Trump's Transition: Mounting Conflicts & Controversies Ahead of Confirmation Hearings

With Senate confirmation hearings set to begin next week for several of President-elect Trump’s picks for top administration posts, more conflicts of interest and controversies involving nominees have recently emerged, raising the stakes for everyday Americans. The potential for corruption and special favors for wealthy insiders at the expense of working people grows by the day for the incoming administration.

Bondi’s Lobbying Clients Had Run-Ins With DOJ She Hopes to Lead

This week, the New York Times published a major review of Pam Bondi’s ‘business-friendly’ record as a former Florida AG, lobbyist, and Trump U.S. Attorney General nominee. The review raises questions about whether Bondi would prioritize her personal interests and those of her past lobbying clients and corporate friends over those of American working people.

As the Times reported, “Overall, lobbying disclosure records show that Ms. Bondi was registered to represent a total of 30 clients between 2019 and 2024, targeting the White House, Congress, and 12 federal agencies, according to a tally of the filings by Public Citizen and Accountable.US, two nonprofit watchdog groups.”

Accountable.US’ new report found that at least five of Bondi’s major lobbying clients have faced DOJ fines, investigations, or related scrutiny that could pose serious conflicts if she is confirmed as AG. For example, Bondi has directly lobbied on behalf of Amazon, and Ballard Partners “proudly” counts the corporation among its clients. In July 2023, the DOJ imposed a $25 million civil penalty on Amazon over allegations that its Alexa service illegally retained recordings of children’s voices.

Did RFK Jr. Commit Felonies by Voting Where Courts Ruled He Did Not Reside?

This week, Accountable.US formally filed a complaint with the NYS Board of Election calling for an investigation into whether Trump HHS Secretary pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. broke New York’s Election Law by registering for and voting in the November 5th, 2024 general election from a NY residence that courts had ruled he does not legally reside. Both acts are potential felonies. As Politico reported, “Lawyers for Kennedy did not respond to multiple requests for comment.”

Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk voiced concerns about RFK Jr’s potential mishandling of public health matters if confirmed: “If RFK Jr. is so dismissive of the law in his personal matters, how can he be trusted to properly apply the law when it comes to our public health? Kennedy’s clear lack of judgment shows he should not be confirmed.”

Conflicts Continued: Will Trump’s Border Czar Steer Federal Contracts to His Homeland Security Clients?

A new Accountable review found Thomas Homan, Trump’s incoming” border czar,” could face serious conflicts of interest with his private consulting firm, which milks Trump’s endorsement while claiming it has secured “tens of millions of dollars of federal contracts” for his homeland security industry firm clients.

In response to the findings, Homan – who’s perhaps best known as one of the “architects” of Trump’s previous ‘zero tolerance’ family separation policy that left thousands of children on their own — told Rolling Stone: “As the incoming border czar, I have recused myself from any involvement, discussion, input, or decision of any future government contracts that the government may award.” Yet when “asked whether he would name his clients”, Homan conveniently “did not answer.”

So how will the public know for sure? Unconfirmed “czar” positions in the administration are not subject to congressional oversight. Mr. Homan has already demonstrated his willingness to test boundaries with his non-profit group that has promoted Homan’s appearances at Republican political events. It’s hard to trust the word of an opportunist like Homan, and even harder to verify in this case.

Trump State Department Pick Penned Essays Promoting White Nationalism and Hate

Another Accountable.US review found Michael Anton, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Director of Policy Planning at the Department of State, has a troubling history of authoring inflammatory essays riddled with white nationalism, islamophobia, and conspiracy theories. Among Anton’s extremist takes: “Diversity’ is not ‘our strength’; it’s a source of weakness, tension and disunion” and “The burden is forced on Americans to prove that Muhammed is a terrorist or Jose is a criminal, and if we can’t, we must let them in.”

In response to Accountable.US’ findings, rather than condemn Anton’s nakedly racist rhetoric, Trump’s transition team told USA Today they are “building an all-star team” and Anton “ will play an important role.”

Sen. Warren Has 70 Questions for Extremely Shady Trump Defense Secretary Pick Hegseth

Pete Hegseth is among the Trump cabinet nominees who have a hearing scheduled for next week. Despite a mountain of disturbing accusations and revelations about the Fox News personality, former non-profit leader repeatedly ousted for misconduct, accused rapist, and suspected white supremacist turned Trump Defense Secretary pick, Senate Republican leaders are telling President-elect Trump that Hegseth already has the votes. Hegseth will still be faced with tough questions from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who already sent Hegseth a letter with 70 of them. Warren wrote: “Your confirmation as Secretary of Defense would be detrimental to our national security and disrespect a diverse array of service members who are willing to sacrifice for our country.”

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