#RIPUSA Democrats want probe into Trump's obvious conflict of interest #AmericaHangsItsHeadInShame , #ImpeachHimNo

© Getty Images


The top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is calling for an investigation into President-elect Donald Trump's potential conflicts of interest.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) on Monday urged lawmakers to review Trump’s “financial entanglements” before he assumes office on Jan. 20, 2017, to ensure there are no conflicts of interest between the Trump White House and the Trump Organization.


“We have never had a president like Mr. Trump in terms of his vast financial entanglements and his widespread business interests around the globe,” Cummings wrote in a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), the committee's chairman.

“Moreover, we have not had a presidential candidate in modern times who has refused to disclose his tax returns to the American people,” Cummings continued. “Mr. Trump’s unprecedented secrecy and his extensive business dealings in foreign countries raise serious questions about how he intends to avoid conflicts of interest as president.”

Following his stunning election victory last week, Trump said he would hand his business over to his children while he is in the White House. But critics point out they continue to advise Trump on politics.

“It is critical that we conduct this review as soon as possible to ensure that these questions are answered prior to Mr. Trump assuming office,” Cummings wrote, saying the arrangement raises "serious questions." 

“Now that Republicans control the White House and Congress, it is incumbent on you and other Republicans to conduct robust oversight over Mr. Trump — not for partisan reasons, but to ensure that our government operates effectively and efficiently and combats even the perception of corruption or abuse,” he added.