Obama ethics chief: Prisons will be full of Trump associates by the end of his term

The top ethics official under President Obama predicted on Tuesday that by the end of President Trump’s administration, “prisons will be full of [Trump’s] associates.” 

Norm Eisen made the comment in response to reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleared a press staffer to work a side job as a media consultant — a move that has led critics to raise concerns of conflicts of interest in the agency. {mosads}

“This is insane. In the Obama White House, I even made people quit uncompensated non-profit outside positions because of conflicts risks. This is FOR profit work that could conflict with official duties. Prediction: by the end of Trump admin, prisons will be full of his associates,” Eisen tweeted.  

This is insane. In the Obama White House, I even made people quit uncompensated non-profit outside positions because of conflicts risks. This is FOR profit work that could conflict with official duties. Prediction: by end of Trump admin, prisons will be full of his associates https://t.co/Rn0KLSV66Q

— Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) March 6, 2018

John Konkus was cleared by ethics officials at the EPA in August to provide “consultative media advice” to unnamed clients. While spokespersons for the agency have maintained the decision was above board, the process has still raised concerns about conflicts of interest.

Konkus was given the responsibility by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to review the agency’s grants to ensure they align with Trump administration priorities. Environmentalists have warned that power could be a danger to conservationist efforts.

Eisen, a frequent critic of the Trump administration, has previously raised questions about possible obstruction of justice in the investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election.