The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, reconstituted with members handpicked by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted 8-3 to end the universal recommendation that all newborns receive hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The vote overturns a 30-year policy credited with reducing …
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.CDCACIPDonald TrumpBill Cassidypublic-healthvaccinesscience-denialchildrenregulatory-capture
Dr. Vinay Prasad, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), circulates an internal memo to FDA staff asserting that COVID-19 vaccines caused “at least 10 deaths in children” and calling for sweeping changes to vaccine regulation—despite providing no …
Dr. Vinay PrasadFDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)Robert F. Kennedy Jr.FDA Commissioner Martin MakaryFDA Scientistsfdavaccinespublic-healthvaccine-safetydisinformation+5 more
The Trump administration has dropped, withdrawn, or halted enforcement actions against over 100 corporations in its first year, establishing a systematic pattern of protection for companies that donated to Trump’s inauguration. Regulatory enforcement against financial services fell 37% in the …
Trump AdministrationDepartment of JusticeSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)corporate-impunityregulatory-captureenforcement-collapsecorruptionpay-to-play
Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released a comprehensive staff report revealing that President Donald Trump and his family earned more than $800 million from cryptocurrency ventures in the first half of 2025 alone, with total crypto holdings valued at up to $11.6 …
Jamie RaskinDonald TrumpTrump OrganizationTrump FamilyPaul Atkins+21 morecryptocurrencycorruptionself-dealingforeign-influenceemoluments+13 more
Judge James Boasberg ruled that Meta does not hold an illegal monopoly in personal social networking, dismissing the FTC’s five-year antitrust case seeking to force divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp despite extensive evidence of Meta’s “buy or bury” strategy to eliminate …
Judge James BoasbergMetaMark ZuckerbergFederal Trade CommissionLina Khanantitrustmetafacebookftcregulatory-capture+4 more
Cryptocurrency industry super PAC Fairshake reported holding $141 million in cash as of July 2025, surpassing what it spent during the entire 2024 election cycle, as the crypto industry prepares for an ’even bigger 2026 push’ to elect allies and defeat critics. In 2024, crypto interests …
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
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a rush appeal deciding whether President Trump acted lawfully in firing board members leading independent federal agencies, setting up oral arguments for December 2025. The case will reconsider the landmark 1935 precedent Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, …
Supreme CourtDonald TrumpRebecca SlaughterFederal Trade CommissionBrett Kavanaughsupreme-courtjudiciarycourtsexecutive-powerindependent-agencies+3 more
The DOJ Antitrust Division and Federal Trade Commission announced they had identified over 125 federal regulations for review and potential elimination under Trump’s Executive Order on Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers. The initiative represents a systematic dismantling of …
Department of JusticeFederal Trade Commission (FTC)Trump Administrationderegulationantitrustregulatory-capturecorporate-welfare
The Securities and Exchange Commission moved to dismiss its civil fraud case against Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corporation, following his pardon by President Trump on March 28, 2025. Milton was convicted in October 2022 of securities fraud for misleading investors about Nikola’s …
Trevor MiltonSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Donald TrumpNikola Corporationcorruptionregulatory-capturepay-to-playsecurities-fraudelite-impunity
Trump signed an executive order directing the Transportation Department to slash FAA regulations on rocket launches, eliminating or expediting environmental reviews for commercial spaceflight. The order directly benefits SpaceX, whose owner Elon Musk repeatedly complained about FAA environmental …
Donald TrumpElon MuskSpaceXDepartment of TransportationFederal Aviation Administrationregulatory-captureconflicts-of-interesttech
President Trump signs executive order revoking previous competition and antitrust enforcement policies, clearing path for increased corporate consolidation and monopolistic practices without federal oversight.
