SpaceX continues to receive substantial federal contracts, totaling $9.5 billion from the Department of Defense in 2025, despite congressional investigations into potential conflicts of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration. These contracts include a $5.9 billion …
Donald TrumpElon MuskTrump AdministrationRep. Stephen LynchRep. Gerry Connollygovernment-contractskleptocratic-capturesystematic-corruptioncorporate-capture
President Trump attempted to federalize the California National Guard without Governor Newsom’s consent, sparking a major constitutional showdown. A federal court issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the deployment and challenging the president’s authority under Title 10, …
Donald TrumpGavin NewsomPete HegsethCharles BreyerLetitia James+2 morenational-guardconstitutional-crisisexecutive-powerseparation-of-powersfederal-state-conflict+1 more
Federal District Court in D.C. issued a landmark ruling challenging Trump administration’s unilateral National Guard deployment powers. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that Trump violated the Posse Comitatus Act by sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles for immigration …
Federal District CourtDepartment of DefenseState GovernorsDonald Trump9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals+5 morenational-guardmilitary-authorityconstitutional-interpretationexecutive-powerjudicial-review+2 more
The Pentagon modified a planned meeting with Elon Musk after reports emerged that he was set to receive a classified briefing on potential U.S. war plans against China. Trump administration officials denied Musk would receive sensitive information, and the meeting was ultimately scaled back to a …
Donald TrumpElon MuskPete Hegsethforeign-influencenational-securitytech-government-relations
President Trump rescinded Executive Order 14237 targeting Paul Weiss law firm after the firm agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services, adopt political neutrality, and support causes aligned with the administration’s priorities.
Donald TrumpPaul Weiss Law FirmMark Pomerantzgovernment-contractsexecutive-powerlegal-servicesinstitutional-capture
Elon Musk’s America PAC launched a controversial campaign offering Wisconsin voters $100 to sign a petition against ‘activist judges’, directly targeting the April 1 Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The campaign involves a $1 million voter outreach strategy, including $100 per …
In an unprecedented move, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly recommended buying Tesla stock during a Fox News appearance on March 20, 2025, raising significant ethical concerns. Lutnick stated ‘It’ll never be this cheap again,’ directly contradicting federal ethics …
Howard LutnickElon MuskDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationGerry Connollyregulatory-capturecorporate-influenceethics-violationtrump-administration
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s CEO since 2022, was forced to resign by the Trump administration following public pressure from Elon Musk to privatize the national passenger rail service. Despite Amtrak achieving record ridership of 32.8 million customer trips in 2023, the administration signaled …
Donald TrumpStephen GardnerElon MuskSean Duffykleptocracyprivatizationinfrastructuretransportation
In a landmark regulatory decision on March 19, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its four-year lawsuit against Ripple Labs, a cryptocurrency firm with close political connections. Following a partial legal victory in 2023 and significant changes in SEC leadership under the …
The Trump administration eliminated NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and its Diversity office, affecting 23 employees and raising concerns about potential SpaceX influence and reduced climate research capabilities
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJanet PetroKatherine Calvinkleptocracynasaworkforce-reductionadministrative-capture
In March 2025, SpaceX’s DOGE team installed a Starlink satellite internet terminal at the White House, bypassing standard communication security protocols. Congressional Democrats raised significant national security concerns about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and conflicts of …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskSpaceX DOGE TeamRep. Gerry Connolly+1 moreregulatory-capturecybersecuritytechnology-infrastructurewhite-housestarlink
Russia’s Direct Investment Fund head, Kirill Dmitriev, proposed a joint Mars exploration initiative with Elon Musk, offering nuclear technology and space expertise from Roscosmos and Rosatom. This marks a significant diplomatic overture in U.S.-Russia space cooperation, part of a broader …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationKirill DmitrievElon MuskRoscosmos+1 moreforeign-influencespace-explorationinternational-cooperationtech-diplomacy
World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture backed by Trump’s family, announced it raised $250 million in its second token sale, bringing total sales to $550 million. The project demonstrates potential conflicts of interest and regulatory capture in the cryptocurrency sector.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationWorld Liberty FinancialJustin Suncryptoworld-liberty-financialgovernment-contractscrypto-ventureregulatory-capture+3 more
Evan Feinman, who led the Commerce Department’s $42.5 billion broadband program, resigned warning that Trump is restructuring the initiative to benefit Elon Musk’s Starlink
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
