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Sarbanes, House Democrats Unveil New Report Documenting Trump’s Failure to ‘Drain the Swamp’

April 27, 2017

Comprehensive Review Finds That Wealthy Special Interests Have Gained More Power and Influence in Trump’s Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today joined House Democrats in unveiling a new report, "100 Ways in 100 Days: How the Trump Administration Has Flooded Swamp in Washington." The report illustrates the numerous and unprecedented ways in which the Trump Administration – after only 100 days in office – has tested the extreme limits of ethics laws and standards in place to prevent public corruption, improve government transparency and encourage accountability among elected officials.

"President Trump campaigned on a false promise to ‘drain the swamp' in Washington," said Congressman Sarbanes. "After just 100 days in office, it's become abundantly clear that instead of cleaning up Washington, the president has only poisoned the well. Time and again, President Trump has empowered a small group of wealthy and well-connected insiders to advance policies that harm hardworking Americans – all to benefit the moneyed elite, including the president and his family."

The report highlights several ways in which the Trump Administration has weakened accountability and reduced good governance in Washington, including:

  • Making a mockery of ethics laws and regulation;
  • Promoting a culture of opacity in the Executive Branch;
  • Building a cabinet of big-money campaign donors;
  • Installing a revolving door into the Trump White House;
  • Putting a premium on keeping big donors happy;
  • Profiting from the Office of the Presidency; and
  • Exhausting taxpayer dollars on vacation and private business promotion.

See here for a full copy of the report.

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