# 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:** 3
**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, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/41 "2016-11-21T16:54:54Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. The obvious reason why he wouldn’t do (isn’t doing) that is that if he set up a blind trust it would be harder for him unduly influence legislation to maximize his earnings. As evidence that he isn’t doing it, his proposal is to hand over his business to his kids. Now one might argue that that is ok, as long as he estranges himself from his children and refuses to communicate with them for four to eight years (father of the year this one). However he also wants his children to have security clearances so that they can advise him on policy maters. So he is making absolutely sure that the people in charge of his “blind” trust are exactly those who have influence over policy. This entirely destroys the purpose of a blind trust. Clothahump, even you must have the intellectual capacity to see that. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/42 "2016-11-21T16:59:22Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > 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. Not to worry. When Trump does not do that, Old \*\*humpy \*\*will assure us that it’s all Obama’s fault anyway. ---
**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, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/43 "2016-11-21T18:46:12Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. You really are a sucker, I’ll give you that. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/44 "2016-11-21T19:26:03Z")
**Will Trump Keep His Business Interests Separate from the Presidency?** Is the Pope Catholic? Oh wait, that actually is in question these days. So… do bears shit in the woods? (They still do that, don’t they?) ---
**Author:** ![TheSeaOtter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed655f/32.png) [@TheSeaOtter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSeaOtter)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/45 "2016-11-21T19:38:55Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > **Will Trump Keep His Business Interests Separate from the Presidency?** > > Is the Pope Catholic? Oh wait, that actually is in question these days. So… do bears shit in the woods? (They still do that, don’t they?) Yeah, they do. I’m sorry, are you saying you think Trump obviously _will_ keep his private business interests separate from his work as President? If so, I’d appreciate hearing your reasoning - you’re generally a pretty smart guy, but I’ve seen no evidence whatsoever that he even intends to _pretend_ to do 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, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/46 "2016-11-21T19:44:37Z")
He will also never, ever release his tax returns. I’d take bets on that one. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/47 "2016-11-21T20:40:25Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Sigh. Blind trust, people, [blind trust](http://congressionalresearch.com/RS21656/document.php). I see no reason why he wouldn’t do that. Uh, I can think of several really, really obvious reasons. 1. It would be practically impossible to set up a true blind trust. A real blind trust involves complete liquidation or transfer of all assets into, you know a BLIND TRUST. Trump can’t do that with his brand. He’d have to sell everything to someone other than his children. 2. Because he can make more money if he doesn’t. 3. Because there’s no rule saying he has to. Barack Obama didn’t, although he didn’t have any business interest that would have posed a conflict of interest, so no one cared. Duh. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/48 "2016-11-21T21:02:45Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > No, he’ll funnel billions of dollars into his pockets. Just like Hillary. I bet she’s giving him pointers right now. > [@](#): > > I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up the richest man in the world, he’ll steal so much. Let’s hope so. Think of all the jobs he’ll create. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/49 "2016-11-21T21:05:45Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > 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. Let’s hope he does. You know how many racist, sexist, misogynist, white supremacist women would line up to suck his dick. He wouldn’t have a dry wiener for 4 years. ---
**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, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/50 "2016-11-21T21:12:42Z")
The Argentinian press has reported that Trump discussed approval of an office building during the congratulatory phone call he received. Expect to see an explosion of international Trump hotels, approved and funded by their host countries. That’s the most obvious path to exploiting his power of the presidency for his personal business interests. ---
**Author:** ![Pashnish\_Ewing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8797f3/32.png) [@Pashnish\_Ewing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pashnish_Ewing)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/51 "2016-11-21T21:33:44Z")
I was anti-Trump all the way, but I have a lot of concerns bigger than Trump using the presidency to make himself richer. I mean, seriously, have any of us ever cared which hotel traveling diplomats stay at? Just like with the Clinton Foundation donations, until someone can show me some evidence of these dealings directly harming the country, I’ll be keeping my powder dry. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/52 "2016-11-21T21:39:45Z")
