We need to have a serious conversation about presidential ethics.
I don’t think I even need to explain why Trump accepting a luxury jet from a foreign government is a bad idea.
But here’s the thing: when I was in Congress, I saw this coming, and saw the corruption that already plagued Washington.
That’s why just last year, I worked across the aisle to introduce legislation to strengthen presidential ethics requirements. It would have mandated presidents and vice presidents disclose their gifts from foreign governments, their tax returns, and other information that could reveal conflicts of interest.
I said at the time that the bill wasn’t about targeting a particular person or candidate. High ethical standards for our elected officials should be something that every American can get behind, regardless of their party affiliation or ideology.
Too many politicians don’t see it that way.
They’re quick to call out perceived corruption when it’s the other side doing it, but the same isn’t true when it’s their own party. That’s why my ethics bill never became law.
Think about how many Republicans were shouting from the rooftops last year about presidential ethics. Where are they now that Trump wants to accept a jumbojet as a gift from a foreign government?
Too many of our elected leaders get tunnel vision because of party loyalty. The result is that legislation that would benefit all of us as Americans gets hindered to the point that it never becomes law.
Just like when I was a Congressperson, my priorities as governor are going to be 100% what is in California’s best interest. I’ll work with everyone—and say no to anyone—to do what’s right for Californians.
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—Katie
