[Photo:  Carl Icahn  -  NYTimes Dealbook]

Another ‘Conflicts of Interest’ Alert in the Trump Administration

Donald Trump has named billionaire investor Carl Icahn, a frequent critic of regulation and major fossil fuel investor, a special advisor on regulation. Icahn, an early supporter of Trump's presidential bid, will aid Trump in an "individual capacity" rather than as a federal employee or special government employee, adding that he will not have "specific duties." He therefore likely will not have to give up his varied business interests while advising Trump on policy.

"I am proud to serve President-elect Trump as a special advisor on regulatory reform. Under President Obama, America's business owners have been crippled by over $1 trillion in new regulations and over 750 billion hours dealing with paperwork," Icahn said in a statement.

 

"It's time to break free of excessive regulation and let our entrepreneurs do what they do best: create jobs and support communities. President-elect Trump is serious about helping American families, and regulatory reform will be a critical component of making America work again."

Icahn has frequently criticized Obama administration rules and told CNBC that he supported Trump's choice of Pruitt, who has battled the current president's EPA and expressed doubts about how much humans affect climate change. Icahn previously said the EPA was one of the worst-run agencies he had ever seen.

ANOTHER CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ALERT.    The activist investor is known for battling companies to make changes that he believes will boost their shares. Icahn's holdings include CVR Energy, Cheniere Energy and insurance giant AIG, which could all be affected by Trump's regulatory agenda.