Wyden Seeks Answers on Possible Treasury Secretary Ethics Violation

Press Release

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today asked U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director Walter Shaub to review comments made by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for potential ethics violations. Sen. Wyden's letter to Director Shaub follows comments Secretary Mnuchin made on Friday that encouraged a live audience to go see "Lego Batman," a movie his own company, Ratpac-Dune Entertainment, produced. Secretary Mnuchin agreed not to engage in any activity as Treasury Secretary that would affect the financial success of this entity.

"The American people deserve to know whether Secretary Mnuchin violated his promise to sever financial ties with Hollywood or if he's instead using the government to increase his own bottom line." said Wyden. "Aside from the president, there may be no individual with a tighter grasp on the levers of this country's economy than the Secretary of the Treasury. Secretary Mnuchin's remarks signal a blatant disregard and disrespect to the office he serves and the power it holds."

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin agreed that he would divest his financial interests in Ratpac-Dune Entertainment within roughly four months of his confirmation as Treasury Secretary. Secretary Mnuchin was confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury on February 13, 2017.

Earlier this year, Director Shaub recommended disciplinary action against Senior Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway after she publicly promoted Ivanka Trump's fashion line.

Source