The U.S. State Department, led by Ambassador Sharon Cromer, pressured Gambian officials to approve Starlink’s business license by implying potential cuts to U.S. developmental aid. The campaign targeted Lamin Jabbi, head of the Communications Ministry, and escalated to direct appeals to …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSharon CromerLamin JabbiElon Musk+3 moremedia-controlregulatory-captureforeign-aidstarlinkdiplomatic-pressure
Senator Richard Blumenthal’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations opens preliminary inquiry into Trump’s digital assets, stating ‘TRUMP allows, and even invites, anyone in the world, including foreign governments and unscrupulous individuals, to directly enrich the …
Richard BlumenthalSenate Permanent Subcommittee on InvestigationsDonald Trumpcongressional-investigationcryptoforeign-influencecorruption-investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened Tesla vandals with severe federal charges, characterizing the property destruction as potential ‘domestic terrorism’. The investigation targets coordinated attacks on Tesla vehicles and infrastructure across multiple states, with potential 20-year …
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s deep ties to the cryptocurrency industry have raised concerns about potential regulatory capture. Through his firm Cantor Fitzgerald and personal investments, Lutnick has significant financial interests in crypto firms while leading the Trump …
Donald TrumpHoward LutnickElizabeth WarrenTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-capturetrump-administrationfinancial-corruption
Elon Musk, operating through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), gained unprecedented access to federal systems, including Treasury and Personnel Management databases, enabling radical restructuring and potential conflicts of interest.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced 32,809 enforcement arrests in the first 50 days of the Trump Administration (January 21 - March 12, 2025), demonstrating a dramatic acceleration of immigration enforcement. The arrests included 14,000 convicted criminals, 9,800 migrants with …
ICEDHSKristi NoemDonald TrumpTodd Lyonsimmigration-enforcementicemass-deportationenforcement-milestonetrump-administration+1 more
President Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, purchasing a red Tesla Model S while Elon Musk was present. The event raised significant ethics concerns about presidential conduct and corporate endorsement, occurring amid Tesla’s declining stock performance.
Donald TrumpElon MuskWhite House Staffkleptocracycorporate-influencewhite-houseethics-violation
The Justice Department dramatically reduced the Public Integrity Section, cutting its staff from dozens to approximately 6 prosecutors, effectively dismantling its capacity to independently investigate government corruption. The unit, created in 1976 following the Watergate scandal, will no longer …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationPam BondiEric AdamsDavid Laufmancorruptionregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationinstitutional-captureforeign-influence
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a congressional investigation into alleged attacks against Tesla vehicles and owners, characterizing them as potential ‘domestic terrorism’ orchestrated by the ‘radical Left’, coinciding with broader scrutiny of Elon Musk’s …
Mike JohnsonElon MuskMarjorie Taylor GreeneDonald Trumpkleptocracyinstitutional-capturegovernment-efficiencycongressional-investigation
President Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, personally endorsing the company and Elon Musk amid declining stock values. The event raised substantial ethical concerns about presidential influence and corporate favoritism, with Trump displaying five Tesla vehicles and …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskTeslakleptocracycorporate-captureexecutive-branchethics-violation
The SEC’s Republican-controlled commission voted to revoke the enforcement division’s longstanding authority to independently launch formal investigations, requiring direct commissioner approval. This change potentially slows investigative processes and increases political oversight of …
Donald TrumpMark UyedaHester PeirceCaroline Crenshawregulatory-capturesec-transformationtrump-administration-policy
Elon Musk informed the Trump Administration of his intent to donate $100 million to Trump’s political groups, expanding his significant financial support following the 2024 election. Musk’s America PAC had already spent over $239 million supporting Trump’s campaign, making him the …
The Department of Transportation placed the $24 billion Verizon FAA contract under review, with Elon Musk positioning Starlink as a potential alternative vendor. This review comes amid claims about the existing communication system’s reliability and potential performance issues in air traffic …
The Trump administration circumvented standard procurement processes to award a $200 million DHS advertising contract to two Republican-linked political consulting firms, bypassing competitive bidding and using taxpayer funds for a politically-motivated ‘self-deportation’ media campaign.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationKristi NoemJay ConnaughtonMike McElwainregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsimmigration-policymedia-manipulation
Department of Government Efficiency attempted to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau through mass firings, but federal judges blocked the action and ordered reinstatement
of workers. The attempted dismantling affected 1,500 CFPB employees before court intervention.
