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A NOTE FROM FRED
The unfolding scandal involving National Security Adviser Michael Flynn is just the first of many scandals we can expect from the Trump presidency. For example, Trump has appointed billionaire Carl Icahn and millionaire Rudy Guiliani to serve as "special advisers" to him on regulations and cybersecurity, respectively. Icahn, a Wall Street trader strongly opposed to government regulation, will now know before the public does what moves his friend President Trump may make on eliminating various regulations. And Guiliani, CEO of an international security consulting firm, will now know before the public does what moves the president plans to make on cybersecurity issues. These are inherent conflicts of interest that Trump has created without the slightest bit of concern and that create opportunities for improper, substantial financial benefits for his friends and supporters. Read more of my Huffington Post op-ed here.
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Trump to hold a campaign rally this weekend four weeks into presidency, says the New York Times. When asked about the planned Florida rally, Sean Spicer said, “It’s being run by the campaign,” and would not say why Trump is holding a rally so soon after taking office. Trump filed FEC paperwork for his 2020 re-election campaign the day he took office. This allows him to continue accepting contributions. Read more
Trump picks New York billionaire to lead a review of U.S. intelligence agencies, says the New York Times. Stephen Feinberg is a close associate to Bannon and Kushner and his only experience with national security issues is his firm's stake in a security company and two gun manufacturers. Feinberg is also a Republican big donor and in 2016, gave nearly $1.5 million to a pro-Trump super PAC, says NBC News.
Senators and representatives introduce a disclosure bill aimed at addressing Trump's Emoluments Clause problems relating to trade activities. The bill would "direct the president to disclose foreign income, assets, and liabilities when initiating or continuing trade or investment negotiations with a foreign country." Democracy 21 joined 17 other reform groups and individuals in sending a letter today urging senators and representatives to support the bill.
Trump eliminates disclosure regulation. On Tuesday, Trump signed a measure eliminating a SEC regulation that would have required oil and gas companies to disclose the payments they make to foreign governments. The regulation was trying to "boost transparency in resource-rich countries," and, according to the Obama administration, was trying to "protect ordinary Americans and the environment from corporate excesses," says the Washington Post. Read more
OGE Director says there is "strong reason to believe" Kellyanne Conway violated ethics rules. Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub said in a letter to a White House Counsel that Conway's promotion of Ivanka Trump's clothing line appears to be a clear violation of federal ethics rules that bar federal employees from using public office to endorse a product, says the Washington Post. "There is strong reason to believe that Ms. Conway has violated the Standards of Conduct and that disciplinary action is warranted,” Shaub wrote. Read more
"Trump then: 'I would have no problem' banning lobbyists. Trump now: You're hired!" says a ProPublica article. "During his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly welcomed the idea of banning lobbyists from his administration. Fast forward eight months, and now-President Trump is welcoming them in." The Trump administration is filling many roles with longtime lobbyists and big donors. Recently, a key position at the Labor Department was filled by a construction industry lobbyist and a senior role at the FDA was filled by a pharmaceutical lobbyist. Read more
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FACT OF THE DAY
Open Secrets reports that pro-Israel interests upped their lobbying and political contributions in 2016 to $17 million, up from $12 million in 2014. Read more
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NM: The state House voted to rescind the state's decades-old applications for a constitutional convention. Democrats said a constitutional convention could be used to roll back First Amendment rights. Read more.
NM: The state Senate on Wednesday passed new campaign finance measures that would increase disclosure requirements on "dark-money" groups. The bill would also raise contribution limits. Read more
KY: The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday to double the amount donors can contribute to a campaign. Read more
By: Fred Wertheimer (@FredWertheimer) & Kathryn Beard (@KathrynBeard)
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