

Really? And what did the Dems do to Bernie again?

You are right of course FizzBit, sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but there has to be a humorous side to life. From what I am reading ten year old Barron is not at all interested in politics.....Bright lad

Besides Ambassador Caroline Kennedy a fan of Lego batman when Barron clearly plumps for Marvels ultimate alliance. When the meeting of minds and policy initiatives are crucial, its a deal breaker for sure.

turbotsat The USA may be getting Jared and Ivanka's services for free. They (the USA) should applaud themselves for electing Trump. Donald, Jared, and Ivanka are all billionaires already. What kind of enrichment do you think they'll feel the need to engage in?

At there level it's not about money anymore, it's about power, control, and you can be sure they're now more than ever, hungry.

Caroline Kennedy a fan of Lego batman

Caroline Kennedy; is she still alive?

To be fair with the Trumps, they wont be the first ones to benefit from "dad's promotion". When Bush senior was president George and co got hooked up with a few very wealthy & influential Middle Eastern biz men who just happened to be in the same oil and gas business. Chelsea Clinton's foundation was also very well connected thanks to mum and dad. Sadly, 'conflict of interest' is inevitable when you reach such political heights.

Left or right, they all do it. No one has the right to take the moral high ground on this one imo.

Lizz / Serrano: " I don't see any conflict." / "After 8 years of Donald, the prosperity will be continued under the leadership of one of his awesome children, perhaps Ivanka will be the first Madame President..."

Amazing how you guys had such a problem with Hillary being a presidential candidate and talking about "dynasties" (forgetting about the Bushes) and saying how corrupt it was, but have zero problem with 100% nepotism, despite it being a conflict of interest. Now you guys are blatantly approving of it. It'd be amazing if the hypocrisy weren't so predictable.

A blind trust in any real sense of the word is a practical non starter unless the president is willing to have the assets all liquidated first before being renamed and put in the hands of a trustee to be named by the government.

Well done. That is exactly what should happen and would be the only way for the president-elect to avoid conflicts, if he had any interest at all in avoiding them. Let's see what actually happens though...

I think I posted something about 4 months ago about how Ivanka uses words such as "lacksadaisical," and we all know that Donald Trump not only does not read, but that Steve-O has more upper level education than Donald and Melania put together.

The WaPo has kind of picked up on that riff and has run an article on the questionable academic credentials of a good portion of that whole family. It is revealing. Did you know that 90% of Harvard graduates graduate "with honors?" Did you know that the MEDIAN grade for a course at Harvard is an A-? It is amazing. So let's start from that context.

The US is now going to be run by the worst educated president since Abraham Lincoln (self taught in a log cabin caring for his sick family), and his wife, who also has no college degree, will not be helping him out with his math. HIs companies AND staff will be run by his kids, who, by most accounts had their degrees and honors paid for, not earned. And apparently, they don't even know what an organizational chart is. Modern management theory? They had classes in it, but were they paying attention? Nope. Oh. By the way, education means nothing. Money means everything. If that was not clear a month ago, it should be now. How wonderful that the same people managing Trump University at the highest level will be making US education policy.

Duterte called Putin a Hillbilly the other day. Think about that for a second. OK. Time is up. At this point, I am wondering what is separating the Trump family from hillbillies, and I think it is about 100 million dollars. Which makes one wonder... what does Trump have in common with hillbillies from West Virginia or Kentucky? Quite a bit, except for that 100 million dollars. If 100 million dollars makes a person part of the elite, and apparently it does, then why did hillbillies vote for him?

I grew up listening to DEVO, so this does not surprise me at all. I knew this was coming. But wow. Just wow.

Man, I can't believe how seriously sick in the head these Trump-eteers are. Magic wands, and faith in the almighty rich con artist who is trying to satiate his lust for POWER. He's already got the money...

When reality hits, I hope sincerely you're the first ones to choke on it since it's quite the nastiest pill to swallow. Gonna get what you deserve, but want to take everyone down with you. Impossibly sick in the head.

Waiting for that economic doomsday situation that many wealthy people are dreading... (and almost happened back in 2005-2008 during the depression part II) where all their money just.... disappears. and cash will either become very valuable or suffers from inflation to being completely useless.

So Trump says he wants to oust the 'political elite' from the Whitehouse... so fills it with his family taking government or other political roles... I even saw a report that his wife wants to be ambassador to the Czech Republic??

Know what they remind me of? The Borgias.

The possible conflict of interest is already here.

