Sign in

Donald K. Sherman

@donaldonethics.bsky.social
455 followers 37 following 107 posts

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

PostsRepliesMedia
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
A Jan 6 insurrectionist wants a refund from the government for court-ordered restitution payments while saying she would “absolutely” participate in the riot again. This is what happens when the president empowers insurrectionists by pardoning them.
independent.co.uk
Jan 6 rioter says she wants a ‘refund’ for attacking the US capitol
Despite being sentenced to 30 months in prison, the Capitol rioter told ‘The Daily Show’ she would ‘absolutely’ participate in the attack again
173
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The OSC won't discipline agencies for messages blaming last year's government shutdown on Democrats, saying they couldn't consult OSC for clarification because its Hatch Act Unit was furloughed. Sorry, but a shutdown isn't a free pass to violate the law.
govexec.com
Watchdog won’t discipline agencies over partisan shutdown posts but warns against ‘derogatory’ messaging
Many departments blamed congressional Democrats for last year’s funding lapse by posting banners on agency websites and modifying furloughed employees’ out-of-office messages.
23414
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.
055
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 ...
043
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,
095
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.
041
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!
081
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
065
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...
077
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.
02615
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.
084
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.
055
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.
1129
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.
1179
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.
0117
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.
051
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.
051
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.
02214
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.
165
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.
162
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.
1118
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."
183
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...
041
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.
187
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.
0114
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.
297
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
097
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.
085
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.
0106
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.
063
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.
11510
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
052
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.
074
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.
094
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Trump may be a longtime Knicks fan, but his appearance at MSG tonight, like many actions in his presidency, harms regular folks & raises ethical questions. The only difference is today, it's distracting from the biggest #goKnicks game this century.
gothamist.com
The Knicks last won an NBA championship in 1973. Here’s what NYC looked like 53 years ago.
Cheap rent, cheap subways, the birth of hip-hop and the opening of the World Trade Center.
030
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
President Trump is one of the lucky few that can actually afford to pay for tickets to tonight’s game. Instead, he’s attending as the guest of another billionaire who has business before the government. Predictably, regular folks are on the outside.
espn.com
With Trump attending Game 3, watch party canceled, NYPD says
As part of enhanced security measures with President Donald Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs on Monday night, there will be no watch party outside Madison Square Garden, the New York Police Department said on Sunday.
140
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
As Americans struggle with rising costs and New Yorkers (like me) revel in the Knicks’ Finals run, Trump keeps finding ways to benefit himself & his friends. Congress should find out whether Trump & Dolan discuss any government deals at the game. www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/a...
csmonitor.com
In Trump’s second term, financial gain has become a defining feature - CSMonitor.com
110
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Much like the donors to another Trump vanity exercise—his corporate funded ballroom—if the gift comes from MSG rather than Dolan, the company may be required to report the gift to Trump as a lobbying expenditure.
citizensforethics.org
White House ballroom donations should be disclosed on lobbying disclosure reports - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
At least 23 reported contributors to the White House ballroom should have disclosed those donations as part of their regular lobbying disclosure filings.
110
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
It’s hard to quantify how much #Knicks fans will be put out by Trump’s Finals visit. But federal law requires that Trump disclose on his annual financial disclosure statement how much attending the Knicks game costs his friend Dolan.
everycrsreport.com
Gifts to the President of the United States
This report addresses provisions of federal law and regulation restricting the acceptance of personal gifts by the President of the...
110
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
So unlike most other federal employees, President Trump can accept a #NBA Finals ticket from Dolan despite the potential conflict of interest reported rumors that the two held a “secret meeting…about the plans for Penn Station” create.
pagesix.com
Exclusive | President Donald Trump had a secret meeting with MSG owner James Dolan about fraught Penn Station make-over plans
A source tells us Trump once again brought up his wish to have the station renamed after him.
110
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Those gift rules don’t apply to the president. The Constitution prevents a president from accepting gifts from foreign & domestic governments. But Congress has not passed gift rules for the President & VP similar to those for other federal employees.
everycrsreport.com
Gifts to the President of the United States
This report addresses provisions of federal law and regulation restricting the acceptance of personal gifts by the President of the...
120
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Under federal gift rules for government employees, neither Secretary Duffy nor any other DOT employee working on the project could accept a gift of @nba.com Finals tix from someone like Dolan whose financial interests may be impacted by their decisions. www.ecfr.gov/current/titl...
ecfr.gov
5 CFR 2635.204 -- Exceptions to the prohibition for acceptance of certain gifts.
130
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Last year, Trump’s scandal-plagued Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, took control of the Penn Station overhaul, even choosing developers for the project in May 2026.
media.amtrak.com
PENN STATION UPDATE: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy & Amtrak Announce Penn Transformation Partners (Halmar and Skanska) as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation - ...
140
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
You might also be wondering why the president, a federal employee, can accept such a pricey gift from someone with business interests before the government.
pbs.org
Trump to attend Knicks' NBA Finals game in New York
Invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, he will be the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
152
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
When asked about his invitation from Dolan to see the Knicks in Game 3, Trump said people who can’t afford a ticket can watch the Finals on TV because “That’s the way life goes.”
thehill.com
Trump says people who can’t afford NBA Finals ticket can watch on TV: ‘That’s the way life goes’
President Trump shrugged off frustration among New Yorkers that tickets to see the New York Knicks play in the NBA Finals in person are so expensive. The cheapest tickets to Game 3 of the NBA Final…
140
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
As reported by Politico, one plan to revamp Penn Station proposes relocating MSG from its current location to “an adjacent spot in midtown Manhattan—a move that would require the agreement of James Dolan.”
politico.com
MAGA’s Plan to Remake an Iconic New York Landmark
A group of Trump-loving devotees of classical architecture are making headway on rebuilding New York’s central train station.
130
Donald K. Sherman @donaldonethics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Dolan is a long-time Trump donor, who owns both the NY Knicks and their arena, Madison Square Garden. The arena sits atop New York’s Penn Station, which has caught the eye of Trump allies for potential renovation.
yahoo.com
MSG kingpin James Dolan and associates gave generously to Mayor Adams amid NYC business interests
Billionaire Madison Square Garden owner James Dolan, together with his relatives and business associates, pumped more than $60,000 into Mayor Adams’ legal and political coffers this summer — even as h...
151
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.
3226
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
051
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.
053