Donald Trump and ethics go together like rattlesnakes and Birkenstocks, so it’s not surprising that he’s facing a new round of ethics complaints over his continued use of the Official Seal of the Office of the President of the United States, though in this case, the use is more infuriating than others, the Washington Post reports.

Trump bedecked his Bedminster golf club with the Presidential Seal in preparation for hosting a LIV Golf tournament this weekend, an event that will net him millions of dollars paid directly from the Saudi royal family to the Trumps, one despot to a wannabe.  Tee boxes, towels, golf carts and shirts were seen around the club donning the Seal, which is never supposed to be used for commercial purposes, although benign uses for soveniers are typically tolerated.  Critics note Trump’s use of the Seal seems to be intended to suggest the event was sanctioned by the White House.  It wasn’t.  While the tournament is not being televised in the United States, viewers can watch it streamed online and some foreign networks, particularly in the Middle East, are carrying it.

Trump’s use of the Seal, which is owned and trademarked by the federal government, has been controversial since the day he claimed victory in the 2016 election.  He designed an emblem very close to the official Seal for his transition team, and he continues to use a knockoff of it in his official ranting as “The 45th President of the United States” on his failing social media platform, Troth Socal. 

The use of the Seal has also rankled families of victims and survivors of the September 11th attacks, who view it as a slap in the face to the thousands who died in the attacks, which have been linked to funding from the Saudi royal family.

Trump has thankfully been out of office for more than 18 months, which to a normal business, would be sufficient time to remove the seals from the private property.  However, ethical journalists (not from Fox) who have been permitted on Trump properties noted that the Seal is still seen on the tee box of the first hole of his Florida golf courses.  Critics called Trump’s extensive use of the Seal at his private properties crass and unprofessional.

It is illegal to use the Seal as a way to imply that there’s an official endorsement of a product, business or event by the President or the White House.  Violations of the law can lead to a significant fine and up to a six month prison term.