Would Trump even pass a background check?

I was visited recently by an investigative agent who was doing a routine security background check for an acquaintance who is a public servant. She duly showed me her badge and credentials and proceeded to ask me some perfunctory questions: How long have you known him? Where does he live? How did you meet him?

I would point out that the person who is the subject of this investigation is responsible, diligent, professional, balanced and of unquestioned character and integrity. Then the investigator asked me a different set of questions: Has this person done anything for which he could be blackmailed? Does he have any suspicious financial issues or entanglements? Does he have any questionable dealings with another country?

With regard to my acquaintance, the responses were all no. After following the news of the last few days and months, I was disturbed to realize how poorly the current occupant of the White House would have measured-up in my responses to these questions (“Michael Cohen secretly recorded Trump discussing payments to Playboy model: report,” July 20).

Yes, Donald Trump could be blackmailed based upon his admitted and demonstrated personal behavior. Yes, he has had many suspicious financial dealings and a complete lack of transparency with his taxes. Yes, he is beholden to a foreign country whose interests are opposed to those of the United States. My acquaintance should continue his role as a public servant. He poses no security threat. What about Donald Trump?