In September 2025 alone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) awarded $1.4 billion in new surveillance technology contracts, representing the highest monthly total in at least 18 years. These contracts provide ICE with extensive surveillance capabilities including facial recognition algorithms, …
Immigration and Customs EnforcementDepartment of Homeland Securityicesurveillancefacial-recognitionmass-surveillancedhs+3 more
Project On Government Oversight revealed that Ballard Partners—the lobbying firm that employed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles—secured lucrative no-bid ICE contracts for clients providing controversial biometric surveillance technology. In August, …
Ballard PartnersPam BondiSusie WilesICEBI² Technologies+1 morecorruptionpay-to-playconflicts-of-interestsurveillancegovernment-contracts+1 more
Trump announced construction of a $200-250 million White House ballroom funded entirely by private donors including Lockheed Martin, Google, Palantir, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Blackstone. Nearly 40 corporations with billions in federal contracts pledged $5-10 million each, with donors’ …
Donald TrumpLockheed MartinGooglePalantirMicrosoft+3 morecorruptionpay-to-playconflicts-of-interestinstitutional-capturegovernment-contracts
Eric Trump founded American Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency venture backed by Hut 8, raising $220 million and planning to build a substantial US bitcoin reserve. The company went public via a Nasdaq merger, with the Trump sons owning a majority stake.
Eric TrumpDonald Trump Jr.Hut 8cryptogovernment-contractstrump-family-business
Despite public tensions, Elon Musk donated $5 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC, part of a broader $277 million spending campaign to support Trump and Republican candidates in the 2024-2025 election cycle
President Trump used his Scottish golf course as a strategic venue for high-level diplomatic meetings, negotiating a new US-EU trade deal and discussing economic interests while simultaneously pursuing British Open hosting rights for Turnberry. During a five-day visit, Trump met with UK Prime …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationKeir StarmerUrsula von der LeyenJohn Swinneyforeign-influencegovernment-contractstrade-negotiationkleptocratic-capturemonetizing-position
The FCC approved Paramount’s merger deal with Skydance—after the media company paid Trump $16 million to settle his frivolous lawsuit and canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationmedia-controlgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponization
Trump Media and Technology Group purchased $2 billion worth of bitcoin and related securities in an effort to become a crypto treasury company– –joining other Trump-family linked businesses pursuing the same strategy
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptomedia-controlregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
The General Services Administration announced a $1 billion ‘OneGov’ cloud agreement with Amazon Web Services, finalizing the deal in August 2025. This agreement centralizes government cloud services under Amazon, providing up to $1 billion in infrastructure credits and modernization …
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The Department of Defense awarded xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, a $200 million contract for its Grok AI tool, despite recent controversies involving antisemitic and problematic AI-generated content. The contract is part of a broader DoD AI modernization push, allowing federal agencies to access …
Elon MuskxAIDepartment of DefenseChief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officeregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsai-technologytech-industry
A comprehensive analysis by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) revealed that 19 White House officials own between $875,000 and $2.35 million in cryptocurrency assets, directly aligning with President Trump’s proposed national crypto reserve strategy. The officials hold …
Donald TrumpIan KelleyWhite House Staffcryptogovernment-contractsconflict-of-interestfinancial-disclosure
Donald Trump’s second inaugural fund received over $19 million from fossil fuel companies, including $2 million from Chevron and $1 million donations from ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Occidental Petroleum. These donations came after Trump promised oil executives at a Mar-a-Lago meeting …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationChevronExxonMobilConocoPhillips+1 moreregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsfossil-fuelscampaign-finance
Following the Trump administration’s termination of most US foreign aid programs, at least 17 developing countries spent over $17 million on US lobbying firms with close ties to the president. These countries seek to secure alternative funding, military support, and negotiate access to …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMarco RubioUS Lobbying Firmsforeign-influenceregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsinternational-lobbyingtrump-administration
Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to President Donald Trump’s presidential library to settle a lawsuit over a ‘60 Minutes’ pre-election interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement includes no apology and appears to be strategically timed to support Paramount’s …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationParamount GlobalCBS NewsKamala Harrismedia-controlgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationcorporate-settlement
Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump over a 2024 campaign-related ‘60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement, viewed as a strategic move to facilitate a pending corporate transaction, involves no apology and a commitment …
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisParamount GlobalCBS NewsAnna Gomezgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationmedia-manipulationelection-interference
Trump’s net worth has doubled to $5.4 billion since returning to office as he commercializes the presidency through luxury product sales, foreign real estate deals, and cryptocurrency ventures
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoforeign-influencegovernment-contracts
The Trump family launched World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture with significant financial implications, demonstrating potential conflicts of interest and leveraging of political power for personal financial gain.
