Ex-Ethics Czar Slams Trump’s ‘World Series of Corruption’

Ethics Watchdog Alleges ‘World Series of Corruption’ Amid Kushner’s Mideast Dealings

A former top ethics official under President Obama has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s approach to potential conflicts of interest, labeling the situation a ‘World Series of corruption’. Walter Shaub, former Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and co-founder of the Democracy Defenders Fund, argues that Jared Kushner’s extensive business dealings in the Middle East, particularly his solicitation of billions of dollars from regional governments while acting as a U.S. envoy, raise serious legal and ethical questions. The Democracy Defenders Fund has filed a complaint with the Inspector General highlighting these concerns.

Kushner’s Mideast Business: A Web of Potential Conflicts

The core of the criticism centers on Jared Kushner’s financial activities following his tenure in the White House, specifically his firm’s acquisition of substantial investments from entities like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and other Gulf states. Shaub points out that Kushner is reportedly seeking an additional $5 billion from these same regions while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. This, he contends, creates an untenable situation where Kushner’s personal financial interests could easily clash with the interests of the United States.

“IS MY QUESTION. AND IF HE’S SOLICITING FUNDS AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE IS TRYING TO BROKER PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, I’M USING AIR QUOTES, I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW THOSE TWO CAN GO HAND-IN-HAND.”

Walter Shaub, quoted from the transcript

Shaub contrasts this with his own experience in government, where even accepting a free ticket to a game required extensive legal consultation. He emphasizes the strict ethics pledge implemented by the Obama administration, which required officials to recuse themselves from matters that could create conflicts of interest. He recounts a personal anecdote of having to prevent a colleague from refinancing a home because the bank was regulated by the industry the colleague oversaw.

Legal Ramifications: Anti-Nepotism, Emoluments, and Financial Conflicts

The Democracy Defenders Fund’s complaint outlines three primary legal areas implicated by Kushner’s conduct:

• Anti-Nepotism Law (5 U.S.C. § 3110): This law prohibits appointing a family member to a government position if another family member is in a position of authority. Shaub argues that even if not directly appointed, the accumulation of vast wealth while a family member holds the presidency, particularly when seeking further funds from foreign governments, skirts the spirit of this law.
• Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution: This constitutional provision prevents U.S. employees from receiving anything of value from foreign governments without congressional consent. Shaub equates foreign emoluments to ‘swag’ and stresses that even minor benefits are prohibited for those serving the United States.
• Financial Conflicts of Interest: The most pressing concern is whether Kushner’s business dealings influence his diplomatic negotiations. Shaub questions whether negotiations, such as those involving Iran, are truly in the U.S. interest when countries that have provided Kushner with billions are adverse to Iran. He posits that such entanglements could lead to decisions favoring patrons over national interests, potentially even exacerbating regional conflicts.

Kushner himself has previously addressed concerns about conflicts of interest, stating on a podcast in December 2024, “We’re going to follow what we think is right and I think we’re going to do good business in that regard… we preemptively tried to avoid any conflicts so we don’t have to raise capital for the next four years.” However, recent reports indicate his firm is indeed raising capital, a move that Shaub and other watchdogs find particularly concerning given the timing and the amounts involved.

Broader Implications: Public Trust and Presidential Family Business

Shaub argues that the sheer transparency and volume of these alleged corrupt practices are, paradoxically, making the case easier to understand for the American public. He suggests that voters are more concerned with everyday issues like affordability and healthcare than with the personal enrichment of presidential associates. The perception of rampant corruption, he believes, contributes to the administration’s unpopularity, as citizens did not elect the president to facilitate the financial gains of his family members or close associates.

The article also touches upon the business activities of Donald Trump’s sons, who have reportedly launched a new drone company seeking Pentagon contracts. Shaub questions the expertise of Eric and Donald Trump Jr. in this field and points out that the company was formed through a reverse merger with a golf course enterprise. He draws a parallel to practices seen in countries like China and Equatorial Guinea, where princeling politics and entitlement are common, stating, “It’s not what you expect from the United States.”

The Path Forward: Litigation and Public Scrutiny

The Democracy Defenders Fund is committed to pursuing these issues through litigation and formal complaints. Shaub asserts that these matters will not simply disappear and that the public is increasingly disgusted by what they perceive as widespread corruption. He concludes that the current situation is not how America is supposed to function, and the trail of questionable dealings leaves the public disillusioned.

Looking ahead, the ongoing investigations and potential legal challenges against Kushner and other members of the Trump circle will be closely watched. The public’s reaction to these allegations, particularly in light of economic pressures, will likely play a significant role in shaping political discourse and accountability in the coming months.

Source: ‘The World Series of corruption’: Ex-ethics czar blasts Trump’s profiteering in second term (YouTube)