While serving as governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem received $80,000 from a dark money nonprofit called American Resolve Policy Fund to her personal LLC, Ashwood Strategies, which she failed to disclose on federal ethics forms before her confirmation as DHS Secretary. The payment structure …
In a significant move of regulatory capture, President Trump terminated Nuclear Regulatory Commission Commissioner Christopher T. Hanson on June 24, 2025. Hanson, originally appointed by Trump in 2020 and reappointed by Biden in 2024, was fired without cause, raising serious concerns about the …
Donald TrumpChristopher HansonTrent MorseNuclear Regulatory Commissionregulatory-capturenuclear-energyexecutive-overreachadministrative-state
President Trump has systematically undermined post-Watergate institutional safeguards by firing inspectors general, challenging civil service protections, and seeking to neutralize oversight mechanisms established after the Nixon era. Key actions include dismissing Merit Systems Protection Board …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationSupreme CourtCongressMerit Systems Protection Boardregulatory-captureethics-violationjustice-weaponizationinstitutional-dismantlingcivil-service-protections
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
The Senate confirmed Billy Long, a former Republican congressman who previously sought to abolish the IRS, as the agency’s new commissioner. Long was confirmed on a 53-44 party-line vote despite concerns about his past work with a firm involved in pandemic tax credit fraud and his lack of tax …
Donald TrumpBilly LongRon WydenTrump Administrationcorruptionregulatory-capturetrump-administrationirs
DOJ under the Trump administration has significantly reduced foreign corporate bribery investigations, closing about half of open cases and focusing narrowly on misconduct that directly harms US economic and national security interests.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationTodd BlancheMatthew R. Galeotticorruptionforeign-influenceregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationtrump-administration+1 more
Cara Petersen, acting enforcement director of the CFPB, resigned after criticizing the Trump administration’s systematic dismantling of the agency. She highlighted dramatic staff cuts from 1,750 to potentially 200 employees, dismissal of over 20 enforcement cases, and the elimination of key …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationCara PetersenRussell VoughtMark Paolettaregulatory-capturetrump-administrationcfpbinstitutional-capture
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
Trump hosted an exclusive cryptocurrency dinner with 220 top memecoin holders, including foreign nationals like Justin Sun facing SEC lawsuits. House Democrats demanded a DOJ investigation into potential violations of federal bribery laws and the foreign emoluments clause.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJustin SunForeign Cryptocurrency Investorscryptoforeign-influenceregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationcampaign-finance
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
The Trump administration rescinded Biden-era guidance warning employers about adding cryptocurrency to employee 401(k) plans, with a subsequent executive order on August 7, 2025, further expanding alternative asset investment options. This action allows for more cryptocurrency and digital asset …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationDepartment of Laborcrypto401kinvestment-policyregulatory-capture
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 hosted a high-profile cryptocurrency dinner at his National Golf Club, with guest list revealing significant foreign national attendance and potential regulatory conflicts. 73% of top attendees are foreign nationals, including Justin Sun, a crypto entrepreneur currently facing SEC fraud …
Donald TrumpJustin SunRep. Sean CastenRep. Adam SmithRep. Jamie Raskincryptoforeign-influenceregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationcampaign-finance
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into journalism watchdog Media Matters on behalf of Elon Musk for coordinating an advertiser boycott of X
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationmedia-controlregulatory-capture
Chinese firms GD Culture Group and Addentax Group pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase Trump’s memecoin, aiming to boost their stock prices and prevent delisting from Nasdaq. The strategy involves buying cryptocurrency to temporarily raise share values and potentially gain favor …
Donald TrumpGD Culture GroupAddentax GroupNasdaqcryptostock-marketforeign-investmentregulatory-capture
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
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
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 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
Trump planned to sign an executive order discouraging prosecution of regulatory offenses, effectively allowing him to pick and choose which laws businesses need to comply with instead
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationregulatory-capturejustice-weaponization
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 leveraged trade negotiations to promote Starlink’s global expansion, with countries like Lesotho, Bangladesh, and India expediting satellite internet service approvals in exchange for potential trade concessions.
