Nepotism. It’s defined as being some one who gets preferential treatment and who receives opportunities, recognition or favoritism that they have not earned, possibly cheating others out of an opportunity. This word has become synonymous with the Trump family, as he has not only hired Jared Kushner as a senior advisor but now his daughter, Ivanka, also has an office in the White House with top security clearances.
However, sorry to disappoint those who thought Trump was violating the anti-nepotism law of 1967, but he isn’t. CNN even quotes the DOJ deputy assistant attorney general, “In choosing his personal staff, the President enjoys an unusual degree of freedom, which Congress found suitable to the demands of his office.” This quote was back in January of this year when Trump announced that he was hiring his son-in-law.
As Eugene Scott of CNN reported,
“’how is it nepotism?’ Miller, a Trump surrogate, replied.
‘Because she’s the daughter of the President, that’s how it’s nepotism,’ Camerota responded.
‘She’s working for free. She’s volunteering her time and effort for the good of the country,” Miller said.’”
The media and society has to remember this isn’t the first president to not only hire a family member but also challenge the anti-nepotism law. Scott Bomboy of Constitution Daily reported, “A similar debate, ironically, also took place in the 1990s when President Bill Clinton asked Hillary Clinton to lead a health-care task force.” As well as JFK, John Adams, Ulysses S. Grant, and Woodrow Wilson as stated on Maryjane.com, although all their presidencies were prior to 1967.
I don’t understand why the nepotism discussion is still being talked about when the DOJ has already cleared Trump. If they meet the job qualifications and are not being paid then they have the right to be appointed without violating the law.
(Photo courtesy of CreativeCommon.com with open copyright)
Double Standard 