Republican candidate Donald Trump’s potential return as US president is raising concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly his Middle East Empire, which analysts suggest may pressure him to distance himself from such ventures.
This issue comes to the forefront as the possibility of Trump’s presidency looms once again, prompting a closer examination of his past business practices and their implications for his potential future leadership.
The CREW Report
Crew, also known as Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, is a non-profit watchdog organization based in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 2003 with a mission to promote ethics and accountability in government and public life. The crew is known for its efforts to uncover and publicize unethical behaviour, conflicts of interest, and other forms of misconduct among government officials, regardless of political affiliation. Crew analyzed Donald Trump’s tax returns to shed light on his business dealings, particularly in the Middle East, during his presidency. The organization’s analysis revealed that Trump made at least $9.6 million from countries in the Middle East during his time in office, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause.
Business During Presidency
Throughout his tenure from 2017 to 2021, Donald Trump’s business affairs were ostensibly managed through a trust overseen by his sons, Don Jr. and Eric Trump. This arrangement was purportedly designed to mitigate concerns about conflicts of interest arising from Trump’s vast business empire while serving as president. The trust was meant to provide a degree of separation between Trump’s official duties and his financial interests, to maintain transparency and integrity in governance.
However, despite pledges to refrain from entering into new foreign deals during his presidency, revelations from an analysis of Trump’s tax returns painted a different picture. The examination uncovered earnings of at least $9.6 million from Middle Eastern countries throughout his presidency. These financial transactions raised eyebrows and prompted scrutiny from watchdog organizations and political opponents, as they appeared to contradict Trump’s promises to avoid new foreign entanglements while in office.
Conflict of Interest Issues
Trump’s decision not to divest from his businesses and his continued involvement in the Trump Organization raised concerns about conflicts of interest, as he blurred lines between the government and his businesses, contrary to the 50-year tradition of presidents creating a separation between their business interests and presidential duties.
This lack of separation fueled speculation about whether policy decisions were driven by national interests or personal financial gain, casting a shadow over the integrity of the executive branch.
Foreign Emoluments Clause
Trump’s involvement in his business interests while president potentially violated the Foreign Emoluments Clause, which bars presidents from benefiting from foreign governments or affiliated entities without congressional consent. This constitutional provision aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that public officials prioritize the nation’s interests over personal enrichment.
Trump’s handling of his business dealings within the context of this legal framework raised constitutional concerns and triggered debates about the limits of executive authority.
Policy Impact
Trump’s overseas investments posed more of a political problem, with opponents accusing him of favouritism towards countries like Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia due to his business connections. However, his policy decisions didn’t always align with perceived business interests, showing a separation between personal and official actions. This discrepancy highlights the complex interplay between personal financial motivations and geopolitical strategies, underscoring the challenges of navigating the intersection of business and governance.
Gulf Ties
Trump’s relations with Gulf economies, particularly Saudi Arabia, were seen as positive during his presidency, marked by actions such as pulling the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement and a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. These moves signalled a willingness to align US foreign policy with Gulf interests, potentially influenced by Trump’s business ties in the region. Despite criticism from some quarters, these policies reflected a strategic approach to regional alliances and security dynamics.
Potential Influence
If re-elected, Trump’s past term could indicate a shift towards warmer Gulf relations, irrespective of his personal investments. His policies aligned with Gulf interests, particularly regarding Iran, leading to closer ties between the US and Gulf states. However, the extent to which Trump’s business interests will shape future policy decisions remains uncertain, as competing factors such as national security considerations and diplomatic priorities come into play. Ultimately, the balance between personal interests and national objectives will continue to be a subject of scrutiny in the political arena.
Despite concerns over conflicts of interest, Trump’s global business interests are unlikely to significantly sway American voters. While his business dealings may be a talking point, other factors will likely play a more significant role in the election. The electorate’s focus is likely to be on broader issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, and national security, rather than the intricacies of individual candidates’ financial entanglements. As the election approaches, voters will evaluate candidates based on their policies, track records, and vision for the future, rather than their personal business interests.
