Support/Vote YES on the Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act

Today I’m writing to urge you to support the Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act, recently introduced by Representative John B. Larson and Democratic colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee. This legislation addresses a critical conflict of interest that threatens taxpayer dollars and the integrity of our government. As we know, President Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department, agencies that fall under his own executive oversight. This represents an unprecedented situation where a sitting president is attempting to extract billions from taxpayers by suing the very government he leads. The lawsuit follows a pattern of extortionist litigation against media outlets including 60 Minutes, George Stephanopoulos, and the Wall Street Journal. The Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act would impose a 100% tax on any civil settlement awarded to the President, the President's immediate family, or any business entity they own or control while in office, if the underlying legal action was filed against the United States government. This sensible, straightforward solution eliminates the financial incentive for self-litigation without restricting anyone's legal rights. No president should be able to profit from suing the American people. The inherent conflict of interest when a president sues agencies under their own control creates an untenable situation that undermines public trust and opens the door to exploitation of taxpayer resources. This legislation protects all Americans of every political stripe, from being forced to pay billions in settlements to the very person elected to serve them. I ask that you cosponsor and vote in favor of the Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act. This is a matter of basic accountability and fiscal responsibility. Taxpayer dollars should fund essential services and programs, not enrich political leaders through lawsuits against their own administration. Thank you.