# Will Trump Keep His Business Interests Separate from the Presidency? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 20, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600 "2016-11-20T22:35:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/21 "2016-11-21T03:47:06Z")
How does one make a “blind trust” of a man whose principal holdings are real estate and for whom liquidating those might not be an an option (partners, liens etc)? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/22 "2016-11-21T03:49:38Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > How does one make a “blind trust” of a man whose principal holdings are real estate and for whom liquidating those might not be an an option (partners, liens etc)? Don’t forget his kids would be running the “blind” trust. And possibly working in his administration. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/23 "2016-11-21T04:08:28Z")
Getting elected president _was_ a business interest. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/24 "2016-11-21T04:14:31Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > How does one make a “blind trust” of a man whose principal holdings are real estate and for whom liquidating those might not be an an option (partners, liens etc)? Not our problem. He’s the smartest guy in the world; he should be able to figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/25 "2016-11-21T04:29:02Z")
I suspect that this will serve as the easiest path to impeachment, as his business interests are going to result in favorable financial benefits from foreign governments (come to the Capitol to meet the Prez? Better stay at the new Trump hotel. Want favorable treatment? Better approve, or underwrite, his private ventures in your country). And that arguably violates the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. “Presents”, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/26 "2016-11-21T04:36:10Z")
Nah, his trust will be as blind as a bat. . . . . Or rather as blind as batman wearing ultra violet, night vision goggles with radar enhancement. ---
**Author:** ![eulalia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eulalia/32/457_2.png) [@eulalia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eulalia)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/27 "2016-11-21T04:58:48Z")
I’m more interested to see what effect his loans from Chinese and Russian banks will have on his foreign policy. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/28 "2016-11-21T05:22:56Z")
Since he’s not required to create a blind trust, and since conflict of interest laws do not apply to the POTUS, the answer to the OP is a resounding “NO”. People may care about it, but are powerless to stop it unless it can be shown that he is doing something illegal in lining his own pockets. That said, perception is a powerful thing and could be what ultimately is his undoing. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/29 "2016-11-21T05:26:33Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Since he’s not required to create a blind trust, and since conflict of interest laws do not apply to the POTUS, the answer to the OP is a resounding “NO”. People may care about it, but are powerless to stop it unless it can be shown that **he is doing something illegal in lining his own pockets.** That said, perception is a powerful thing and could be what ultimately is his undoing. I have great confidence in President Trump. That he will do exactly that. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/30 "2016-11-21T10:55:41Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > That said, perception is a powerful thing and could be what ultimately is his undoing. Judging from people’s reactions to his antics so far he could publicly announce he was diverting tens of billions of federal dollars into his own bank accounts with no more excuse than “Because I can”, and he’d be applauded for his cleverness. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/31 "2016-11-21T12:10:20Z")
Let’s step back for a second. Trump is a multi billionaire. Don’t you think he already has not already been advised by the best lawyers as to how to remain within the four corners of the law and to make sure every i is dotted and every t crossed? I seriously doubt any action he or his kids take will be outside the letter of the law. The only remaining issue would be moral disapproval and as the campaign illustrated the President-elect cares deeply about that, just behind his famous regard for marital fidelity and personal space. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/32 "2016-11-21T13:29:04Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Let’s step back for a second. Trump is a multi billionaire. Don’t you think he already has not already been advised by the best lawyers as to how to remain within the four corners of the law and to make sure every i is dotted and every t crossed? Have you not been paying attention? Trump doesn’t actually “hire the best people” because 1) they cost too much money and 2) they don’t want to work with him. And he’s too arrogant to care about the “four corners of the law”. So we end up with the issues with the Trump Foundation and Trump University etc etc. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAlecCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/67e7ee/32.png) [@SmartAlecCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAlecCat)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/33 "2016-11-21T14:40:14Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Let’s step back for a second. Trump is a multi billionaire. Don’t you think he already has not already been advised by the best lawyers as to how to remain within the four corners of the law and to make sure every i is dotted and every t crossed? I seriously doubt any action he or his kids take will be outside the letter of the law. Remind me, who appoints the judges that will be ruling on the lawfulness of those actions? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/34 "2016-11-21T15:19:00Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Let’s step back for a second. Trump is a multi billionaire. Don’t you think he already has not already been advised by the best lawyers as to how to remain within the four corners of the law and to make sure every i is dotted and every t crossed? I seriously doubt any action he or his kids take will be outside the letter of the law. > > The only remaining issue would be moral disapproval and as the campaign illustrated the President-elect cares deeply about that, just behind his famous regard for marital fidelity and personal space. > [@Gyrate](#): > > Have you not been paying attention? Trump doesn’t actually “hire the best people” because 1) they cost too much money and 2) they don’t want to work with him. And he’s too arrogant to care about the “four corners of the law”. So we end up with the issues with the Trump Foundation and Trump University etc etc. Also, he doesn’t take advice from anyone. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/35 "2016-11-21T15:35:30Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Have you not been paying attention? Trump doesn’t actually “hire the best people” because 1) they cost too much money and 2) they don’t want to work with him. And he’s too arrogant to care about the “four corners of the law”. So we end up with the issues with the Trump Foundation and Trump University etc etc. Yes I have. And do you not realise that large organizations (such as Trumps) when engaging outside lawyers are typically _not_ asking for advice on what’s legal and what’s not. They already know that. What they are asking for and what these large law firms get paid for is _we want to do “xyz”. Please tell how to do it._. Getting the Trump kids into White House roles (whether formal or informal) while avoiding legal issues is the equivalent of an afternoons work for them. Also, by avoid “legal issues” can mean different things at different times. Sometimes it means avoiding any investigation whatsoever. Other times it can mean making sure the inevitable investigation or litigation does not lead to outcomes the organization would perceive as adverse. Or judgement is favorable. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/36 "2016-11-21T15:47:16Z")
Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/37 "2016-11-21T15:50:04Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. Because he’s a greedy asshole. From your link you didn’t read. > [@](#): > > In establishing a qualified blind trust upon the approval of the > appropriate supervisory ethics entity, the official transfers, without restriction, control > and management of private assets **to an independent trustee who may not communicate > information about the identity of the holdings in the trust to the official.** ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/38 "2016-11-21T15:52:17Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. Well, apart from the fact that he’s been asked about it repeatedly and said that he wouldn’t do that. And blatantly isn’t doing that. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/39 "2016-11-21T16:44:21Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. If it happens, I will apologize to you in public for every mean thing I’ve said. He has no compelling reason to create a blind trust, only a tradition of doing so by former presidents. And it would hinder him from conducting business to enrich himself. Ain’t going to happen, nohow, no way. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/40 "2016-11-21T16:47:04Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > [http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/20/politics/trump-business-conflicts-reince-priebus/](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/20/politics/trump-business-conflicts-reince-priebus/) > > Surely everyone believes him? Hell no. I believe it will be one conflict after another. I expect the conman in chief will use his office and whatever connections he has, to further line his pockets. And, true to his real life “art of the deal” methods, he will fuck over as many people as he possibly can. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600.md?page=3)