President Trump pardoned former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff Cade Cothren just weeks after they were sentenced to federal prison for public corruption charges. Casada received a three-year sentence in September 2025 for orchestrating a 2020 scheme to receive over …
Donald TrumpGlen CasadaCade Cothrenpardonssystematic-corruptionstate-captureabuse-of-powerkleptocracy
Bloomberg investigation revealed Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao months after Binance’s infrastructure supported World Liberty Financial—the Trump family’s crypto venture—in deals that generated over $500 million for the Trump family. Binance provided critical technical …
BinanceChangpeng ZhaoDonald TrumpTrump FamilyWorld Liberty Financialbriberyconflicts-of-interestcorruptionkleptocracyself-dealing
Binance paid $450,000 to lobbying firm Checkmate Government Relations, run by Donald Trump Jr.’s ally Ches McDowell, in the months before Trump pardoned convicted money-launderer Changpeng Zhao. The lobbying campaign coincided with Binance forming a high-level task force to negotiate with …
The U.S. Army awarded Unusual Machines a major contract to produce 3,500 drone motors, with expectations of 20,000 additional components in future orders, months after Donald Trump Jr. joined the company’s advisory board in November 2024. Trump Jr. holds a disclosed $4 million stake in the …
Donald Trump Jr.Unusual MachinesPentagonU.S. ArmyTrump Administrationcorruptionconflicts-of-interestkleptocracyself-dealingnepotism
President Trump issued a full pardon to Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance cryptocurrency exchange, who had pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering and served four months in federal prison. The pardon came days after Binance.US added support for Trump family’s USD1 stablecoin and …
Donald TrumpChangpeng ZhaoBinanceWorld Liberty FinancialCharles McDowell+3 morebinancechangpeng-zhaocryptocurrencypresidential-pardoncorruption+8 more
President Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who served only four months of his sentence for money-laundering violations, after Binance provided critical infrastructure support for the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial crypto venture. The pardon came after Binance formed a …
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On September 26, 2025, Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform led a coalition of 35 conservative organizations—including Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity—in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to let enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire in December …
Grover NorquistAmericans for Tax ReformClub for GrowthAmericans for ProsperityDavid McIntosh+2 moreinstitutional-captureregulatory-capturetax-policyhealthcarekleptocracy+2 more
Trump convened an Oval Office meeting on Gaza’s future with Jared Kushner, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. During discussions, Trump floated expelling Palestinian residents and redeveloping Gaza into a luxury resort, …
Trump Media and Technology Group, owner of Truth Social, announced a $1 billion partnership with Crypto.com and Yorkville Advisors to create Trump Media Group CRO Strategy Inc., which will hold cryptocurrency assets and merge with Yorkville Acquisition Corp under the ticker ‘MCGA’ (Make …
Trump reversed his decision to bar Medicare from covering bandages after the biotech company Extremity Care—maker of high-end bandages crafted from dried placenta—donated $5 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC
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Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill earmarked $300 billion for US military modernization, with billions of dollars already set to go to Peter Thiel’s Anduril and Palantir–in which Stephen Miller owns $100,000 worth of stock
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. launched New America Acquisition I Corp, a $300 million SPAC targeting US manufacturing companies. The blank-check firm aims to acquire businesses with an enterprise value of at least $700 million, focusing on revitalizing domestic manufacturing and strengthening …
Eric TrumpDonald Trump Jr.Kevin McGurnKyle Woolkleptocracytrump-administrationspacmanufacturingeconomic-capture
MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, raised $177 million in the first half of this year from donors who have exchanged their patronage for access to the president–and, at times, policy outcomes, pardons, and ambassadorships
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Days after Trump threatened pharmaceutical companies with federal action if they do not lower drug costs, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla attended a $25 million MAGA Inc. fundraiser at Bedminster
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Trump Mobile, led by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., launched a comprehensive wireless service offering a $499 smartphone, $47.45 monthly plan, and bundled services including telehealth and car insurance. The venture operates on Liberty Mobile’s network and targets conservative consumers with …
Eric TrumpDonald Trump Jr.Pat O'BrienDon HendricksonEric Thomaskleptocracytrump-administrationtelecommunicationsbrand-expansionmonetization
President Trump plans to host the 2026 G20 Summit at his Doral resort in Miami from December 14-15, 2026. The White House claims the event will be hosted ‘at-cost’ with no profit to Trump, but the move raises significant conflict of interest concerns, echoing his previously abandoned …
