Trump Says He’s “Nothing to Do With the Family Business” as Maldives Hotel Deal Advances

Trump: "I have nothing to do with the family business" as Maldives hotel deal moves forward

President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he has "nothing to do with the family business" as the Trump Organization and a Saudi developer pursue plans to open a Trump-branded hotel in the Maldives.

The comment came during an Oval Office meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, when reporters asked whether a potential business relationship between the Trump Organization and Saudi partners could create a conflict of interest while Trump serves as president.

"I have nothing to do with the family business. I have left, and I've devoted 100% of my energy. What my family does is fine. They do business all over," Trump said. "They've done very little with Saudi Arabia actually. I'm sure they could do a lot, and anything they've done has been very good."

Trump defended his family’s private deals and reiterated that he has stepped away from day-to-day involvement to focus on his presidential duties. Observers and ethics watchdogs, however, have raised concerns about whether family ties and international licensing agreements could create perceived or actual conflicts of interest.

Reporting by Steve Holland and Jasper Ward; editing by Costas Pitas.