General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"I'm the President....I can have no conflicts of interest"...
What the hell is he talking about? Is that like Nixon saying, "it's not illegal if the President does it?"
How do they let him get away with such ridiculous comments?
Of course, he can have conflicts of interest... just like every other President before him could have conflicts of interest.
ElementaryPenguin
(7,800 posts)That's Drumpf. Even more insecure. More thin-skinned. Longer enemies list.
Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)Initech
(100,076 posts)I think Nixon, for all his flaws, in the end knew what he was doing was wrong and he misled the American people. Donald Trump, on the other hand, not only knows what he is doing is wrong, he just doesn't give a fuck about it. And continues to do it, even after being told he's wrong, repeatedly.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)He IS the state, therefore any action in his own interest is in the interest of the state.
I just read an essay on Hitler's political tactics. Trump is copying them almost verbatim.
immoderate
(20,885 posts)Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Trump is not capable of understanding what he stepped into. He just makes shit up as he goes along.
unblock
(52,233 posts)i'm not an expert, but i'm willing to believe that this is a correct interpretation of the relevant laws (or lack thereof).
of course, donnie shortcuts the explanation to make it seem as if the conflict of interest doesn't exist; when, in fact, it does exist, it's just not illegal. ought to be, but isn't.
KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)Solly Mack
(90,767 posts)from conflicts of interest laws.
Since the office of President is so powerful, any decision by a President runs the risk of a conflict of interest for the office holder.
The potential for one, anyway.
The exemption was given based on the thinking that the President would do the right thing and divest, if necessary, and would avoid decisions that would favor the office holder personally/financially.
The exemption only works if you can trust the person in office to be honorable and honest.
Trump is neither.
Under the much touted "rule of law" no one is supposed to be above the law, but the exemption all but gives a president the legal right to utilize the office as a cash cow. Nothing prevents it legally. They leave it up to the office holders to police themselves. Congress might could impeach for it, but that's unlikely in a political environment where ones own party would choose to overlook the crimes and abuses of a president. And from everything said already, the GOP would overlook it.
To counter a president from using the office for personal gain financially, you'd have to have a decent , honest person in office, as well as a Congress that actually did its job.
ETA: The emoluments clause does apply to him. But that still depends on how willing Congress is to go after him for any abuse.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)that until January 20th at noon eastern time, he is nobody.
malthaussen
(17,195 posts)Except I doubt Mr Trump has any acquaintance with French.
-- Mal
Dark n Stormy Knight
(9,760 posts)I know, in days, but not yet!
Jacob Boehme
(789 posts)You're giving us cretins a bad name associating us with that fucktard Trump.
Dark n Stormy Knight
(9,760 posts)Definition of cretin
1 often offensive : one afflicted with cretinism
2 a stupid, vulgar, or insensitive person : clod, lout