Trump Accused of Using Presidency as 'Personal ATM' in 3,700 Conflict Cases
Critics say Donald Trump used his presidency to make money for himself through 3,700 conflicts of interest. These include having the Secret Service stay at his hotels and businesses paying his resorts while seeking White House access.
Ethics watchdogs documented 3,700 instances where Trump's business interests conflicted with his presidential duties. The conflicts ranged from Secret Service agents staying at Trump properties to companies paying his resorts while lobbying the White House.
One example involved the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which paid over $700,000 for an event at Trump's Doral resort. The group increased its White House lobbying spending around the same time. Shortly after their event, Trump made policy announcements that could benefit the industry.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) tracked these conflicts throughout Trump's presidency. They argue this level of self-enrichment while in office breaks from past presidential norms.
The Secret Service was required to pay for rooms and security at Trump properties when the president visited his own hotels and golf clubs. Critics say this meant taxpayer money went directly into Trump's businesses.
Other cases involved foreign officials staying at Trump hotels while seeking meetings with the administration. Ethics experts say this created a system where paying Trump's businesses could buy access to government officials.
When presidents profit from their office, it can affect policy decisions that impact your taxes, laws, and government services. It also sets a precedent for how future leaders might use their power.
Legal experts say these practices could face scrutiny as Trump prepares for a potential return to office.
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