Donald Trump's 500 businesses would pose 'unprecedented ethical dilemma'; CNNMoney.com, 3/16/16

David Goldman, CNNMoney.com; Donald Trump's 500 businesses would pose 'unprecedented ethical dilemma' :

"CNNMoney interviewed ethics lawyers who worked for President George W. Bush, presidential candidates Bob Dole, John Kerry, John McCain and Mitt Romney, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. They all said that Trump would have more potential business conflicts than any former president.

Trump has not committed to selling his businesses, and instead he has said many times that his children and executives would manage them.

"This is certainly going to present an unprecedented ethical dilemma if Trump wins," said Kenneth Gross, a partner at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, who provided legal assistance to several presidential candidates during their campaigns. "He can't just get amnesia. He's stuck with the knowledge of what he owns."

As president, Trump would not be required to sell any of his investments or businesses. The U.S. Financial Conflict of Interest Statute prohibits unelected officials of the executive branch from holding stakes in assets that would conflict with their ability to properly do their jobs...

But Congress decided not to apply those restrictions to the president or vice president. They have to disclose their holdings, but they don't have to disown them.

So Donald Trump could be president without selling his businesses."