Multiple judges …
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)CFPBDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationFederal judgesregulatory-captureagency-dismantlingcourt-interventionworker-rights
Amazon agreed to pay $40 million for a documentary and limited series about Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner. The deal, far above market rates for similar content, came after Jeff Bezos met with Trump and as Amazon faced multiple federal investigations. The documentary, with Melania as an …
AmazonJeff BezosMelania TrumpDonald TrumpBrett Ratneramazonjeff-bezosmelania-trumpbriberyquid-pro-quo+4 more
The Justice Department fired Adam Cohen, director of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, continuing the Trump administration’s pattern of sidelining career civil servants. The dismissal occurred shortly after the DOJ announced a reorganization combining the task force with the …
Donald TrumpAdam CohenTodd Blancheregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationcivil-service-purge
The FCC granted SpaceX’s Starlink a conditional waiver to operate a high-power direct-to-cell satellite service with T-Mobile at -110.6 dBW/m²/MHz, a 770% power increase. Despite strong objections from AT&T and Verizon about potential network interference, the FCC approved the service with …
Starlink has secured contracts and deployed internet infrastructure across multiple federal agencies, including the FAA, GSA, and Customs and Border Protection. The rapid adoption has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given Musk’s close ties to the Trump …
Cryptocurrency Tether went from target of government scrutiny to ally of Trump; it’s backed by Commerce Secretary Lutnick and now holds $140 billion in US Treasury bonds—making it the 17th-largest holder of US debt
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
Elon Musk’s America PAC launched a nationwide $1 million television advertisement praising President Donald Trump’s early presidency, aired following Trump’s joint address to Congress. The ad attacks the Biden administration, highlights Trump’s border and efficiency claims, …
Donald TrumpElon MuskAmerica PACpolitical-advertisingtrump-administrationelection-infrastructurecampaign-finance
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) demanded $4 million from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fund 20 full-time positions tasked with implementing widespread federal workforce reductions. OPM was required to submit Reduction in Force (RIF) plans targeting approximately 70,000 …
Elon MuskDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationOffice of Personnel Managementgovernment-contractsworkforce-reductionregulatory-capturefederal-employment
The Trump administration effectively paralyzed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in March 2025, freezing hundreds of millions in consumer protection payouts and halting dozens of ongoing corporate investigations. Under Acting Director Russell Vought, the agency’s headquarters was …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationRussell Voughtregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsconsumer-protectionfinancial-regulation
President Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, committing the U.S. government to stockpile Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. The reserve will be capitalized through forfeited assets and aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in cryptocurrency …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationTreasury DepartmentU.S. Department of Commercecryptostrategic-reservedigital-assetstrump-administration
Financial Times analysis finds Trump’s crypto projects netted $350 million through March 2025, with $314 million from direct sales and $36 million in fees, while roughly half of top TRUMP holders received coins from exchanges rejecting U.S. customers.
Donald TrumpWorld Liberty FinancialCIC Digital LLCcryptorevenueforeign-investmentfinancial-disclosure
Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund MGX committed $2 billion to Trump’s World Liberty Financial stablecoin project, representing massive foreign government investment in sitting president’s business.
Abu Dhabi MGXWorld Liberty FinancialDonald Trumpcryptoforeign-investmentemolumentssovereign-wealth
President Trump missed the February 19 deadline to disclose private donors for his presidential transition, breaking a long-standing transparency practice. By declining federal funding of $19.4 million, Trump avoided requirements to cap donations at $5,000 per person and publicly list donor details.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSusie WilesGeneral Services Administrationregulatory-captureexecutive-powercampaign-financetransparency
The SEC moved to pause its civil fraud case against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, a key adviser to Trump’s World Liberty Financial, signaling a potential negotiated resolution. Sun, who invested at least $75 million in Trump-linked crypto assets, appears to have secured a temporary …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJustin SunSECcryptocorruptionregulatory-capturegovernment-contractssec+1 more
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance announced that meme coins, including Trump’s $TRUMP token, are classified as ‘collectibles’ and not subject to federal securities laws, creating a significant regulatory precedent in cryptocurrency classification.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSECSEC Division of Corporation Financecryptoregulatory-capturefinancial-innovationtrump-tokens
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), under acting director Russell Vought, abruptly dropped five significant lawsuits, including a $2 billion case against Capital One. The dismissals, which came during Jonathan McKernan’s Senate confirmation hearing, represent an unprecedented …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationRussell VoughtJonathan McKernanCapital One+4 moreregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationfinancial-captureproject-2025