Trump’s business empire unleashes ethical battle

Global Business

Trump's business empire unleashes ethical battle

From tower blocks to golf courses, Donald Trump has built a global business empire like no other U.S. president.

A portfolio of companies spanning the globe that are now fueling concerns about how President Trump can separate business and politics.

CCTV America’s Owen Fairclough reports. Follow Owen Fairclough on Twitter @owefair

Trump’s not the first president to face this dilemma.  But where even Republican predecessors such as George W Bush and Ronald Reagan sold off their business interests to avoid conflicts of interest, Trump will hand over his to his children, though he doesn’t appear to be clear on the definition.

His organization told CCTV this management transfer to three of his children would comply with all rules and regulations but, democracy campaigners disagree.

Key supporters insist there will be enough checks and balances There is no legal obligation for Trump to put his businesses into blind trusts. 

But critics said it’s crucial for Trump’s overseas interests. 

Four years ago, the President-elect opened new property in Turkey, one of the most geopolitically sensitive places in the world.

As the ethical discussion continues, Trump continues to develop his business empire, a new hotel brand launched shortly before the election.


UK looks to new US gov’t as trading partner in post-Brexit

As the world adjusts to possible changes in global trading under a Trump U.S. Presidency, the government of post-Brexit Britain is paying particular attention to developments.

Once the UK leaves the European Union, the country will be free to set up its own one-to-one trade deals with other countries around the world.

As CCTV’s Richard Bestic reports from London, the government there is hoping its relations with United States, a major trade partner, will help the U.K. as the country prepares to go it alone.
Follow Richard Bestic on Twitter @bestic_richard


Kenneth A. Gross on world leaders’ economic ties

To further discuss the economic interests of world leaders, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Kenneth A. Gross from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP , who is also a former associate general counsel of the Federal Election Commission.