Here's a real-life example: just blocks away from the White House is the Trump International Hotel. The owner of the property is the US government, with the US General Services Administration leasing that property to Trump.

A Trump government would then mean Trump is now both the renter and the lessor of the property. Trump would have the power to influence and hire and fire people at the GSA, or dictate the terms of the lease that's biased towards the Trump Hotel and losing government money.

Here's a real serious question: could anyone imagine a situation wherein Pres. Trump would have to make a decision between (1) a general good that would help the most people but would be detrimental to his business, or (2) settle for something less that would help not as many people but would not be detrimental to his business?

Hilarious Hillary voters are now questioning conflicts of interest. Like Trumps sons or daughters have questionable ties to Irsreal or Saudi Arabia.

FizzBitNov. 21, 2016 - 05:58PM JST Hilarious Hillary voters are now questioning conflicts of interest. Like Trumps sons or daughters have questionable ties to Irsreal or Saudi Arabia.

It's time to get over it, it's not about Trump vs Hillary anymore. Move on. It's about Trump's presidency ...

It's time to get over it, it's not about Trump vs Hillary anymore. Move on. It's about Trump's presidency ...

Yeah, that's why I wrote Hillary voters. The angst doesn't go away with the election. Only Black Sabbath.

Hilarious Hillary voters are now questioning conflicts of interest. Like Trumps sons or daughters have questionable ties to Irsreal or Saudi Arabia.

So conflict of interest only matters if there is a "D" after the name, eh?

And as far as clearing up Washington and the Hegemonic Elite, your silence is hilarious. "Well, let's wait and see everyone."

Here's the problem I see, if the traditional faction of the Republican party and the moderate Republicans in both the senate and house get to the point of no return on Trump's policy, which many will see are actually quite democratic and even socialistic. They might join hands with the democrats to impeach the guy.

One of the triggers are the Trump's children and how they co-mingle business with policy. If a shred of that comes to light, which I think it will due to how careless and arrogant the Trumps are, when the time is right, which is about 2 years into his presidency, I can foresee a good chance of impeachment against Trump happening.

Even without this conflict of interest, Trump's tax plan will alienate his entire lower income White's base since it calls for an actual increase for low income family on tax. And the deduction in corporate tax is kinda like Abenomics which will no doubt fail because those type of businesses aren't coming back to the US. No way they invest those trillions back at US for a fraction of increased profit due to a small % of lower cost base. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. That will fail just like Abenomics. So all Trump has left are social issues and immigration issues which is the least of the interest from his voters. Most of them care about getting rid of Obamacare and increasing jobs, not just any jobs, manufacturing jobs which US is not going to get.

This is at most a 1-term presidency.

So all Japan has to do is weather 2 years if lucky or 4 years at most and things should be back to normal.

With Trump's cabinet quickly filling with elites from the swamp, defense contractors and the omnipresent Goldman Sachs, don't you feel a rube, Fizz?

Then reality sunk in. reality sunk in on election night. what hasnt sunk in yet for those drunk on the Trump kool aid is that most of his ideas wont be passed in the senate , but watered down versions to make it look like hes keeping his election promises. I cant wait for Trump to get his wall built and make Mexico pay for it. Firstly its most likely to be a fence in most places and as for forcing Mexico to pay for it, Im sure Mexico will send America the full bill for fighting the drug cartels in exchange. You scratch my back and Ill scratch yours , its a two way street, not one way as Trump is soon going to find out.

Amazing how you guys had such a problem with Hillary being a presidential candidate and talking about "dynasties" (forgetting about the Bushes)

Pretty much.

and saying how corrupt it was, but have zero problem with 100% nepotism, despite it being a conflict of interest.

In normal cases, I might agree with you, but you have to remember one thing, Trump is NOT a professional politician and he needs all the help he can get, even if that means bringing in his family.

Now you guys are blatantly approving of it. It'd be amazing if the hypocrisy weren't so predictable.

Again, if Trump were a professional career politician, you would have a point, but this is not a typical candidate. This was the first businessman that was elevated to the office of the presidency by the people and NOT Washington.

So Trump says he wants to oust the 'political elite' from the Whitehouse... so fills it with his family taking government or other political roles... I even saw a report that his wife wants to be ambassador to the Czech Republic?? Know what they remind me of? The Borgias.

That's taking it a bit too deep, me thinks.

@bass elevated to the office of the presidency by the people

Sound technicians in media and all fields need to use numbers. No doubt you know that 1,300,000 more people voted for Clinton than Trump, so rightists (and sound techies) should no longer say 'the people' without a qualifier. Perhaps you can use 'most white people voted for him' instead, or maybe just the Electoral College will most likely 'elevate' him.

