Urgent Concern Over Ethics Rollbacks and Government Integrity

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent changes to ethics regulations and conflict of interest policies under the Trump administration, particularly the revocation of critical ethics rules, the appointment of special government employees (SGEs) with reduced oversight, and the placement of former lobbyists in key government positions. These actions severely undermine the integrity of the U.S. government and erode public trust in federal institutions. First, the decision to revoke ethics rules that restricted government officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists and prevented lobbyists from immediately joining the executive branch removes vital safeguards against corruption. These regulations were designed to ensure government officials act in the best interest of the American people, not special interest groups. Their removal paves the way for increased lobbying influence over policymaking, which threatens the fairness and impartiality of our government. Second, the appointment of Elon Musk as a special government employee (SGE) in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest. Unlike regular federal employees, SGEs are subject to far more lenient ethics rules, making it easier for individuals with significant private business interests to shape government policies without sufficient accountability. Given Musk’s extensive involvement in industries reliant on government contracts and regulations, his appointment without stricter oversight risks decisions being made to benefit his enterprises rather than the American people. Third, the appointment of multiple former lobbyists to high-ranking positions further compounds these ethical concerns. Among them: • Susie Wiles, a former lobbyist with ties to foreign interests, now serves as White House Chief of Staff. • Don Dempsey, a former healthcare industry lobbyist, was appointed to a senior position in the White House budget office, where he has significant influence over healthcare policy. • Kathleen Sgamma, an oil and gas lobbyist, now leads the Bureau of Land Management, a position where she oversees policies affecting the very industry she previously advocated for. These appointments raise serious ethical questions about whether government decisions are being made in the best interests of the public or the industries these officials once represented. These changes set a dangerous precedent, weakening ethical standards that have long served to protect the integrity of our democracy. I urge you to take immediate action to support legislation that reinstates essential ethics rules, strengthens conflict-of-interest safeguards for SGEs, and ensures that government appointees are held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. I appreciate your attention to this critical matter.