Trump's Son Eric: A Wall Between Family Firm and Government

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office for a second term, his son Eric has announced plans to erect a "large wall" between the Trump Organization and the U.S. government. This move aims to address concerns about conflicts of interest, as the Trump family's extensive business empire could potentially influence policy decisions. This article explores the implications of Eric Trump's proposal and the challenges it may face.

During his father's first term, Eric Trump served as an executive vice president of the Trump Organization. Now, he has stated that the company will adopt a strict ethics plan to prevent conflicts of interest. This plan includes hiring ethics advisors, not pursuing new international deals, and donating any profits made from foreign governments to the U.S. Treasury. However, critics have raised concerns about the effectiveness of this approach, given that Trump maintains effective ownership and control of the company.



One of the primary concerns is the potential influence of Trump's business interests on international trade and diplomacy. For instance, Trump's real estate projects in India, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates could lead to conflicts of interest, as these countries may seek to curry favor with the U.S. government by doing business with the Trump Organization. This could result in Trump making decisions that benefit his business interests rather than the best interests of the American people.

To mitigate potential conflicts of interest, Trump could consider divesting from his businesses, placing them in a blind trust, or adopting a more robust ethics plan. Divestment would be the most effective, as it removes Trump's financial interest in his companies. A blind trust, managed by independent trustees, would also help, but Trump could still benefit indirectly. An improved ethics plan could include banning new international deals and donating foreign profits to the U.S. Treasury, but these steps may not fully prevent Trump's business interests from influencing his policy decisions.

In conclusion, Eric Trump's proposed ethical measures aim to address concerns about conflicts of interest between the Trump Organization and the U.S. government. While these measures show a commitment to transparency and accountability, they may not be sufficient to prevent Trump's business interests from influencing his policy decisions. To fully address these concerns, Trump should consider more drastic measures, such as divesting from his businesses or adopting a more robust ethics plan. As the Trump family prepares for another term in the White House, the effectiveness of these measures will be crucial in ensuring that the president's decisions are made in the best interests of the American people.