Democrats are pressuring Rep. Jason Chaffetz to initiate investigations into Donald Trump’s financial arrangements, but the House Oversight chairman says it would be ridiculous “to go on essentially fishing trips” before Trump has even been sworn in as president.
Reports Politico:
The lead House Republican investigator for all things Donald Trump insisted Wednesday the President-elect won’t get a free pass in 2017, while also praising the businessman-turned-politician for his latest effort to prevent any future ethical conflicts that could mire his administration in scandal.
In an interview with POLITICO on Wednesday, Utah GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz welcomed Trump’s suggestion via a series of Twitter posts that he’ll be handing over control of his vast business enterprise, with additional details to come at a press conference with his adult children in mid-December.
“He’s moving in the right direction. And he needs to instill the confidence that he’s more than arm’s length away,” said Chaffetz, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Chaffetz, who had been critical of Trump during the general election and at one point withdrew his endorsement, echoed the President-elect’s recent remark noting that presidents are not legally obligated to address their business conflicts. But the lawmaker said it was “encouraging” that Trump would be making changes to his financial arrangements anyway.
“The only obligation he has is that under the law. There are public perceptions that I’m sure they’re keenly aware of,” Chaffetz said.
