Trump Wine Sold at Military Bases Sparks Fresh Ethics Debate in the US

United States President Donald Trump and his family are now being accused again of exploiting their position to market his business ventures. According to a recent Forbes article, Trump’s wine and cider are now sold to United States military bases. Following these revelations, members of the political opposition consider this to be a serious concern regarding ethical behavior.

Sale of Trump Wine in Military Stores Raises Political Issues

As reported by Forbes, these products have recently been distributed in duty-free shops in Washington D.C. and Centerville in Virginia before the holiday celebrations. As a result, these actions have attracted the concern of a number of watchdogs and protest groups who see these incidents as demonstrations of Power vs. Business.

Trump Administration Releases Clarification

Although officials with the Trump administration admitted to wine sales, there was no violation of law. Trump representatives explained that everything was contained in a licensing agreement and was not related to presidential business.

Watchdog groups are raising ethical concerns

"While it isn’t necessarily illegal, there’s no way to justify this morally," said Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington spokesperson Jordan Leibowitz. "While buying these products in mass could potentially violate the Emoluments Clause in Article II of the United States Constitution—preventing a president from placing himself in a position to financially benefit off his office—there’s no doubt that his personal financial interest does create a conflict."

Bitcoin Exchanges And Other Virtual Currency Business Also Under Discussion

The wine scandal has further increased the focus surrounding business ventures involving members of the Trump family. In fact, one of Donald Trump’s family-owned companies has just recently partnered with the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). Experts believe that this move has strained Indian-US relations.