Not only did Trump disregard the potential conflicts of his business deals and real estate holdings, he audaciously refused to release his tax returns. Why should he if he wasn't going to win? What's more, Trump refused to spend any time considering, however hypothetically, transition matters, saying it was "bad luck"-but really meaning it was a waste of time. Nor would he even remotely contemplate the issue of his holdings and conflicts. He wasn't going to win! Or losing was winning.
In "Fire and Fury," Michael Wolff illustrates how Donald Trump displayed a blatant disregard for potential conflicts stemming from his business ventures, particularly his real estate investments. His unwillingness to release his tax returns reflected his belief that there was no necessity to do so since he expected not to win the election. This attitude not only highlighted his confidence but also his neglect of the ethical responsibilities that accompany political office.
Additionally, Trump's refusal to engage in discussions about the transition process further underscored his dismissive stance. He referred to considering such matters as "bad luck," indicating that he viewed these considerations as trivial and a waste of time. Overall, this mindset suggested that Trump was not genuinely prepared for the responsibilities of leadership, reinforcing the idea that he believed losing could somehow be a form of victory in itself.