Donald TrumpDepartment of Justice Antitrust DivisionFederal Trade Commissionmonopoly-powerantitrusteconomic-policyreward-alliescorporate-consolidation+3 more
Nicholas Kent, formerly a policy officer at for-profit college association CECU, was sworn in as Under Secretary of Education, signaling potential deregulation and reduced oversight of higher education institutions. The Senate confirmed his nomination with a narrow 50-45 vote, amid concerns about …
Donald TrumpNicholas KentTrump Administrationcorruptionregulatory-captureeducationtrump-administrationfor-profit-colleges
On July 24, 2025, UnitedHealth Group confirmed in an SEC filing that the Department of Justice has launched both criminal and civil investigations into the company’s Medicare Advantage billing practices, focusing on systematic upcoding fraud that may have generated billions in government …
UnitedHealth GroupUnitedHealthcareDepartment of JusticeCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Serviceshealthcaremedicare-advantageinsurance-fraudregulatory-capturesystematic-corruption
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
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
Trump Media sought SEC approval to launch a combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, with a proposed asset allocation of 75% Bitcoin and 25% Ethereum. The ETF, to be listed on NYSE Arca, will be custodied by Crypto.com and sponsored by Yorkville America Digital, representing an expansion of Trump’s …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationCrypto.comYorkville America Digitalcryptomedia-controlregulatory-capturefinancial-servicesetf+1 more
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
In a systematic display of political patronage, Trump granted executive clemency to a series of convicted individuals, prioritizing wealthy campaign contributors and ardent MAGA loyalists. These pardons represent a dramatic expansion of Trump’s first-term pardon strategy, transforming the …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationEd MartinMichele FioreTodd Chrisley+3 morepardonregulatory-capturepolitical-patronageexecutive-power-abusewhite-collar-crime
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sold stocks in 34 companies worth up to $650,000 just before Trump’s market-moving tariff announcement, representing a pattern of potential insider trading among Trump administration officials. The sales occurred on February 11, two days before the tariff …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSean DuffyTransportation Departmentregulatory-capturestock-salestrump-administrationfinancial-exploitation
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
Commissioner Allen Dickerson resigned on April 30, 2025, leaving the FEC with only three members and no quorum. Combined with Trump’s February firing of Ellen Weintraub and Sean Cooksey’s January resignation, the FEC cannot investigate complaints, conduct audits, levy fines, issue rules …
Federal Election Commission (FEC)Commissioner Allen Dickerson (resigned)Commissioner Ellen Weintraub (fired by Trump)Commissioner Sean Cooksey (resigned)Donald Trump+3 moreelection-oversightfec-quorumenforcement-shutdownregulatory-capturecampaign-finance
Senate Democrats released a report detailing how Elon Musk’s companies could avoid more than $1.19 billion in potential legal and regulatory fines, highlighting systemic regulatory capture under the Trump administration. The report specifically focuses on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) …
Donald TrumpElon MuskRichard BlumenthalEdward Markeygovernment-contractsregulatory-capturetech-industryfederal-investigation
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google illegally monopolized digital advertising technology markets through systematic anticompetitive conduct including tying arrangements, exclusionary contracts, and manipulation of ad auctions—finding that Google’s control of 91% of publisher …
Judge Leonie BrinkemaDepartment of JusticeGoogleSundar Pichai8 State Attorneys Generalantitrustgooglemonopolyad-techregulatory-capture+3 more
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) underwent a massive restructuring under the Trump administration, with approximately 90% of its workforce (1,482 employees) laid off, reducing staff to around 200. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of these workforce reductions, despite challenges …
Donald TrumpElon MuskRussell VoughtNational Treasury Employees UnionMark Paoletta+2 moremedia-controlregulatory-capturegovernment-downsizingfinancial-oversightlegal-challenges
The Department of Justice announced a strategic realignment of white-collar crime enforcement, introducing a new framework with 10 targeted priority areas. While not a complete reduction, the policy involves resource constraints, shifting investigative focus, and implementing more efficient …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMatthew GaleottiJames McHenry IIIcryptocorruptionforeign-influencejustice-weaponizationcorporate-crime+4 more
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued April 7 memo dissolving NCET “effective immediately,” ending Biden-era crypto enforcement unit established 2021-2022. DOJ shifted from “regulation by prosecution” to crypto-friendly approach, explicitly stating it won’t pursue …
Department of JusticeTodd BlancheNational Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET)Trump AdministrationComputer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)cryptoenforcementregulatory-captureoversight-elimination
The State Department announced plans to pay Tesla $400 million for unspecified services, coming weeks after Trump systematically fired federal officials investigating Elon Musk’s companies. The payment followed the removal of FDA staffers reviewing Neuralink, EEOC leaders investigating Tesla …
State DepartmentTeslaElon MuskDonald Trumpelon-muskteslastate-departmentgovernment-contractsquid-pro-quo+1 more
Trump has granted full pardons to BitMEX co-founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed, who were convicted of violating the Bank Secrecy Act for failing to implement anti-money laundering controls
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptopardonregulatory-capture
SpaceX executives allowed Chinese investment through Cayman Islands shell companies, raising significant national security concerns about foreign ownership in a critical U.S. military contractor. Investor testimony revealed direct Chinese stakes in SpaceX, with a potential $50 million investment …
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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