Donald TrumpBarron TrumpTrump Administrationcryptogovernment-contractsfamily-businessfinancial-capture
President Trump’s 2024 financial disclosure revealed he earned approximately $57.4 million from World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture launched during his presidential campaign, alongside $1.2 million from NFT collectibles. These earnings represent a significant monetization of his …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationWorld Liberty Financialcryptogovernment-contractsfinancial-disclosuremonetizing-political-position
He Tianying, a Chinese tech executive and delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, purchased $3.7 million of Trump’s memecoin to secure a private dinner with the president, revealing deep constitutional concerns about foreign influence and presidential access …
Donald TrumpHe TianyingJustin SunAdam SchiffElizabeth Warrencryptogovernment-contractsforeign-influencecampaign-financeconstitutional-violation
Trump has made $1.2 billion from cryptocurrency ventures—including NFTs, $TRUMP memecoins, token sales from World Liberty Financial, and a $2.2 billion stablecoin—across his 2024 presidential campaign and deals in his second term
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
Major donors to Trump’s inaugural fund, like Pilgrim’s Pride and Ripple Labs, have already seen benefits from the government–Ripple settled a $2 billion SEC case for just $50 million and Pilgrim’s Pride’s parent company won USDA approvals
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
The Trump Organization has announced 21 international projects across 10 countries during Trump’s second presidential term, including significant developments in Serbia, India, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uruguay, and Romania. These projects, valued at billions of …
Donald TrumpTrump OrganizationEric TrumpJared Kushnerforeign-influenceregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsinternational-businessconflict-of-interest
The SEC dismissed its lawsuit against Binance after the crypto exchange platform accepted $2 billion worth of Trump’s USD1 stablecoin in a transaction with state-backed Emirati investment firm MGX
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsjustice-weaponization
Paramount Global settled Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit over a 2023 ‘60 Minutes’ interview for $16 million, with no direct payment to Trump and an agreement to release future candidate interview transcripts. The settlement comes amid Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationParamount GlobalCBS NewsKamala Harris+1 moregovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationmedia-manipulationregulatory-capture
Paramount has paid $16 million to President Trump to settle a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes pre-election interview with Kamala Harris, as part of its strategy to gain DOJ approval for a merger with Skydance. The settlement includes no apology and funds for Trump’s presidential library.
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationmedia-controlgovernment-contractsjustice-weaponization
Trump pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks of over $30 million and evading federal taxes, after their daughter—an RNC speaker and Trump supporter—lobbied for their clemency
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcorruptionpardongovernment-contracts
Trump Media planned to raise $2.5 billion in equity and debt to build a massive bitcoin reserve, as the president continued to cash in on cryptocurrency while in control of the industry’s regulatory landscape
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptomedia-controlregulatory-capturegovernment-contracts
Trump and his family have monetized the presidency to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars without significant public outcry and institutional pushback after his early purge of federal ethics watchdogs
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationgovernment-contractsethics-violation
World Liberty Financial, co-founded by Zach Witkoff, launched USD1 stablecoin and secured a $2 billion investment from MGX, an Abu Dhabi state-backed firm, utilizing diplomatic connections of Steve Witkoff and the Trump family. The deal raised significant ethical concerns, with U.S. Senators Warren …
Donald TrumpEric TrumpSteve WitkoffZach WitkoffJustin Sun+3 morecryptoforeign-influencegovernment-contractstrump-family-businessuae-investment+1 more
Trump hosted a black-tie gala for 220 top memecoin investors at his Virginia golf club, with attendees having spent a combined $148 million on the token. The event raised significant ethical concerns due to the majority of top investors being from foreign exchanges, potentially circumventing US …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSandy CarterLamar OdomFrench Hill+2 morecryptogovernment-contractsforeign-investmentethical-concerns
President Trump hosted a private dinner for 220 top investors of his $TRUMP memecoin at his Virginia golf club, with attendees having spent a combined $148 million on the digital token. The event drew both high-profile crypto investors and significant public protest, highlighting the controversial …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSandy CarterLamar OdomElizabeth Warren+1 morecryptogovernment-contractspolitical-monetizationmemecoin
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice agreed to pay $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the January 6 rioter fatally shot while attempting to breach the Capitol. The settlement, which resolves a $30 million suit, drew criticism from …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationCapitol PoliceTom Mangergovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationjanuary-6-aftermathlegal-settlement
Attorney General Pam Bondi sold between $1 million and $5 million worth of Trump Media shares on April 2, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s major tariff announcement. The stock sale, part of an ethics divestment, occurred when Trump Media’s stock was near its lowest point, dropping over 10% …
Donald TrumpPam BondiTrump Administrationmedia-controlgovernment-contractsstock-tradingethics-violation
While Trump touted multi-billion dollar foreign investments in the US during his state visits across the Persian Gulf, a sizable portion of those investments were steered towards Trump family businesses like the Trump Organization and World Liberty Financial
