President Trump instructed his sons to dismiss William A. Burck, an outside ethics lawyer for the Trump Organization, because of Burck's representation of Harvard University. This action follows Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration after threats of funding cuts.
Trump publicly stated that Harvard poses a threat to democracy and that Burck's representation of both entities constitutes a conflict of interest. He expressed his belief that Burck is not a competent lawyer.
Eric Trump confirmed the Trump Organization's intention to sever ties with Burck. He cited the conflict of interest as the reason for the decision.
Mr. Burck declined to comment on the situation.
This event highlights the entanglement between Trump's presidency and his private business affairs and his propensity to target individuals perceived as having wronged him.