Conflicts of Interest and the Presidency (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 14, 2016 |
| Report Number |
CONFLICTS |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Does federal law require the President to relinquish control of his or her business interests? Federal regulation of
financial conflicts of interest is aimed at preventing opportunities for officials to personally benefit from influence they
may have in their official capacity. As a general rule, public officials in the executive branch are subject to criminal
penalties if they personally and substantially participate in matters in which they (or their immediate families, business
partners or associated organizations) hold financial interests. However, because of concerns regarding interference with
the exercise of constitutional duties, Congress has not applied these restrictions to the President. Consequently, there is
no current legal requirement that would compel the President to relinquish financial interests because of a conflict of
interest.
