We wanted to believe that President Trump was doing the right thing when the White House announced in January that executive branch officials would be banned for two years from working on policy or regulations they once were paid to influence as lobbyists and lawyers.
His pledge now seems worthless. On Wednesday, after weeks of prodding, the administration released waivers it had granted to White House staff members to let them violate the rule. The waivers — for at least 16 staff members — are further evidence of the White House’s disregard, even contempt, for good government.