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 Trump administration pressured nine major law firms to provide $940 million worth of free legal services to defend administration policies and officials. Under threat of losing federal contracts and being blacklisted, firms like Paul Weiss, Kirkland & Ellis, and Skadden agreed to …
Trump AdministrationMajor law firmsPaul WeissKirkland & EllisLatham & Watkins+6 morelegal-extortionlaw-firmscorruptionpro-bono-coerciongovernment-contracts+1 more
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
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on March 12, 2025, that the agency will undertake 31 sweeping deregulatory actions targeting decades of environmental and public health protections. Zeldin described it as “the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history” and “the greatest and …
Lee ZeldinEPAEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Donald TrumpNancy Beck+2 moreepaenvironmental-rollbackclimate-crisispollutionpublic-health+4 more
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 …
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
Madison Sheahan, a 28-year-old former aide to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with no law enforcement experience, was appointed ICE Deputy Director on March 9, 2025. Federal law requires the ICE Director to have “a minimum of 5 years professional experience in law enforcement, and a minimum of 5 …
Madison SheahanKristi NoemImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Department of Homeland Securityillegal-appointmentsqualifications-violationpoliticizationfederal-law-violation
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
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
President Trump signs Executive Orders 14231 and 14232 amending earlier tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, citing illicit drug flows across northern and southern borders as justification. The orders expand February 1 tariff regime, using border security and drug enforcement rhetoric to justify …
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationexecutive-overreachtrade-policyborder-security-pretexteconomic-manipulation
White House issued March 5 ethics waiver allowing David Sacks to shape crypto policy despite remaining financial interests in digital assets through Craft Ventures. Despite selling $200M in liquid crypto holdings, Sacks retained stakes in BitGo and Lightning Labs. Warren questioned the conflict as …
David SacksWhite HouseDavid Warrington (White House Counsel)Sen. Elizabeth WarrenCraft Ventures+1 morecryptoethics-waiverconflict-of-interestregulatory-capture
President Trump issues executive order doubling tariffs on Chinese imports from 10 to 20 percent, citing synthetic opioid supply chain concerns. The tariff increase follows pattern of using national security and public health rhetoric to justify protectionist economic measures that benefit specific …
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationexecutive-overreachtrade-policyeconomic-manipulationnational-security-pretext
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
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick overhauled the $42.5B BEAD broadband program to adopt “tech-neutral approach” allowing satellite providers like Starlink to receive $10-20B instead of expected $4.1B, while directing staff to “increase satellite usage regardless of other …
Howard LutnickDepartment of CommerceElon MuskStarlinkconflict-of-interestregulatory-capturestarlinkbroadbandmusk-benefits
Leading international democracy monitoring organizations including Freedom House, V-Dem Institute, and International IDEA issue coordinated warnings about rapid U.S. democratic deterioration, citing executive overreach, judicial capture, and civic space restrictions. The Global State of Democracy …
Freedom HouseV-Dem InstituteInternational IDEAVarieties of Democracy ProjectUnited Statesdemocracy-crisisinternational-monitoringdemocratic-backslidingglobal-assessmentcoordinated-warning
On February 27, 2025, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the first phase of declassified files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at residences in New York, Florida, and other locations. This initial release marked the …
Pamela BondiJeffrey EpsteinDepartment of JusticeDonald TrumpHouse Oversight Committeeepsteindojsexual abusetransparencytrump administration
The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), began a comprehensive dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Key actions included firing most of its 1,700 employees, closing its Washington headquarters, and effectively …
Donald TrumpElon MuskLinda YaccarinoRussell VoughtElizabeth Warren+4 moreregulatory-capturetech-monopolyconsumer-protectionx-platformfinancial-services+1 more
On February 25, 2025, Axon Enterprise reported 2024 annual revenue of $2.1 billion, representing 33% year-over-year growth and marking the company’s third consecutive year exceeding 30% revenue expansion. The financial results demonstrated the extraordinary profitability of Axon’s …
AxonRick Smithaxonrevenuesubscription-modelevidence-commarket-dominance+2 more
The SEC closed its investigation into Robinhood’s crypto division on February 24, 2025, without taking any enforcement action. Robinhood Chief Legal Officer Dan Gallagher claimed the investigation ’never should have been opened,’ marking a significant moment in the Trump …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationDan GallagherRobinhood Crypto Divisioncryptoregulatory-capturetrump-administrationsecfintech
