Unlike past presidents, who placed their assets into a blind trust, Trump retained ownership of the Trump Organization and its global business interests during his presidency. He instead placed the businesses under the control of his sons, a move that ethics experts and watchdog groups said was inadequate to prevent conflicts of interest. This arrangement created numerous ethical concerns:
Foreign emoluments: Watchdog groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and American Oversight identified millions of dollars in payments from foreign governments, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, to Trump properties. This was seen by some as a violation of the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts or payments from foreign states without congressional approval.
conflicts of interest, coupled with the Trump administration's erosion of oversight mechanisms, created significant ethical issues.
Suppression of investigations: A Trump-appointed inspector general at the Department of Homeland Security quashed multiple investigations into the Secret Service's spending at Trump properties.
Disregard for precedent: By refusing to divest from his businesses, Trump broke with decades of ethical practice followed by previous presidents.
Domestic benefits: Official presidential actions and events were often used to promote and drive business to Trump properties, creating an unlimited marketing platform for his companies.
Foreign trademarks: Trump and his family obtained numerous foreign trademarks for their businesses during the administration, including multiple trademarks from the Chinese government.
Undisclosed business dealings: A January 2024 congressional report from American Oversight revealed that Trump's businesses had received at least $7.8 million in payments from foreign governments during his presidency, a figure that is likely an undercount.
Foreign gifts and the emoluments clause
The Constitution's Emoluments Clause generally forbids a federal official from accepting a gift or title from a foreign state without the consent of Congress. An August 2025 report revealed that the Trump administration failed to report at least 117 foreign gifts during the first term, including lavish items from Saudi Arabia, India, and other countries. Recent scrutiny has also surrounded the potential acceptance of a $400 million Boeing jet from Qatar.
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