Senior executive branch officials hold vast power, and they should make decisions in the public’s interest. Those who are nominated to and serve in the second Trump administration must live up to this high standard or be held accountable when they fall short.
Back to topPresident-elect Donald Trump has revived efforts on one of his most controversial executive orders from his first term.
The creation of Schedule F, reversed by the Biden administration before it could be implemented, would pave the way for Trump to fire thousands of career civil servants and replace them with loyalists.
These federal employees, who...
To maintain a government of, by, and for the people, appointees and other executive branch officials must use their power to benefit the people, not to seek personal or financial gain.
The individuals nominated and confirmed to executive branch positions hold some of the most powerful positions in government and make decisions that affect the daily lives of the entire American public as they implement and enforce the laws Congress passes. As a result of their power, officials are constant targets of wealthy special interests who use their outsized influence to sway officials and provide information that would allow those officials to financially benefit at the public’s expense.
In the early days of an administration, the nomination process requires vigilance from the public and watchdog groups like Campaign Legal Center to determine whether a nominee has significant conflicts of interests that would make them susceptible to the influence of special interests or their own personal interest.
As the administration progresses, it is vital that we maintain a watchful eye on Cabinet secretaries and other appointees to hold our government to high ethical standards.
Voters have a right to know whether their elected officials are focused on the needs of the public or are prioritizing their own personal wealth or the wants of special interests. The future of our democratic institutions relies on the enforcement of ethics laws — without it, accountability falters and public trust erodes.
