Public Citizen Letter Demanding Release of Report on Trump Transition
Dear Transition Co-Chairs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon:
We are writing about the reported transition team investigation into the activities of President-elect Donald Trump’s adviser, Boris Epshteyn. According to numerous published reports, transition team lawyers have conducted an investigation of Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations that he demanded payment from individuals under possible consideration for political appointments by Mr. Trump.
We are writing to request that you publish the results of the investigation.
It has been widely reported that Mr. Epshteyn has played an important role in advising Mr. Trump on his appointment decisions. If Mr. Epshteyn’s influence was shaped by inappropriate financial considerations – either positively by anyone making payment or adversely by anyone refusing – the American people have a right to know.
Media accounts indicate that the internal report discovered at least two specific incidents where Mr. Epshteyn made inappropriate demands for payment, so the concerns appear far beyond speculative.
No doubt Mr. Trump makes his own decisions on personnel. But advisors frame decisions, push for candidates they like, make the case against those they disfavor, and sometimes act as gatekeepers influencing who gets consideration at all. No one doubts that close advisors are impactful. If one of Mr. Trump’s close advisors has been compromised by personal monetary considerations, then the personnel selection process itself has been compromised. The American people have a right to know the facts your internal review has found.
Sincerely,
Lisa Gilbert,
Co-President
Robert Weissman,
Co President