The Wall Street Journal argues Trump should liquidate his business — or face some serious 'political damage'

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published 18 November 2016

In an editorial published late Thursday, The Wall Street Journal laid out why President-elect Donald Trump's "best option" to avoid a perceived conflict of interest between his business and his government is to "liquidate his stake" in the Trump Organization. While Trump has floated the idea of a "blind trust," turning the company entirely over to his adult children, The Wall Street Journal joined critics of the idea in saying it won't be enough.

Typically, The Wall Street Journal reported, a "blind trust" is an "independent manager, not family members," and the assets being protected generally aren't as highly visible as, say, Trump's array of properties and brands. These disparities have already raised eyebrows, and the Journal contends it will only get worse:

The political damage to a new administration could be extensive. If Mr. Trump doesn't liquidate, he will be accused of a pecuniary motive any time he takes a policy position. For example, the House and Senate are eager to consider tax reform — and one sticking point will be the treatment of real estate, which will be of great interest to the Trump family business. Ditto for repealing the Dodd-Frank financial law, interest rates, and so much more. [The Wall Street Journal]