As concerns over potential financial conflicts of interest reignite, an ethics watchdog group is urging Congress to implement sweeping reforms aimed at curbing any potential ethical breaches should former President Donald Trump return to office. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) published a report Wednesday warning that without decisive action, Trump’s businesses could pose significant national security risks.
Trump’s Business Interests Under Scrutiny Again
CREW’s report outlines Trump‘s unwillingness to fully divest from his sprawling business empire, even as he shed his controversial Washington, D.C., hotel. The report emphasizes that Trump’s stake in various ventures still poses a threat. “Given the past challenges enforcing the emoluments clauses, and the intensifying national security threats posed by Trump’s new financial conflicts, Congress should pass legislation to make it simpler to enforce these clauses,” the report stated.
The emoluments clause, embedded in the Constitution, prohibits federal officeholders from receiving gifts from foreign powers. According to CREW, Trump’s refusal to completely cut ties with his businesses sets the stage for a repeat of the ethics scandals that marred his first term.
Congress to Address Trump Financial Conflicts : Proposed Legislation to Safeguard National Security
The watchdog’s proposed legislation calls for mandatory divestiture from all assets that could breach the emoluments clause unless Congress explicitly consents. It also seeks to empower the Office of Special Counsel to investigate potential violations and would allow federal and state courts to act on emoluments issues involving sitting presidents.
