President-elect Donald Trump has announced via twitter that he will leave his businesses “in total” in order to “fully focus” on running the country. He announced the news in four separate tweets. Trump and his family will discuss the move on Dec. 15 in New York City at a “major news conference.” Trump says he is “not mandated to” but wants to quit the businesses to avoid the appearance of conflicting interests. “I feel it is visually important, as president, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses,” he wrote. Much has been made in recent weeks of the overlap between his meetings with world leaders and his ability to obtain permits and contracts for his buildings in those countries.
I will be holding a major news conference in New York City with my children on December 15 to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my …
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016
great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! While I am not mandated to ….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016
do this under the law, I feel it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016
Hence, legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The Presidency is a far more important task!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016