Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It

Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It

March 10, 2017, Congressional Quarterly

Robert Kelner is quoted in a Congressional Quarterly article regarding the impact of President Trump on government ethics law and the increased demand for experts. Commenting on the argument made by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) in its lawsuit against Trump alleging that the president’s business ties violate the Emoluments Clause in the Constitution, Kelner says the interpretation of the clause is “unprecedented,” and is one a court “will be very unlikely to uphold.” He adds, "CREW chose to adopt a policy in which they would throw everything, including the kitchen sink, against Donald Trump virtually from day one. The danger is, it makes the whole effort look political and, I think, makes it tougher for them to attract independent-minded people to their side."