President Trump fires Joint Chiefs Chairman General Charles Q. Brown Jr. and Defense Secretary Hegseth subsequently dismisses Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti (first woman to lead the Navy), Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife, and the top military lawyers for Army, …
Donald TrumpPete HegsethGeneral Charles Q. Brown Jr.Admiral Lisa FranchettiGeneral James Slife+3 moremilitary-purgejoint-chiefsbrown-firingfranchetti-firingsystematic-politicization+2 more
Tom Krause, CEO of Cloud Software Group, which holds federal contracts worth up to $11.8 million, has been appointed the Treasury Department’s fiscal assistant secretary while retaining his private-sector role
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
Hoan Ton-That, co-founder and CEO of controversial facial recognition startup Clearview AI, resigned from his position, stating “it is time for the next chapter in my life.” Ton-That said he would remain on as a board member but declined to comment on what specifically sparked his …
The Trump administration fired hundreds of FAA air traffic control staff while bringing in three SpaceX engineers as Special Government Employees, raising significant regulatory capture concerns. These engineers were allowed to review air traffic control systems despite potential conflicts of …
Donald TrumpElon MuskSean DuffyBrady GlantzTheodore Malaska+1 morekleptocracyregulatory-capturetech-industryfaatrump-administration
On February 18, 2025, the official @WhiteHouse social media account posted a video titled “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight” showing immigrants in shackles being transported on a deportation flight, with audio prominently featuring the sound of jingling chains being laid out on …
White HouseDonald Trumpdeporteeswhite-houseasmrdeportationtroll-culturedehumanization+2 more
President Donald Trump rebrands himself as the ‘crypto president’ through multiple cryptocurrency ventures, including World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a $TRUMP meme coin, and American Bitcoin, while also establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve through an executive order.
Donald TrumpEric TrumpDonald Trump Jr.Barron TrumpZach Witkoffcryptotrump-businessdigital-assetsexecutive-power
Trump administration systematically dismantles federal government’s public corruption investigation capabilities through coordinated personnel purges and case dismissals. Key actions include forcing dismissal of Eric Adams prosecution, with seven senior federal prosecutors resigning in protest …
Emil BoveDanielle Sassoon (Acting US Attorney, Southern District of NY)Hagan Scotten (Assistant US Attorney)Eric AdamsDale Ho (Federal Judge)public-corruptiondoj-dismantlingsystematic-coordinationinstitutional-capturelaw-enforcement-capture+2 more
In early 2025, Donald Trump successfully negotiated a series of lucrative settlements with major media and tech platforms, including a $24 million settlement with YouTube over account suspension, a $25 million settlement with Meta, a $10 million settlement with X (Twitter), a $15 million settlement …
Donald TrumpAlphabet Inc.GoogleYouTubeElon Musk+3 moremedia-controlregulatory-capturelawsuit-settlementssocial-medialegal-strategy+1 more
The Department of Justice announced plans to challenge the constitutional protections that prevent the president from arbitrarily firing leaders of independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris argued …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSarah HarrisRichard DurbinNLRB Leadership+1 moreregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationconstitutional-crisisexecutive-power-expansion
The Trump White House announced it will continue its policy of not releasing visitor logs, effectively preventing public and press access to information about who is meeting with the president. This approach, first implemented during Trump’s first term and challenged by transparency advocates …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationTom BlantonNational Security Archiveregulatory-capturetransparencyexecutive-powergovernment-secrecy
By February 2025, Stephen Miller had consolidated power to an extent unprecedented for a White House deputy chief of staff, earning the nickname “the prime minister” in Trump circles due to his sprawling influence over virtually all administration activities. Miller meets daily with …
Stephen MillerDonald TrumpSusie Wilesstephen millerwhite house powerwhite nationalismauthoritarian consolidation
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau employees were ordered to “stand down from performing any work task” as headquarters was shuttered through February 14. Acting Director Russell Vought and chief legal officer Mark Paoletta halted all CFPB operations unless specifically cleared, …
Russell VoughtMark PaolettaGavin KligerDOGECFPBcfpbconsumer-protectionagency-shutdowndogemass-layoffs
President Trump executed a coordinated mass firing of approximately 17 inspectors general across federal agencies on February 7, 2025, in an unprecedented action that effectively dismantled critical government oversight mechanisms. The purge targeted inspectors general conducting sensitive …
Donald TrumpElon MuskRobert StorchPhyllis FongSergio Gor+4 morekleptocracyoversight-obstructioninspector-general-purgeinstitutional-capturegovernment-accountability+2 more
Kash Patel, a prominent Trump administration figure, disclosed holding between $1 million and $5 million in stock from Elite Depot Limited, the parent company of Shein, a Chinese corporation facing bipartisan criticism for alleged use of forced labor. Senator Adam Schiff demanded a comprehensive …
