Supporters of Donald Trump often position themselves as staunch defenders against corruption, loudly criticizing any perceived conflicts of interest among Democrats. They claim to be “watchdogs” or champions of “draining the swamp”—seeking to root out misconduct, abuse of power, extortion, and profiteering in government. However, their selective outrage is perplexing, given the extensive conflicts of interest that have gone unchecked during Trump’s presidency.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict of interest arises when individuals in positions of power have personal or financial interests that could improperly influence their official duties, undermining public trust. These conflicts become dangerous when left unresolved, leading to potential corruption, favoritism, and abuse of power.
Notable Conflicts of Interest in the Trump Administration
Business Holdings
Unlike previous presidents who have divested from their businesses or placed them in blind trusts, Trump retained full ownership of his business empire while in office. This decision allowed him to make policy decisions that directly benefited his financial interests. A glaring example is the Secret Service being required to stay at Trump properties while on official government business, funneling taxpayer dollars into his hotels and resorts.
Foreign Emoluments
Trump’s businesses also accepted payments from foreign governments, leading to multiple lawsuits alleging violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This clause exists to ensure that U.S. officials remain free from foreign influence when making decisions. By continuing to own and profit from hotels and golf courses patronized by foreign governments, Trump potentially allowed these financial transactions to influence his official actions.
Cabinet Appointments and Regulatory Capture
Many of Trump’s cabinet members had deep financial ties to the very industries they were supposed to regulate. This raised serious concerns about their ability to enforce laws and implement regulations without bias. After all, why would a cabinet official push for regulations that could reduce profits for the executives they align with or even personally benefit from?
Corruption Enabled by Conflicts of Interest
When conflicts of interest are ignored, they easily escalate into corrupt practices, such as:
- Nepotism: Trump heavily favored family members in official appointments, granting them unprecedented power and influence despite lacking qualifications.
- Favoritism: He openly targeted those who opposed him while rewarding allies who praised him, operating on a “quid pro quo” basis.
- Bribery and Extortion: Trump was caught on record threatening to withhold federal funding from states unless they complied with his demands—an undeniable form of political extortion.
The Dangers of Ignoring Conflicts of Interest
Allowing conflicts of interest to persist within leadership is a grave mistake. When officials use their power to steer government resources, contracts, or policies for personal benefit, taxpayers ultimately foot the bill. This unchecked behavior erodes integrity in governance and emboldens institutions to disregard ethics rules.
For example, politicians who receive millions in campaign donations from tech companies or oil tycoons often craft policies favoring those industries over the public good. The infamous “Drill, Baby, Drill” mantra, which prioritizes oil industry profits over environmental sustainability, exemplifies this.
Additionally, government officials who later transition into corporate roles within industries they once regulated can leverage insider knowledge to help corporations evade accountability. This practice, known as the “revolving door,” enables corporate elites to manipulate government regulations in their favor. Figures like Elon Musk have also demonstrated how business leaders can influence government policy to maximize their own wealth, securing government contracts and favorable tax policies that bolster their empires.
The Need for Oversight
Conflicts of interest lay the groundwork for corruption, and without strict oversight, they blur the line between governance and personal enrichment. Officials who direct public funds toward businesses owned by friends and allies without fair competition engage in outright corruption.
If we truly seek to “drain the swamp,” we must demand accountability for conflicts of interest across all political affiliations—not just when it serves partisan interests. Failing to do so endangers the principles of fairness, transparency, and democracy itself.