Former Vice President Mike Pence pressed Republicans Sunday to renew standards for public service, citing concern among many Americans that President Donald Trump and his family benefit from his time in office.
On NBC’s Meet the Press, Pence told host Kristen Welker that accounts involving Cabinet officials, their relatives and the president’s family had troubled Americans. He said perceptions of family enrichment during Trump’s presidency were an issue for many people.
Pence said supporters he met while traveling around the country told him Republicans had failed to fulfill their 2016 pledge to “drain the swamp.” He said those conversations showed the promise had not been met. He argued the party should return to conservative principles associated with it for 50 years, including by restoring standards for public office.
Pence also distinguished between Trump’s longstanding business career and public reaction to crypto-linked wealth. He said no one begrudged Trump and his family for continuing to do business, noting Trump had been a successful businessman before taking office. But Pence called a billion-dollar cryptocurrency-linked increase in net worth “astounding to Americans.”
The Independent reported that the White House denied Trump was profiting from the presidency and said his businesses were held in a trust managed by his sons. The outlet also reported that the administration described Trump as a successful investor, like others who bought the coins.
Pence did not accuse Trump of illegal or unethical conduct. Separately, EconoTimes reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged incoming Democratic majorities in Congress to pursue accountability alongside policy changes, tying those aims to restoring public trust.
