Donald Trump is set to transform the U.S. government into a subsidiary of the Trump Organization. No president in American history has had more power and shown more of a willingness to enrich himself and his family at the expense of the American people. By refusing to sell his stake in his private businesses, Trump's personal financial interests will directly conflict with his constitutional role and responsibilities in the Oval Office — from foreign policy to financial regulation and workers’ rights — enabling the Trump family to make millions while endangering the country.
Last year, Trump made nearly $557 million from at least 111 businesses operating in 18 countries. With nearly half of that income coming from 96 shadowy shell companies, there are countless ways for Trump and his family to secretly profit from foreign and domestic interests seeking his favor.
WHAT TRUMP MUST DO NOW
1. SELL HIS STAKE: The only way Trump can eliminate the urge to use the presidency to enrich himself and his family is by completely selling off his family’s stake in his businesses. The Trump family — including his children — must cut any and all ties with their companies. Anything less than a complete sell-off will allow President Trump to know which government decisions will benefit his bottom line and rake in his companies’ profits.
2. SHOW US THE MONEY: We need to have a full and complete picture of Donald Trump and his family’s income and investments to know all the ways they could make money off the presidency. Just a few weeks ago, for example, the bank holding much of Trump’s debt announced it might sell leverage over Trump to the highest bidder. That’s why Trump must immediately release his tax returns and give the American people a clear understanding of his and his family’s financial standing, debts, and all potential conflicts of interest. Donald Trump and his family are on course to do something unprecedented in American history: Abuse the power of the Oval Office to personally benefit themselves. This isn’t just unethical behavior — it’s unconstitutional. Until Trump sells his stake in every business he owns or profits from, he will lead an administration that is endangering American sovereignty, neglecting its responsibilities to the American people, and clearly violating the Constitution.