Donald Trump will delay, by a month, his announcement on how he intends to handle his business operations while in the White House, according to Bloomberg. Trump’s finances were a source of contention, and outrage, during the election and concern about the potential web of conflicts of interest both domestically and internationally has only increased in the first month of the Trump transition.
From Bloomberg:
Trump had planned to make the announcement Dec. 15 but wants more time because he’s been occupied with filling out his cabinet and top administration posts, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations… A new date for the announcement hasn’t been set, but it will be before his inauguration on Jan. 20, they said… Trump has about $3.6 billion of assets and $630 million of debt held in more than 500 companies, according to a July analysis by Bloomberg. His golf developments, tenant rosters, loans and licensing arrangements tie him to businesses and governments in 20 countries.
Trump has not shown any particular interest in abandoning his businesses altogether nor has he appeared in any real hurry to resolve the appearance of financial conflicts of interest. Trump does not appear willing to divest; instead he’s indicated he’d like his children, Eric and Don Jr., to take over the running of the Trump organization. Trump told the New York Times last month that he, as the president, can’t have a conflict of interest, but has tweeted that he “feel[s] it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest…” For the record, it’s not just “visually important” it’s actually important.
Update, 7:40 p.m.: Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks confirms the postponement of the announcement.
