Creatures From the Black Lagoon?

One of the main underlying themes in the Trump campaign and administration, aside from constant lying, has been conflicts of interest, probably to an extent unprecedented in any previous administration. This clearly starts at the very top, since Donald Trump has refused to completely divest himself of his business interests while in office (often plugging as well as using his golf courses and hotels). Since he has refused to disclose his tax records, additional more sinister conflicts of interest, such as debts to Russia, cannot be excluded. We can only speculate (at least at this point) whether this could account for his otherwise inexplicable favoritism toward Russia and Putin. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump also obviously have at least potential family business conflicts of interest. Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn had significant conflicts of interest, both having represented foreign governments/interests, with at least Flynn failing to disclose such interests, even after becoming national security advisor, for which indictment seems likely.  Now comes fresh news about his possible involvement in a plot to kidnap(!) or extradite for pay an exiled Turkish cleric! In addition to the question of their competence, multiple cabinet secretaries have at least potential conflicts of interest. Consider for example a major oil company CEO becoming Secretary of State, dealing with countries whose relationship with the US is inextricably linked to their oil exports. How about a (now disgraced and purged) Secretary of HHS with a history of scandals related to insider trading of medical equipment company stocks while involved with regulating them in congress? Or an EPA Secretary dedicated to dismantling EPA regulations for the sake of corporate profits, no matter what the damage to public health and the environment, for which he apparently needs extra security, including a pricey "cone of silence" in his office!  There are likely many more examples. Even for a Republican administration this is appalling and disgraceful, but as we have come to expect, there is naught but silence and complicity from most congressional Republicans. And who knows how much more of this disgusting dirty business remains to be disclosed? 

So much for draining the swamp!!