For a man who claims not to take a salary for his role as president, Trump sure is profiting from his presidency in every way, shape, and form. At the headquarters of the Coast Guard Exchanges in Washington, D.C., as well as in Centreville, Virginia, Trump-branded wine and cider are for sale. Now, the sales aren’t a direct legal violation because the President is exempt from most federal conflict-of-interest laws, but they raise ethical concerns about the Trump Organization profiting from the presidency.
Forbes reports:
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the exchanges were carrying Trump wines in a statement to Forbes, saying, “The brave men and women of the USCG are pleased to be able to buy Trump wine and cider tax free.”
While there’s been no shortage of Trump’s businesses capitalizing on the presidency—from using the presidential seal on golf markers at his courses to selling a $75 coffee table book showcasing pictures by his official White House photographer—these wines are among the few times Trump products have been sold at a government facility.
The White House referred inquiries to the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard deferred to DHS and the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment.