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The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted 8-7 to advance the Honest Act, which would prohibit members of Congress, the president, and vice president from trading stocks. Senator Josh Hawley joined Democrats to pass the bill, facing criticism from fellow Republicans like Rick Scott and pushback …
Donald TrumpJosh HawleyRick Scottkleptocracytrump-administrationlegislative-reformstock-trading-ban
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill allocated $45 billion for ICE detention facilities, portions of which have been awarded to CoreCivic and GEO Group–that both donated to Trump’s campaign
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) developed an AI tool aimed at eliminating 50% of federal regulations by January 2026, targeting approximately 100,000 rules across multiple agencies using AI-driven analysis
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President Trump traveled to Scotland to open a new golf course, using official diplomatic meetings and taxpayer-funded trip to promote personal business interests, raising significant ethical concerns about conflicts of interest
Donald TrumpKeir StarmerUrsula von der Leyenkleptocracytrump-administrationconflict-of-interestbusiness-corruption
In a significant escalation of institutional capture, President Trump fired 17 inspectors general across multiple federal agencies in late January 2025. The mass firings, done without the legally required 30-day congressional notice, targeted watchdogs investigating potential misconduct in agencies …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationPaul MartinMichael Missalkleptocracygovernment-oversightexecutive-powerinstitutional-corruption
The Trump Organization partnered with SDC Imobiliare to develop Trump Tower Bucharest, marking the brand’s first major real estate venture in Romania and expanding its Balkan presence. Eric Trump emphasized the project reflects their commitment to ’excellence, luxury, and innovation'.
Donald TrumpEric TrumpȘtefan Berciukleptocracytrump-administrationreal-estateinternational-businessbalkan-expansion
After Elon Musk’s direct involvement ends, DOGE operatives remain strategically positioned across government agencies, continuing to transform bureaucratic infrastructure through targeted personnel changes and contract cancellations.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskDOGE Operativeskleptocracyinstitutional-capturegovernment-transformation
Trump’s signature budget reconciliation bill increases federal deficits by $3.4 trillion over 10 years while transferring wealth upward, with 65% of benefits flowing to top 10% of earners. Creates multiple opaque funding streams including $100M OMB slush fund for “efficiencies” and …
Donald TrumpMike Johnson (House Speaker)Republican CongressOffice of Management and BudgetDepartment of Homeland Securitybudget-reconciliationtax-cuts-for-wealthyslush-fundswealth-transferkleptocracy+2 more
Elon Musk deployed a sophisticated lobbying operation in Texas, hiring 12 lobbyists across SpaceX, Tesla, and X Corp. The team, including former advisors to Governor Greg Abbott, successfully influenced multiple legislative actions. They secured laws benefiting Musk’s companies, including …
Through companion rescission package to budget reconciliation, Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in federal funding for NPR and PBS, removing independent news sources. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated “This isn’t about saving money. It’s about silencing those who report the news …
Republican CongressDonald TrumpAnna Gomez (FCC Commissioner)NPRPBSmedia-controlpublic-broadcastinginformation-manipulationpress-freedomdefunding+1 more
House version of reconciliation bill contained Section 90002 requiring new federal employees to choose between keeping civil service protections while paying 9.4% of salary toward retirement (versus current 4.4%) or becoming at-will employees with no job protections. Senate initially proposed rates …
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One Big Beautiful Bill provides $45 billion for building new immigration detention centers, with overwhelming majority going to private companies contracted to build and run facilities. Represents 308% increase over ICE’s FY2024 detention budget, creating capacity for 125,000 beds operated by …
Donald TrumpDepartment of Homeland SecurityICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)Private prison contractorsprivatizationimmigration-detentionprivate-prisonsmass-incarcerationgovernment-contract+1 more
Trump has increased his net worth by billions of dollars through business deals he made since returning to office—though his financials were in dire straits just last year under the weight of massive civil penalties and liabilities
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Texas Governor Abbott called special session in July 2025 at former President Trump’s request to eliminate Democratic urban seats through mid-cycle redistricting. Most brazen attempt at mid-decade gerrymandering would have created five additional Republican districts. House Democrats broke …
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President Trump launched a new fragrance line called Victory 45-47, priced at $249 per bottle, as part of his ongoing strategy to monetize his presidential brand. The launch includes both men’s and women’s fragrances, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the …
Donald TrumpKaroline LeavittDonald Trump Jr.kleptocracytrump-administrationmerchandisebrand-exploitation
The Trump Organization, led by Eric Trump, held advanced negotiations to brand and manage the Sarona Hotel in Tel Aviv in 2025. These talks, initially promising, were paused following the October 7 conflict. Eric Trump indicated the deal would have been completed if not for the war, suggesting the …
