Public Policy Solutions Co-Founder and Principal John Czwartacki argues in his latest op-ed, “A President Who Chose a Higher Standard Than the Law Required,” that the ethics provisions negotiated into the CLARITY Act represent a meaningful act of accountability by President Donald Trump.
In his op-ed, John argues:
Washington politicians regularly promise to eliminate conflicts of interest and hold themselves to higher ethical standards. Too often, those promises disappear once the campaign is over.
President Trump chose a different path. Although he was not compelled by a court, investigation, or political scandal, he accepted restrictions that would apply directly to the office he holds. The provisions were negotiated openly and written into legislation—not adopted as a symbolic gesture after the fact.
John contrasts that decision with years of inaction in Congress, where lawmakers have repeatedly failed to pass meaningful restrictions on their own financial activity. Politicians who had the power to impose stronger standards on themselves often chose not to do so.
The CLARITY Act also shows that ethical government and pro-innovation policy do not have to be in conflict. The legislation establishes clearer rules for an emerging industry while raising the standard for the public officials responsible for writing and enforcing those rules.
Real accountability is measured by actions, not press conferences or campaign promises. By accepting limits that went beyond what existing law required, President Trump demonstrated a willingness to apply the rules at the highest level of government.
That is an important achievement—and one that supporters of honest, effective
government should recognize.