On February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the immediate dissolution of the KleptoCapture Task Force, a critical anti-corruption initiative established in 2022 to enforce sanctions on Russian oligarchs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The shutdown marks a significant …
Pam BondiDonald TrumpMerrick GarlandGary KalmanAaron Zelinsky+2 moreinstitutional-captureanti-corruptionkleptocracysanctionsrussia+2 more
Trump implements 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 10% on China effective February 4, 2025, with plans for universal 10% tariffs. Senate Democrats later call for SEC investigation after Trump posts “GREAT TIME TO BUY” before announcing tariff pause in April, raising his net worth by $415 …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSenate DemocratsChuck SchumerElizabeth Warren+2 moretariffsmarket-manipulationinsider-tradingsecond-administrationregulatory-capture
Within first two weeks of Trump’s term, administration removed over 8,000 web pages from 12+ government websites including EPA removing “Climate Change” from homepage navigation and EJScreen environmental justice tool. NOAA climate data also targeted. 70% more changes than first …
Trump AdministrationEPANOAACDCEnvironmental Data and Governance Initiativeclimate-scienceinformation-suppressionwebsite-removalenvironmental-justice
In February 2025, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) published its ‘Essential Policy Solutions’ playbook for 2025, doubling down on its decades-long campaign to eliminate state corporate and individual income taxes and replace them with higher sales taxes—a regressive shift …
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)Lisa NelsonArthur LafferState Policy NetworkHeritage Foundation+4 morealectax-policystate-legislationcorporate-corruptionregressive-taxation+6 more
Federal prosecutors in the Middle District of Tennessee withdrew from a criminal investigation into U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, with a Department of Justice attorney from Washington’s Public Integrity Section set to continue the case. The investigation originated from an FBI seizure of Ogles’ …
Andy OglesU.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of TennesseeDepartment of JusticeJohn P. TaddeiRob McGuire+4 moreregulatory-capturecampaign-financecongressional-investigationtrump-administrationpolitical-manipulation
Paramount is negotiating a settlement with Trump over his $10 billion lawsuit against CBS for allegedly deceptively editing a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, as it seeks federal approval for a merger
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationmedia-controlgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponization
USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was fired on February 11, 2025, shortly after his office published a critical report warning that the administration’s foreign aid freeze had compromised oversight of $8.2 billion in humanitarian funds. Martin was the 18th inspector general removed by the …
Paul MartinUSAIDDonald TrumpWhite House Personnel OfficeMarco Rubioinspector-generalusaidforeign-aidretaliationhumanitarian-crisis+1 more
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley’s security detail and clearance, ordering an investigation to determine if Milley should be stripped of his four-star rank. The action targets Milley despite active Iranian assassination threats against him …
Pete HegsethGeneral Mark MilleyPentagon Inspector GeneralIranian RegimeDonald Trumpmilleyretaliationsecurity-detailhegsethmilitary-politicization+2 more
Trump administration Justice Department fires at least 35 DOJ employees who worked on Special Counsel Jack Smith investigations into Trump’s classified documents case and January 6th election interference. Fired prosecutors included career attorneys Molly Gaston, J.P. Cooney, Anne McNamara, …
James McHenryJack SmithMolly GastonJ.P. CooneyAnne McNamara+2 moredoj-weaponizationtrump-administrationspecial-counselprosecutor-firingsjack-smith+2 more
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, confirmed by a narrow 52-48 Senate vote, faces intense scrutiny over her 2017 secret meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and consistent pro-Russia positioning. Her minimal intelligence experience and controversial past have raised significant …
tulsi-gabbardbashar-al-assadRussian IntelligenceDNIintelligence-allies+1 moretulsi-gabbardassadrussiadniintelligence-community+4 more
President Trump fired 18 Inspectors General across multiple federal agencies in an unprecedented purge of government oversight officials. The mass firing included Robert Storch (Defense), Michael Missal (Veterans Affairs), Hannibal “Mike” Ware (Small Business Administration), and Mark …
Donald TrumpRobert StorchMichael MissalHannibal WareMark Lee Greenblatt+1 morecorruptionbipartisan-oppositionrule-of-lawoversight-captureinspector-general+4 more
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was confirmed by the Senate in a 79-18 vote, signing an ethics agreement to divest from oil and gas interests within 90 days of confirmation. Despite pledging to address conflicts of interest, Burgum has a history of voting on issues related to companies with his …
doug-burgumDepartment of Interiorcontinental-resourcesMicrosoftu-s-office-of-government-ethicsdoug-burguminterior-departmentoil-gas-leasescontinental-resourcesconflict-of-interest+5 more