Hoyer: Using the Office of the Presidency to Further Business Deals Goes Against the Principles of Our Nation

“One of the basic principles that safeguards our democracy is the separation of the personal business interests of our leaders from the government business with which they are entrusted while in office.  That is why I am deeply concerned by reports over the past few days that Donald Trump is continuing to promote his personal business ventures as he prepares to assume the presidency.  Reports of his meeting with Indian business representatives and reports that he used a phone call with Argentinean President Mauricio Macri to lobby on behalf of a Trump-branded building project are, if accurate, unacceptable behavior for the incoming President of the United States. 

“Using the office of the presidency to further business deals goes against the principles of our nation.  Those who serve in government do so to serve the American people – not their own personal interests.  Congress and our courts must hold all federal office-holders in this country accountable, starting at the top.”