> [@Pashnish\_Ewing](#): > > I was anti-Trump all the way, but I have a lot of concerns bigger than Trump using the presidency to make himself richer. > > I mean, seriously, have any of us ever cared which hotel traveling diplomats stay at? > > Just like with the Clinton Foundation donations, until someone can show me some evidence of these dealings directly harming the country, I’ll be keeping my powder dry. Trump will make himself richer by selling out US interests. Russia wants Poland back? No problem, as long as they don’t call in his loans. Trade war with China cancelled, due to financial considerations of Trump International. Trump Enterprises hurt by cheap Mexican labor, close the boarder. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/53 "2016-11-21T21:51:00Z")
> [@Pashnish\_Ewing](#): > > I was anti-Trump all the way, but I have a lot of concerns bigger than Trump using the presidency to make himself richer. > > I mean, seriously, have any of us ever cared which hotel traveling diplomats stay at? > > Just like with the Clinton Foundation donations, until someone can show me some evidence of these dealings directly harming the country, I’ll be keeping my powder dry. Having visiting diplomats staying at a Trump hotel is sleazy, but not directly injurious to U.S. interests. (Whether it’s in the interest of the diplomat’s country is another matter.) How about when two construction companies are bidding for a government contract and one of the companies is owned by Trump? How about when they’re picking the site for the next G8 summit and it’s someplace that needs lots of expensive traffic and infrastructure improvements and there’s a Trump hotel there? How about when a Chinese ship sails into Taiwanese waters and a Chinese bank threatens to call in a Trump loan while he’s in a poor cash position? I can’t answer those questions. The point is they shouldn’t have to be asked! He should put all his business interests in a truly blind trust, or he should never have run in the first place. We should never have to wonder if the president is looking out for us, or for himself. ---
**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, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/54 "2016-11-21T22:01:12Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > We should never have to wonder if the president is looking out for us, or for himself. Why waste time wondering? ---
**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, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/55 "2016-11-21T22:02:37Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Just like Hillary. I bet she’s giving him pointers right now. All of her(and Bill) tax returns are publicly available. Point to the ones that show billions in income. Or any unattributed income. ---
**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, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/56 "2016-11-21T22:49:58Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Let’s hope he does. You know how many racist, sexist, misogynist, white supremacist women would line up to suck his dick. He wouldn’t have a dry wiener for 4 years. Are you congenitally stupid, or do you work at it? Your parents must have been total nitwits to raise such a willfully ignorant, tiny-minded fuckwad. Hopefully, they didn’t live long enough to see what they created. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/57 "2016-11-21T22:54:50Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Are you congenitally stupid, or do you work at it? Your parents must have been total nitwits to raise such a willfully ignorant, tiny-minded fuckwad. Hopefully, they didn’t live long enough to see what they created. He’s just being a fucking troll again. Period. ---
**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, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/58 "2016-11-21T23:34:31Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Are you congenitally stupid, or do you work at it? He’s trying to get a rise out of someone. I doubt he cares who. ---
**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 22, 2016, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/59 "2016-11-22T00:34:05Z")
> [@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? The best lawyers want nothing to do with him, and even the lawyers that \*will \*meet with him trust him so little that they meet with him in pairs so they can verify each other’s accounts of the meeting. And being the Republican President with a Republican government he is above the law, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2016, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600/60 "2016-11-22T00:37:39Z")
> [@Pashnish\_Ewing](#): > > I was anti-Trump all the way, but I have a lot of concerns bigger than Trump using the presidency to make himself richer. > > I mean, seriously, have any of us ever cared which hotel traveling diplomats stay at? > > Just like with the Clinton Foundation donations, until someone can show me some evidence of these dealings directly harming the country, I’ll be keeping my powder dry. I have bigger concerns too, which is exactly why I’m HOPING the press, the public, the entire Democratic party, and sensible Republicans don’t let up on this. At the moment, the _best_-case scenario that I can see for a Trump presidency is that he gets impeached relatively quickly for something that is legitimately sleazy but not harmful, and we end up with a functional president who at least pretends to respect civil discourse and democratic norms, albeit one with whom I disagree passionately. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-keep-his-business-interests-separate-from-the-presidency/772600.md?page=4)