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoforeign-influencegovernment-contracts
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s Cantor Fitzgerald has significant business interests in cryptocurrency, including a 5% stake in Tether and a $775 million investment in Rumble. These investments reveal complex connections between the Trump administration, cryptocurrency firms, and El …
Donald TrumpHoward LutnickBrandon LutnickBo Hinescryptoregulatory-capturegovernment-contractstrump-administrationel-salvador
DOGE operative Chris Young worked to undermine the CFPB, which has jurisdiction over Tesla and X, while simultaneously earning between $100,001 and $1 million annually as a political adviser to Elon Musk, raising significant conflict of interest concerns
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationChris YoungElon MuskRussell Voughtregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsconflict-of-interestdepartment-of-government-efficiency
An extensive financial investigation revealed a sophisticated insider trading scheme involving the $MELANIA memecoin. 24 crypto wallets purchased $2.6 million in tokens just moments before the public launch, with one wallet tied to cryptocurrency entrepreneur Hayden Davis generating a $39 million …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationHayden DavisMelania Trumpcryptogovernment-contractsinsider-tradingfinancial-fraud
GD Culture Group, a small Nasdaq-traded technology company with ties to China, announced plans to purchase up to $300 million in Bitcoin and $TRUMP cryptocurrency. The investment comes amid financial challenges for the company, including a Nasdaq delisting warning and a $14.1 million net loss in …
Donald TrumpGD Culture GroupTrump Administrationcryptoforeign-influenceregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsfinancial-manipulation
The Federal Railroad Administration initiated preliminary discussions with Elon Musk’s Boring Company regarding the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project, a critical infrastructure initiative to replace a 150-year-old rail tunnel between Baltimore and Washington. The project, initially estimated …
The Trump administration has effectively stalled or dropped over 40 regulatory cases against Elon Musk’s companies, totaling potential fines exceeding $2.3 billion. This pattern suggests a systemic approach to regulatory capture, with multiple federal agencies seemingly protecting Musk’s …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskSECregulatory-capturegovernment-contractstech-industryadministrative-state
The SEC settled a long-running enforcement action against Ripple Labs, agreeing to return $75 million of a $125 million fine and keeping $50 million, amid significant criticism from SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw about undermining investor protections.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationBradley GarlinghouseChristian LarsenCaroline Crenshawcryptoregulatory-capturegovernment-contractssecenforcement-action
The Trump administration has rapidly transformed the Securities and Exchange Commission through targeted staff reductions, with approximately 15% of staff already departed and plans for further contract cuts. The administration has implemented a $50,000 voluntary separation offer and imposed a …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSEC Chairmanregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsinstitutional-transformationworkforce-reduction
Over the last two weeks, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have traveled the world, announcing real estate, cryptocurrency, and other ventures involving billions of dollars that enrich not only themselves, but also the president
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptogovernment-contracts
President Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin raised $350 million, with top token holders gaining exclusive access to White House dinners. The project created a controversial ‘access-for-tokens’ model, raising significant ethical concerns about monetizing presidential access and potential …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJustin SunSean CastenAdam Smithcryptogovernment-contractspolitical-fundraisingethics-violationinfluence-trading
A House Judiciary Committee review revealed that Trump’s pardons eliminated $1.3 billion in restitution from white-collar criminals and January 6 defendants. Notable cases include Todd Chrisley’s $17.7 million tax fraud pardon, Carlos Watson’s $36.7 million investor fraud clemency, …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationHouse Judiciary Committee DemocratsLiz Oyerpardongovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationwhite-collar-crimejudicial-abuse
The Trump administration’s Justice Department agreed to pay nearly $5 million to settle a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the January 6 rioter shot by Capitol Police while attempting to breach the House chamber. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMichael ByrdTom MangerAshli Babbitt+1 moreregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationlegal-settlementcapitol-riot
The Trump family net worth has increased by $2.9 billion on the back of their several cryptocurrency ventures, including memecoin launches from the president and first lady and deals with foreign crypto firms, as the administration rolled back industry regulations
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoforeign-influencegovernment-contracts
Freight Technologies Inc., a North American shipping logistics company, announced a $20 million purchase of President Trump’s cryptocurrency ($TRUMP) as a strategic attempt to influence White House trade policy and lobby for tariff relief. CEO Javier Selgas explicitly stated the goal was to …
Donald TrumpJavier SelgasFreight Technologies Inc.cryptogovernment-contractslobbyingtariffscorruption
World Liberty Financial co-founder Zach Witkoff–who is also Steve Witkoff’s son–announced state-backed Emirati investment firm MGX would use Trump’s stablecoin, USD1, for a $2 billion transaction with Binance. Binance, a crypto-exchange platform, has been monitored by the US government since the …
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptogovernment-contractsethics-violation