Donald TrumpEric TrumpNitsba Holdingskleptocracytrump-administrationinternational-businessmiddle-east
The Trump Organization launched Trump Mobile, a new mobile phone service featuring the T1 smartphone priced at $499 and a $47.45 monthly plan dubbed ‘The 47 Plan’. Positioned as a patriotic, American-made mobile service, the launch capitalizes on Trump’s political brand and aims to …
Donald TrumpEric TrumpDonald Trump Jr.kleptocracytrump-administrationbrand-monetizationmobile-technology
A comprehensive investigation reveals extensive financial conflicts of interest within the Trump administration, including cryptocurrency ventures funded by foreign investors, real estate deals with international connections, and a private executive club that blurs lines between government and …
Donald TrumpPam BondiSean DuffyLori Chavez-DeRemerLee Zeldin+2 morekleptocracytrump-administrationfinancial-conflictsethics-violationcrypto+1 more
The U.S. Army 250th Anniversary military parade was sponsored by multiple companies with close ties to President Trump, including Coinbase, Palantir, and Amazon. The event raised significant ethical concerns about corporate political influence, with sponsors potentially seeking regulatory favors or …
Donald TrumpNorman EisenDana Whitekleptocracytrump-administrationcorporate-sponsorshipmilitaryethical-concerns
President Trump and allies propagated a baseless conspiracy theory about Fort Knox gold reserves, potentially manipulating gold markets and investor sentiment
Donald TrumpElon MuskScott Bessentkleptocracytrump-administrationeconomic-manipulationconspiracy-theory
Vietnam approved a Trump Organization plan to invest $1.5 billion in golf courses, hotels, and other real estate projects in the country as it negotiates tariff rates with the Trump administration
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Republican-linked political committees have spent $676,457 at Trump properties in the six months following the 2024 election. The Republican National Committee led with $372,215, while House campaigns and Trump’s political machine contributed an additional $250,000. This spending pattern …
Donald TrumpRepublican National CommitteeRepublican House Representativeskleptocracytrump-administrationpolitical-spendingcampaign-financeexecutive-corruption
Warren Stephens’s, the US ambassador to the UK, family-owned investment firm holds at least $250 million worth of stock in agricultural and food companies that will benefit from the US-UK trade deal Trump announced this week
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Trump held talks with Qatar to accept a $400 million Boeing 747 as a replacement for Air Force One–which he plans to keep as part of his presidential library after leaving office
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
Qatar gave Donald Trump a $400 million Boeing 747 as a replacement for Air Force One, which Trump plans to keep as part of his presidential library after leaving office. The gift was certified as legal by Attorney General Pam Bondi, herself a former lobbyist for Qatar.
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Trump is using his super PAC, which has raised more than $400 million, to consolidate even more control over the Republican party–stocking congressional Republican special interest groups with loyalists
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Large institutional investors have increased their stakes in Trump Media to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, despite the firm posting massive losses in 2024, in a possible attempt to curry favor with the president
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption
The Trump administration proposed executive orders and budget cuts to eliminate environmental research and monitoring for rocket launches and atmospheric pollution, a move that would primarily benefit private space companies like SpaceX by reducing regulatory oversight and potential future …
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Over 56% of Trump’s memecoin top buyers invited to a 220-person dinner were foreign nationals, raising significant ethical concerns about presidential access being sold to international investors. The top cryptocurrency holders spent $394 million to attend the event, with billionaire Justin …
Donald TrumpJustin SunJamie Raskincryptoforeign-influencecampaign-financekleptocracy
The Federal Aviation Administration granted SpaceX a significant expansion of launch permissions, increasing Starship launch capacity from 5 to 25 annually at the Boca Chica, Texas site. The FAA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) after a Tiered Environmental Assessment, allowing up to …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskSpaceXFAAkleptocracyspacexregulatory-capturetechnological-infrastructure
The Trump administration proposed a $6 billion cut to NASA’s budget in 2025, strategically redirecting $1 billion towards Mars exploration while eliminating multiple ongoing scientific missions. This move aligns with Elon Musk’s SpaceX interests and represents a significant shift in …
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In 2025, the Trump Administration has established sophisticated mechanisms for business-government coordination, including the American Growth Partnership and the Executive Branch private club. The latter, co-founded by Donald Trump Jr. and charging a $500,000 membership fee, provides wealthy CEOs …
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Paramount’s board–which is pursuing a merger deal with Skydance that would need DOJ’s signoff–cleared the path to settle Trump’s lawsuit that accuses 60 Minutes of “deceptively” editing its pre-election interview with Kamala Harris
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationkleptocracycorruption