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Donald K. Sherman

@donaldonethics.bsky.social
453 followers 37 following 105 posts

President & CEO @citizensforethics.org. Former White House, @hsgac.senate.gov, @hudgov.bsky.social, House Oversight & Ethics Comte. Promoting ethics, transparency, accountability & Georgetown Hoops.

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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Three things to know about Trump's "pocket rescission:" 1. Withholding funds until they expire is illegal 2. SCOTUS has not yet ruled on this issue 3. So many unobligated funds this late in the fiscal year is a problem in and of itself
citizensforethics.org
Three things you need to know about Trump’s “pocket rescission” proposal - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump's proposed so-called “pocket rescission,” which attempts to claw back $810 million in funds appropriated by Congress, is illegal.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Rather than address Americans’ pressing needs, the WH is using a government-funded PSA as a veneer to spread partisan propaganda. Congress can—and should—push back, but appears unwilling since the ad seems designed to boost GOP electoral prospects.
cnn.com
Trump personally helped orchestrate taxpayer-funded ads promoting himself and his policies, source says | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump has personally driven the controversial, tax-payer funded video ads promoting himself and his administration’s policies, including helping select the imagery and videos used, a ...
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Trump's corruption has: -put programs Americans depend on at risk -steered taxpayer money to his own properties -given wealthy interests a direct advantage over ordinary Americans -put his financial interests above the public interest The list goes on...
citizensforethics.org
How Trump’s corruption is harming everyday Americans - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
President Donald Trump is making more money than ever while Americans across the country struggle with the costs of basic necessities,
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Two Trump loyalists were allegedly involved in mishandling classified documents at the end of Trump’s first term. Now, they're overseeing White House Oval Office operations. That raises unique transparency and national security concerns.
citizensforethics.org
Oval Office operations run by alleged Trump classified documents co-conspirator - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump loyalists Walt Nauta and Chamberlain Harris were implicated in mishandling classified records. They're running White House operations.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Last week, I had the honor of joining a panel at the Congressional Black Caucus ALC55. This year’s conference was such an impactful, positive and productive experience. I'm grateful to have opportunities like this to connect with people who are in the fight to defend democracy!
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Given that private companies and foreign governments have been seeking to gain Don Jr’s favor to serve their own financial interests, the public needs transparency into why a Russian oligarch close to Putin partially paid for Don Jr's wedding.
theguardian.com
Russian oligarch close to Putin paid for part of Donald Trump Jr’s lavish wedding
US president’s eldest child married Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson in three-day celebration across two exclusive private islands
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Trump added 74 new companies since becoming the presumptive GOP presidential nominee in 2024. Not only is he corruptly profiting from his public service, but it is also to the detriment of everyday Americans struggling to make ends meet in this economy.
citizensforethics.org
Trump incorporated dozens of new companies in lead up to second term—and never stopped - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump filed a financial disclosure in June revealing he brought in more than $2.2 billion in revenue during 2025. We found that more than a third of that revenue came from dozens of companies Trump ha...
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Trump's war in Iran is costing Americans more in energy, gas and shipping. Meanwhile, his brokers are trading oil and gas stocks for him, allowing Trump to profit from the global instability he's creating. Once again, Americans pay. Trump profits.
cbsnews.com
Trump's oil and gas stock trades continued during Iran war, filings show
President Trump has accused oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil of "making too much money." He owns shares of both.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Trump has once again voted by mail in Florida despite calling the practice corrupt, crooked and fraud. Interesting how he's happy to use the system he's spent years attacking.
nytimes.com
Trump Votes by Mail Again in Florida
The president also voted by mail in 2020 and in a Florida special election in March, even as he has railed against the practice and equated it to cheating.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The OCC's approval of Trump-backed World Liberty Trust Co.'s application for a trust bank charter is the most egregious example to date of the president’s businesses profiting from his government job.
politico.com
Trump-appointed regulator OKs banking license for Trump-linked crypto firm
The decision would give new powers and federal credibility to a venture in which the president and his family retain a substantial financial interest.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It's outrageous that the President of the United States has demanded over $70 billion through lawsuits and claims since Nov. 2022—largely in an effort to pressure media companies, individuals and government entities into giving him what he wants.
citizensforethics.org
Trump has filed lawsuits and claims demanding over $70 billion since second term candidacy announcement - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump has filed lawsuits and claims demanding over $70 billion since he declared his candidacy for office in November 2022.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
In just over 14 months of his second term, Trump has burned through at least $101.2 million in taxpayer money to make appearances at his golf courses. Meanwhile, Americans across the country find themselves in an affordability crisis.
britbrief.co.uk
Trump's golf trips cost US taxpayers over $100 million in 14 months
Trump's golf trips in 14 months cost US taxpayers $101.2 million, exceeding first-term pace. Critics slam spending amid affordability crisis.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Five congress members who have a family stake in SpaceX stock serve on committees overseeing aspects of the company. This clearly creates potential conflicts of interest between their duties and financial interests.
cnbc.com
SpaceX stock-purchasing by Congress members fuels conflict concerns
Five of the Congress members serve on committees whose work touches SpaceX's federal contracts, defense programs, AI, telecommunications or securities markets.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
It was a pleasure joining today's @publiccitizen.bsky.social forum on combatting corruption. Thanks to @byrontau.bsky.social and my fellow panelists for a thoughtful discussion—and to @schumer.senate.gov, @whitehouse.senate.gov and @padilla.senate.gov for joining the conversation.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
In 2025, Trump made over $117 million from overseas business interests, including $59 million from licensing and development fees alone. Americans shouldn't have to wonder whether the president is acting in their interest or his own.
citizensforethics.org
Trump’s foreign revenue exploded during his first year back in office - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
President Donald Trump raked in record-high revenue of over $117 million from overseas business interests last year.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Trump said his Board of Peace, ran by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, would oversee reconstruction of Gaza. But where is the Board receiving its funding from? How much are taxpayers paying? Where are the funds going? The public needs to know.
citizensforethics.org
CREW requests records on Board of Peace funding and operations - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
CREW requested records from the State Department related to the various programs conducted by the Board of Peace.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Trump reportedly made $2.4 billion while in office last year—nearly three times more than the estimated $760 million he made in 2024 and 6,000 times the current presidential salary of $400,000. This is not normal.
forbes.com
Trump Made Even More Money Than You Thought Last Year
America’s salesman-in-chief capitalized on the most lucrative pitch of his life. Now Trump is selling something else—the myth that he doesn’t know how he made so much.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A South Korean company investor paid the Trump Org $2 million last year. That same company later curbed exports to the US after facing a trade investigation. Another reminder why presidents shouldn't have personal financial ties to foreign businesses.
nytimes.com
Trump Paid $2 Million by South Korean Company Facing Trade Investigation
The payment illustrates the minefield Mr. Trump has created by maintaining personal financial ties with foreign businesses while he is in office.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Sec. Sean Duffy’s promotion of his wife's book on DOT social media is part of a broader pattern of using public office to create opportunities for his family that aren't available to other Americans. That pattern must end.
govexec.com
Duffy faces new ethics complaint over official social media post promoting wife’s book
The Transportation Department said that the post at issue was "inadvertently retweeted” by a staffer.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
If we want a Congress that truly reflects America, we should remove financial barriers to public service and reduce the revolving door between public office and the private sector. Congress shouldn't be reserved for the wealthy.
Screenshot of @StatisticUrban's post reading: "It's absurd that US Representative salaries are still only $174,000. It hasn't been changed since 2009!

Obviously increasing it is an optics nightmare, but it's really bad to pay our electeds so little, especially with the cost of maintaining two residences."
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Trump has clearly been using America's 250th anniversary for his own personal gain and the corrupt events were on full display last weekend. I'm joining @lisa-pubcitizen.bsky.social on Instagram live at 5pm today to debrief it all. Hope you'll tune in: www.instagram.com/citizensfore...
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
An Olympics pre-games event is being planned around Trump's golf club in Los Angeles. I think it's pretty clear that the president should't be using the world's largest international sporting event as an opportunity to make money for himself.
politico.com
Olympic organizers working with White House on Trump golf tournament
A Los Angeles golf course owned by Trump’s family business would host the pro-am competition in conjunction with the 2028 Summer Olympics.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
ICE bought 11 facilities at a cost of $1 billion. Now, it plans to offload 7 warehouses that cost more than $700 million by either giving them away or selling them. This is how our taxpayer dollars are being used...
nytimes.com
ICE Spent $700 Million on 7 Warehouses. Now It Wants to Get Rid of Them.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The DOE head claimed that his agency didn't cancel clean energy projects in states Trump lost the 2024 election in to exact political revenge. Well, his own lawyers admitted that the agency did just that. That's alarming and corrupt.
washingtonpost.com
DOE head says agency didn’t punish blue states. His lawyers admit it did.
A federal judge ordered the Energy Department to restore another 11 grants after its lawyers acknowledged it aimed to punish Democrats.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The Trump administration wants to hide and suppress difficult historical truths. This decision allowing the removal of the Freedom and Slavery Exhibit in Philadelphia is disturbing. The public has a right to an accurate, complete account of US history.
phillytrib.com
Appeals court clears Trump's path to alter Philadelphia slavery exhibit at historic site
Residents and city leaders are voicing frustration and concern after a federal appeals court ruling cleared the way for changes to the President’s House site, a key location documenting slavery
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The price tag for Trump's federal takeover in DC keeps growing. New records reveal at least $18 million in USMS deployment costs alone. Taxpayers deserve to know why they were asked to pay for it.
citizensforethics.org
U.S. Marshals Service records show $18M in costs supporting Trump’s DC takeover - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
USMS identified over $18 million in taxpayer funded costs related to its deployment for the Trump administration’s federal takeover of D.C.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Kurt Olsen tried to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss. Now he's part of a DOJ team investigating the president’s foes. That's dangerous. The DOJ is supposed to protect free and fair elections, not elevate individuals who helped spread false claims.
nbcnews.com
2020 election denier under scrutiny from fair elections advocates for new role at DOJ
Kurt Olsen, who helped try to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss, is now part of the Justice Department, working on a “grand conspiracy” investigation targeting the president’s foes.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Jared Kushner's luxury development in Albania is seemingly moving forward despite opposition from local residents and environmental advocates. Powerful people getting what they want while others bear the costs is a story we're seeing far too often.
wsj.com
Jared Kushner’s $5 Billion Albanian Reality Check
Kushner is proposing to build luxury beach hotels and resorts in a corner of Eastern Europe often overlooked by U.S. investors—but things aren’t going well.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
A company linked to Donald Trump Jr. received a $620 million government-backed loan. The public deserves answers about how it happened and whether political connections played a role. That's why @citizensforethics.org asked the DOD inspector general to investigate.
citizensforethics.org
Defense IG should investigate $620 million loan to company linked to Donald Trump Jr.  - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Defense IG must investigate allegations that White House and DOD officials may have exerted preferential treatment in awarding a $620 million loan to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Bill Gates reportedly hired the former top investigative counsel for the House Oversight Committee's Epstein inquiry. Even if all ethics rules were followed, its inevitable that people will ask questions about the committee's independence and impartiality.
nytimes.com
Gates Is Said to Have Hired Panel’s Ex-Counsel to Advise on Epstein Testimony
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Freedom 250 gives corporations a new avenue to spend millions on projects tied to President Trump while many of those same companies have business before the federal government. That's a recipe for conflicts of interest.
citizensforethics.org
Donations to Trump’s Freedom 250 fund raise ethics questions  - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Freedom 250, which is funding Trump’s July Fourth events, allows corporations to give millions of dollars to Trump’s pet projects.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
The Presidential Records Act is not optional. Transparency and accountability depend on preserving government records, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office. Proud of @citizensforethics.org for continuing to press for full compliance with the law.
citizensforethics.org
CREW statement on White House PRA compliance  - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The White House’s notice to staff that they are required to comply with the Presidential Records Act is a step in the right direction.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
You might have heard that as the ticket price for Game 3 of the #NBAFinals surges above five figures, President Trump is attending the game tonight at the invitation of #Knicks owner James Dolan.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Federal courts have long trusted that government lawyers will provide accurate facts and act in good faith. The growing number of judges questioning the credibility of Trump's DOJ should concern anyone who cares about the integrity of our justice system.
nytimes.com
Losing Trust in Justice Dept., Judges Call Out Its Lawyers’ Behavior
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Despite what he may believe or desire, the president does not have the power to unilaterally and secretly send $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds out the door.
citizensforethics.org
CREW files for restraining order to immediately block Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The court should issue a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the transfer of $1.776 billion to Trump’s secretive slush fund.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The Trump administration has elevated a central player in its "weaponization" effort to a position responsible for evaluating threats to US elections. That's deeply concerning. How can the public trust that Pulte will lead with facts and not politics?
apnews.com
Trump taps housing regulator Pulte to be acting director of national intelligence
Democrats and Republicans say President Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence seems unqualified.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The people regulating chemical companies probably shouldn't be making decisions based on the massive paychecks they got at their prior jobs—especially at the expense of people’s health. Just a thought.
citizensforethics.org
EPA officials made millions from chemical industry before proposed rollbacks of a potentially lifesaving rule - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Sixteen Trump-appointed EPA officials were paid more than $2.8 million by chemical companies and trade groups before joining the EPA.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
1. Deploying federal troops to polling places is illegal under US law. 2. Even the perception of enforcement activity near polling places can discourage eligible voters from participating. That's what the Trump admin wants. Elections must be protected.
wired.com
Election Officials Are Getting Ready for ICE to Show Up at the Polls
The Trump administration keeps threatening to send federal agents to oversee elections. State and local officials are preparing, and even gaming out what happens if they're arrested.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
FAA administrator Bryan Bedford cannot be allowed to skirt ethics requirements. His lapses not only undermine public trust in his leadership, they create a serious risk for airline passenger safety. Congress must hold him accountable.
citizensforethics.org
Hold FAA Administrator Bedford accountable for skirting ethics standards - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
FAA official Bryan Bedford’s failure to clearly commit to recuse from Republic Airways matters raises serious ethics questions.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
The OGE is left without a leader—again. A functioning ethics office is a basic requirement for preventing conflicts of interest and corruption in the executive branch, which we clearly need more than ever.
washingtonpost.com
A year after Trump fired a top ethics watchdog, there’s still no leader
One senator said vacancies at the Office of Government Ethics, which seeks to prevent financial conflicts of interest, have “kneecapped” its work.
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Reposted by Donald K. Sherman
CREW @citizensforethics.org · 20/05/2026
The Trump admin’s pay-to-play attitude and anti-fraud efforts puts small businesses at risk. CREW President @donaldonethics.bsky.social is testifying before the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship today about how this corruption is harming the economy and small businesses.
citizensforethics.org
Trump’s corruption hurts small businesses and harms the economy - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The Trump administration’s pay-to-play attitude, failures to tackle fraud and enabling fraudsters puts small businesses at risk.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy—but the Trump admin's corruption puts them at risk. Today, I'm testifying before the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship on fraud and what Congress can do to stop it. Watch here:
sbc.senate.gov
Blowing the Whistle: Inside the Grift that Keeps Giving
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
As everyday Americans struggle with the price of gas and raise concerns about airline safety, Sec. Sean Duffy announces that he spent work time going on a road trip which appears to have been funded by the very industries his agency oversees.
cnn.com
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy returns to reality TV roots, sparking criticism and questions | CNN Politics
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s new reality show, filmed with his family over the last seven months, has sparked criticism amid high gas prices, in addition to raising ethics questions.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
When former DOJ officials warn that political loyalty is replacing professional independence, we should take that seriously. The DOJ cannot function if prosecutorial decisions are determined by who the president does not like.
nytimes.com
Jack Smith Calls the Justice Dept. ‘Corrupted’ by Trump and His Allies
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Corporations seeking government action for their business shouldn't be writing checks to the president's political slush fund. But that's exactly what happened here...
citizensforethics.org
United wanted a merger. Then it gave to Trump’s slush fund.  - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
While floating a merger to create the largest airline in history, United Airlines quietly became a sponsor of Trump's Freedom 250.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
50 years ago, the Supreme Court's decision in Buckley v. Valeo elevated money as speech. The predictable result? Six of America’s wealthiest billionaires spent over $100 million apiece to help get another billionaire, Donald Trump, elected president.
nytimes.com
A Look Inside the Case That Enshrined Political Power for Billionaires
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
By launching over 600 products on his merch store this term, Trump has essentially put a "For Sale" sign on the presidency. And if 2024 is any indication (the store brought in $8.8 million that year), the grift will bring in a hefty profit.
citizensforethics.org
Trump Store launched at least 622 products so far in Trump’s second term - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
In the first fourteen months of Trump’s second term, the Trump Store launched at least 622 products, costing nearly $43,000 all together.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Tomorrow, Trump is hosting his second event in less than a year for his top $TRUMP memecoin holders—this time at Mar-a-Lago. It's another level of combined corruption, profiteering and national security risk that no other president has ever attempted.
citizensforethics.org
Trump’s second memecoin event is somehow even worse than the first - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump will likely attend an event for those who hold his memecoin, the second time that he has offered special access to those who purchase $TRUMP.
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Since my time working on the House Ethics Committee, Congress has shown that they have a different appetite for expulsion than they did before—with calls to expel four members this month. It's past time to set a clear expulsion standard.
rollcall.com
Ethics in spotlight again ahead of Cherfilus-McCormick hearing
Ethics violations will take center stage in the House for the second week in a row, as a push to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick comes to a head.  Only six lawmakers have ever been expelled from...
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Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Civil rights orgs play a critical role in holding power accountable. No administration should use their investigative power to intimidate groups it disagrees with. That's not how a democracy works. Every American should be concerned by this.
apnews.com
Southern Poverty Law Center charged with defrauding donors with payments to extremist informants
The Southern Poverty Law Center has been indicted on federal fraud charges alleging it improperly raised millions of dollars to secretly pay leaders of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups for insid...
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