Letter: Hold Trump accountable for conflicts of interest

'Trust me” seems to be the mantra for president-elect Donald Trump. His conflicts of interest with his global business holdings and buildings paying for the use of his name are evident. Trump has said that he is not bound by any relevant financial precedent as president, for example, in the release of his taxes. However, as he does not act according to ethical traditions of honor, we must look to Congressional representatives to stand up and call out the glaring instances of potential conflict of interest.

Hillary Clinton was called out for potential conflict of interest in the Clinton Foundation, but a blind eye is being turned toward Trump. His children are involved in details of the executive appointments and actions (e.g. Jared Kushner, his son-in-law) and especially in his personal businesses. Congress must be held accountable for hypocrisy if nothing is done to create parameters for the presidency. Trump does not change course unless there is real push back. So far, the 'swamp” is getting murkier.

We need a president-elect who can show that he is not easily distractible by reacting on Twitter, but who will be focusing on the big issues of the day. It behooves our Congress to do the business of running the government that they were elected to do.

Sonia Ettinger

Iowa City