AUSTIN, Texas — Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has outlined a five-point plan aimed at enhancing ethics in government. During his appearance at the 2026 Texas Tribune Festival, Emanuel emphasized the need for elected officials to prioritize the public’s interest over personal gains. He also addressed education system reforms, suggesting that both parties could learn from successful approaches in certain Republican-led states.
Five Simple Steps to Government Reform
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Emanuel proposed five measures to reform ethics across all branches of government:
- Ban stock trading.
- Prohibit participation in prediction markets.
- Mandatory retirement at age 75.
- Implement mandatory blind trusts for individuals with a net worth exceeding a million dollars.
- Strengthen legal restrictions on foreign gifts and investments.
Emanuel clarified that these reforms should apply to all three branches of government equally.
Education System Critique
Emanuel also expressed his views on education, criticizing the approach of both parties. He argued that Republicans have distanced themselves from public education. According to him, while some do support it, the majority have shifted focus. He highlighted Democratic failures in maintaining accountability and educational standards, stating that both parties are responsible for past mistakes.
While discussing educational policies, Emanuel pointed out that Republicans frequently advocate for vouchers but lack accountability in their implementation. On the other hand, he admitted Democrats have abandoned core curricula and standards since 2012, negatively impacting students.
Addressing concerns about standardized testing, Emanuel noted that teachers were right in claiming an overemphasis on tests. He advocated for adjusting teaching methods rather than discarding tests entirely. He accused Republicans of opposing teachers’ unions and disguising this as a funding mechanism issue.
Learn from Successful Models
Emanuel emphasized the importance of adopting effective models regardless of political affiliation. He suggested examining education records from states like Mississippi and Louisiana, which have demonstrated progress in recent years.
He stressed the urgency of improving educational outcomes, citing troubling statistics in reading and mathematics. Emanuel noted that more efforts are needed as science scores remain competitive. He called for immediate action to ensure no child is overlooked in preparing for future challenges.
Though potentially eyeing a presidential bid, Emanuel faces challenges as current polls do not list him among leading Democratic contenders. In contrast, former Vice President Kamala Harris commands substantial support with approximately 25% average backing among Democratic voters.