I'm sure you'll agree that facts and truth are going to be even more important going forward. Now's a good time to start!

And don't you still think he should release his tax info so the people (meaning everyone in the US, even the world) know which international 'financiers' he owes hundreds of millions to?

Duterte called Putin a Hillbilly the other day.

As a hillbilly myself I can only assume that Duterte wanted to complement Putin's honesty and work ethic.

Trump is walking a tightrope, and I see little chance that he'll be able - or even willing - to complete his term. The bad news is the trauma an impeachment or resignation will cause the country; worse is that Pence will then become president.

Laguna,

It seems pretty obvious to me Pence is already the president-elect. Team Trump weren't expecting to win, they are fumbling about drunk in the dark like my fellow Brits. The comparisons with Brexit were identical after all, I just refused to believe it. Any of it....

My boycott of politics only lasted 10 days or so though, despite my best intentions to give it up for good :)

Trump is the Mornash who will transform White House as his trading floor or real esttate market. Spoiled Crown Price, Princess and son in law of emperor will promote their business empire interest with Daddy powerful political influence. Son in law Jared Lusher will become dominant strategic advisor like Karl Rove.

Texan native Oil made Bush rich and Bush loves Middlle East oil too. Irag war was indeed part of Bush family busines expansion. Many contractors and sub contractors of Irag war prospered thanks to Bush WMD theory. Bush lied. Millions died! Trump lied before he even inaugurated. He may be better than Bush Jnr,

No wonder God fearing GOP elders used to be preaching family value for sharing their political duties with offsprings. GOP elites Gringh,and Trump are adulterous preachers with multiple wives. Trump may be sent by God for making America corrupt again!

Sound technicians in media and all fields need to use numbers. No doubt you know that 1,300,000 more people voted for Clinton than Trump, so rightists (and sound techies) should no longer say 'the people' without a qualifier. Perhaps you can use 'most white people voted for him' instead, or maybe just the Electoral College will most likely 'elevate' him.

I fail to see your point, is that a bad thing?

I'm sure you'll agree that facts and truth are going to be even more important going forward. Now's a good time to start!

I think liberals can learn from it.

And don't you still think he should release his tax info so the people (meaning everyone in the US, even the world) know which international 'financiers' he owes hundreds of millions to?

It was already put out for the people to see.

Madverts, it is fascinating, in a pathological way. A difference between Brexit and Trump is that the former is a policy that must (unless sensible people can find work-arounds) be carried out, while the latter is a temporary phenomenon whose damage might likely be containable. The kids, though - jeeze, have you ever read Charles Addams?

Actually old friend, the EU referendum was not legally binding believe it or not hence the hoo-har in the British courts recently. It may never actually happen, there is massive resistance in the UK - but essentially the same racist old baby-boomers came out in force to give the shock victory. Like with Trump, we'll have to hold our breath and see what happens.

The post-truth era really is upon us. Tony Blair of all people is hinting at a come-back. Jon Stewart warned us all of this on his last show. Not sure if you're a fan but watch it again for nostalgia.....

http://www.cc.com/video-clips/ss6u07/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-uncensored---three-different-kinds-of-bulls--t

Madverts - we may both wake up in a few years to find this madness behind us! In the meantime: Fight.

He just settled a lawsuit for defrauding ordinary Americans out of millions, and he is still keeping his taxes (financial positions) a secret. There should be more protections than just his own discretion.

Oh, man, this incoming government is going to be sooooooo much better than the current mess we have.

And, man am I glad that not only we don't have to worry about having Hillary in the White House, the vice president is going to be Pence and not that awful Tim Kaine...

conflict of interest

SerranoNOV. 21, 2016 - 10:38PM JST Oh, man, this incoming government is going to be sooooooo much better than the current mess we have.

Really? Didn't you say that about W Bush too and everything he did?

From trickle down (cough) taxes to that shining success story in Iraq?

The issue here is a matter of scope.

All US Presidents have some business interests some way or another. However, Trump is the first US President invested, in his own admission, hundreds of businesses entities that the IRS takes years to audit his taxes. That's a way larger scope of possible conflict of interests.

How can anybody be sure what he's doing is not for the benefit of one of his businesses, when it's so hard to know what are his businesses

(That's like being in China)

From trickle down (cough) taxes to that shining success story in Iraq?

And hell did Obama's text policies help the country, apparently not good at all.