The American People Need Information about the President-Elect's Alleged Stock Portfolio Sale [L
Tell your representative to block Trump's cabinet appointees or use the Constitution's Emoluments Clause to ensure the President-Elect doesn't profit off the American people!
THE ISSUE: The President-Elect recently said he sold off his stock portfolio in June; the American people have seen no evidence of this.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Find out who your representative in congress is by entering your zip code here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.
You can also find your senator here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?Name=Capito&nState=WV
2. Copy and paste the letter below, personalizing it for your representative. Add a note of your own if you want!
3. Send a copy to your representative's local office. Send one to your senator, too!
4. Mailing a hard copy of your letter is the most effective way to to get your representatives' attention. Congressional staffers say letters that include a handwritten component or something written/illustrated by children receive more eyeballs than form letters or petitions. (But an email is (probably) better than nothing.)
Dear Representative [X]:
I, your constituent [from X district] am writing with concerns that President-Elect Trump’s business holdings present conflicts of interest that at best serve as a distraction from his duties as President, and at worst pose a risk to our nation’s economic function and national security.
One concern is the lack of transparency over the recent announcement that Preseident-Elect Trump sold his entire stock portfolio in June. As you will be aware, no details whatsoever about this supposed sell-off have been revealed, nor was an announcement made at the time of the alleged sale. Mr. Trump’s May 2016 disclosure revealed holdings in multiple companies that would be directly affected by decisions he will make as President, and without an updated disclosure, it is impossible to guarantee that he has divested from these companies. Coupled with the President-Elect’s ongoing lack of transparency concerning his tax filings, the American public can have no real confidence in the integrity of any statements concerning the President-Elect’s financial interests and investments. Again, full disclosure is required.
Furthermore, President-Elect Trump’s own business remains a significant point of conflict. Given that the President-Elect already knows what deals are in the works, and in which countries he owns properties, a trust run by his children, or even a “blind trust” would be effectively useless in ensuring his decisions are not swayed by his development holdings. Total divestment and the employment of the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution are the only true safeguards we have against these conflicts.
The President-Elect has already shown the desire to use his position of power to further his business interests. Therefore, the checks and balances of the House and Senate are now paramount. As such, I’m asking that you do whatever it takes as our representative to prevent the corruption of America’s highest office, including placing holds on cabinet appointees until divestment is complete, enacting the Emoluments Clause to give Congress the power to vet decisions when necessary (or move for impeachment if the President refuses to act in accordance with the Constitution), and continuing to call for the full disclosure of the President-Elect’s tax and financial investments information so the American people have a full understanding of the invested financial and political interests that lie behind the Oval Office.
I appreciate you taking my concerns into consideration and do hope that you will continue to make the integrity of the Constitution and the common good of the American people your top priorities.
Sincerely,