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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Phone: (202) 588-1000

New Senate Legislation to Combat Trump's Conflicts of Interest in His Administration

Statement of Public Citizen Experts on U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Conflicts of Interest Legislation

WASHINGTON

Note: Today, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) announced legislation requiring the President of the United to sell all assets which would create a financial conflict of interest. In the case of President-elect Trump, such a move is critical to resolve his massive financial conflicts of interests, which span the globe. Trump originally scheduled a press conference for Thursday to explain how he'd separate the office of the Presidency from his businesses, but postponed the announcement, purportedly until January, closer to his inauguration.

Below are statements from Public Citizen's experts:

President-elect Trump is on course to enter office with financial conflicts of interest that are pervasive, inescapable and consequential. These conflicts will corrupt the development of national policy on issues from consumer protection to tax reform, and corrupt the conduct of foreign policy. A second grader could see that the only solution to this problem is for President-elect Trump to sell off the family business, yet there is no sign he intends to do this. That is why it is essential that the Congress take up and pass the vitally important corrective legislation announced today by Senator Warren and colleagues.

-Robert Weissman, President, Public Citizen

If the U.S. Senate is looking for legislation to debate and pass swiftly, this Warren bill should be at the very front of the line. This is simple, Donald Trump must remove himself from ownership of his businesses via divestment. Only then can he truly avoid conflicts and bias towards his long time financial interests.

-Lisa Gilbert, Director, Public Citizen's Congress Watch Division

Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.

(202) 588-1000