Listen To Story Above

David Huitema, the newly appointed director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), is preparing to navigate the complex ethical landscape as President-elect Donald Trump’s appointees begin declaring their financial assets before taking office.

In his first official interview with Reuters since taking the oath on December 16, Huitema confirmed ongoing communication with the transition team ahead of the January 20 inauguration.

The incoming ethics chief faces unique challenges reviewing the extensive business connections of Trump, his family members, and advisers. Ethics specialists have noted the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Walter Shaub, while highlighting that several of Trump’s recent nominees have openly criticized the agencies they’re slated to lead.

Huitema, who previously served nine years as the State Department’s ethics chief, will oversee the OGE’s crucial role in examining potential conflicts of interest among Senate-confirmed nominees and thousands of political appointees.

Former ethics chief Shaub cautioned in a recent open letter that effective performance of these duties could lead to swift termination. Despite this warning, Huitema expressed optimism about the intentions of incoming government officials during his Reuters interview.

While discussing ethics education and public trust maintenance, Huitema avoided specific comments about the incoming administration. He clarified that the ethics office’s jurisdiction extends only to potential government employees, excluding outside advisers like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, whom Trump has enlisted to recommend government spending reductions.

Throughout the interview, Huitema explained various aspects of the OGE’s operations, including the financial disclosure process for presidential nominees, enforcement mechanisms, and conflict of interest protocols. He emphasized that nominees must submit reports within five days of their nomination, and these documents are available for public review.

Regarding enforcement, Huitema detailed how the OGE collaborates with agency ethics officials and the Department of Justice when necessary, as conflicts of interest violations fall under criminal law. He noted that most federal employees, both career and appointed, demonstrate a willingness to comply with ethical guidelines.

When discussing the transition from private sector to government service, Huitema acknowledged the challenge of helping business-oriented individuals adapt to different ethical expectations within government service. He also explained that while the president can grant conflict of interest waivers, these exemptions require OGE consultation and can be made public.

Drawing from his State Department experience, Huitema expressed confidence in government employees’ integrity while acknowledging the need to maintain public trust through careful oversight of potential conflicts of interest.