Drain the Swamp

For as long as I can remember, I, as well as other citizens, have wondered how elected officials go to Washington with a small bankroll and return home after serving with a much larger bankroll.  There have been thoughts that members of Congress were privy to information regarding the trading of stocks and used that information to build their wealth.  Afterall, members of Congress are aware of defense contracts, economic policy that would affect gains and losses on Wall Street, the sale of federal land (in particular old post office sites), and other pieces of information that normally flies under the radar of the rest of the population.  One might say, this is equivalent to insider trading.
 
Now a well-known celebrity went to jail for just that charge.  Martha Stewart served a five-month prison sentence in 2004 after being convicted on charges related to the ImClone stock trading case. She was found guilty of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to federal investigators.  It was found Ms. Stewart had knowledge regarding bad information about a drug the company was trying to develop, so she decided to sell her investment in that company.  The feds considered this to be “insider trading”.
 
And now, there appears to be a chance, legislation is on its way to prevent members of the legislative and executive branches of our government from trading stocks while in office.  CBS NEWS as well as other media outlets has reported,
 
“Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri joined Democrats Wednesday to advance legislation that would ban members of Congress from buying, selling or owning individual stocks.
 
In an 8-7 vote, Hawley and Senate Democrats on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted the legislation out of committee, with all other Republicans on the committee voting against it. It's not yet clear if the legislation, which Hawley introduced, will receive a floor vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.”

The proposed legislation, originally called the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI ACT), would prevent members of Congress and their spouses from trading or holding individual stocks.  The measure would also give them 180 days to unload their stocks. Members would also have to supply their House or Senate ethics committee with written certification of compliance each year, and the Government Accountability Office would conduct a compliance audit every two years. Hawley, as a part of negotiations with Democrats, agreed to call it the Honest Act.
 
As one could imagine, this proposed measure has met with some criticism from members of the Republican Party.  Senator Rick Scott has voiced his displeasure with this proposed legislation.  Scott, and I would agree with this question of his, asked, “Who wants to be poor?”  Scott also agrees with the fact elected officials shouldn’t be trading stocks.  Scott’s main reason for his “anger” is his idea this proposed legislation signals members of Congress are using their position for financial gain.  I understand that argument.
 
But the number one elected Republican, President Trump, initially said he liked the concept of the bill, but didn’t know much about it.  Later in the day, on Social Truth, Trump had this to say:

"The Democrats, because of our tremendous ACHIEVEMENTS and SUCCESS, have been trying to 'Target' me for a long period of time, and they're using Josh Hawley, who I got elected TWICE, as a pawn to help them," the president wrote. "I wonder why Hawley would pass a Bill that Nancy Pelosi is in absolute love with — He is playing right into the dirty hands of the Democrats. It's a great Bill for her, and her 'husband,' but so bad for our Country!"

Hawley said he did have a conversation with the President afterwards and indicated that the proposed legislation would have no bearing on the President because of verbiage in the proposed bill.  The bill wouldn’t take effect until the next election cycle for each elected official, meaning, the bill will not affect the Presidency until 2028, while the House and portions of the Senate would be under scrutiny after the upcoming mid-term elections.  
 
And just what would one believe the President said after this explanation?  Trump now likes the bill. 
 
According to Business Insider, “Trump is selling cologne, sneakers, and Bibles as president.”  He is selling EFTs; Trump is selling bit coin currency.  Trump is selling guitars.  All with his name and sometimes his likeness on the merchandise.  Trump took a trip to Scotland to meet with the UK Prime Minister Starmer at Trump’s newest golf course property.  Knowing the press would cover the event, the President’s newest property received “free publicity” which would, or should cause his personal business to grow.  
 
Recently, Trump has accepted a gift from the government of Qatar in the form of a 747 to replace Air Force One, which will take an estimated 850 million dollars to overhaul for security purposes, and then, will be given to the Trump library.  Please note, Boeing is in the process of building TWO Air Force One airplanes.  
 
The Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) restricts federal officeholders from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. The reason for this clause in the Constitution is to prevent corruption.  It may very well be interpreted as any elected federal official from using the office for personal gain.  Which, if I am not mistaken is what the Honest Act expresses to do.  
 
While the HONEST ACT doesn’t any effect on the business dealings of the President at the moment, it is assumable the President likes the measure because it will not interfere with his private business he is conducting for personal gain as the President.  In my opinion, he has violated the Emoluments Clause with his acceptance of gifts from foreign nations.  And yet the Supreme Court or Congress has not formally objected to this action.
 
I clearly remember the campaign motto of Trump’s first campaign…” Drain the swamp”.  I am of the opinion that motto doesn’t apply to the Head Swamp Rat.