On November 3, the US agency charged with safeguarding workers’ rights ruled that the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas had violated federal law by refusing to hold contract talks with a union representing housekeepers and other staff.
Five days later, the lodging’s co-owner — Donald Trump — was elected president of the US, putting him in a position to appoint a Republican majority at the regulator, the National Labor Relations Board, that could overturn the decision.
The possibility points to one of the central ethical dilemmas facing a Trump administration. There has never been a president-elect with more potential conflicts between his financial interests and his official duties. But with his inauguration set for January 20, Mr Trump has yet to present a formal proposal to insulate himself from criticism that he is putting aside the general welfare in favour of his own.