Donald TrumpElon MuskMarco RubioState Department Officialsregulatory-capturetrade-policystarlinktrump-administrationelon-musk
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
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’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
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 …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationBusiness LeadersDonald Trump Jr.Tim Cook+3 morekleptocracytrump-administrationregulatory-capturebusiness-government-coordinationpay-to-play
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
Trump’s cryptocurrency firm, World Liberty Financial, made $550 million through secret payments from foreign entities, including a $2 billion investment from an Abu Dhabi state-backed firm and $75 million from Chinese investor Justin Sun, raising significant conflict of interest concerns.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJustin SunTahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyancryptoforeign-influenceregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsconflict-of-interest
President Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate ActBlue, alleging illegal campaign contributions and foreign donor fraud. The investigation was backed by Elon Musk, who claimed the platform was involved in widespread criminal identity theft.
Donald TrumpElon MuskPam BondiActBluecorruptionregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationelection-interference
Tether, a cryptocurrency firm previously under fraud investigation, has gained significant political leverage in the Trump administration’s expanding crypto regulatory environment. By hiring former Trump crypto official Bo Hines and strategically positioning itself to benefit from the new …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationBo HinesHoward LutnickTether Leadershipcryptocorruptionregulatory-capturetrump-administrationdigital-assets
A draft bill from the House Judiciary Committee would expand Trump’s executive power by curtailing the FTC’s antitrust enforcement capabilities, aligning with broader efforts to consolidate presidential control over independent agencies
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskHouse Judiciary Committeeregulatory-captureexecutive-powerantitrust
Gavin Kliger, a Trump Administration Department of Government Efficiency aide, helped orchestrate massive layoffs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) while holding significant stock in companies the agency regulates. Kliger managed approximately 90% of over 1,400 employee …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationGavin KligerDOGEregulatory-capturecfpbtrump-administrationconflict-of-interest
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
Pentagon officials initially planned to brief Elon Musk on 29 ultra-classified weapons programs related to potential conflict with China, but canceled the meeting after media reports. Musk ultimately met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in an unclassified meeting about ‘innovation and …
Donald TrumpElon MuskPete HegsethAdmiral Samuel Paparoforeign-influenceregulatory-capturenational-securitymilitary-industrial-complexethics-violation
In Q1 2025, Trump-affiliated lobbying firms like Ballard Partners and Mercury Public Affairs experienced a massive surge in profits, with Ballard Partners increasing revenues from $4.4M to $14.4M. The firms added over 120 new clients, including major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Chevron, and …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationBrian BallardSusie WilesPam Bondiregulatory-capturelobbyingtrump-administrationpolitical-influence
A comprehensive study reveals that politically connected firms significantly benefited from Trump administration tariff exemptions, with companies making Republican political contributions receiving preferential treatment in a deliberately obscure process.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationReyes HoldingsBallard Partnersregulatory-capturepolitical-favoritismtrade-policycorporate-lobbying
In a significant regulatory shift, Trump-allied Paul Atkins was sworn in as SEC chairman on April 22, 2025, replacing Gary Gensler. The transition signals a potential transformation in cryptocurrency and financial regulatory approaches, with Atkins indicating an immediate willingness to implement …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationPaul AtkinsGary GenslerMark Uyedacryptoregulatory-capturesectrump-administrationfinancial-regulation
The Trump administration is fast-tracking a $25 million pilot contract for Ramp, a politically connected FinTech startup backed by Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and JD Vance allies, to manage the $700 billion SmartPay government expense card program. Ramp, valued at $13 billion, has deep ties to …
Donald TrumpPeter ThielElon MuskJ.D. VanceGerald Connolly+2 moretrump-administrationgovernment-contractsfintechpeter-thielregulatory-capture+1 more
The Trump administration initiated massive layoffs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), targeting approximately 1,500 employees (90% of staff), but faced immediate judicial challenges blocking the mass terminations.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationAmy Berman JacksonGavin KligerNational Treasury Employees Unionregulatory-capturegovernment-restructuringjudicial-intervention
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
President Trump removed two Democratic board members, Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka, from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), leaving the agency with only one Republican board member. The removals sparked legal challenges, with a federal judge later ruling that the firings were likely …
Donald TrumpTodd HarperTanya OtsukaKyle HauptmanKaroline Leavitt+1 morekleptocracyregulatory-captureexecutive-powerfederal-agencies
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
President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum directing federal agencies to review and repeal regulations deemed unlawful based on recent Supreme Court decisions, bypassing normal notice-and-comment procedures. The directive allows agencies to use the ‘good cause’ exception in the …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationLee ZeldinOffice of Information and Regulatory Affairskleptocracytrump-administrationderegulationadministrative-lawregulatory-capture
Trump has disbanded the DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and deprioritized prosecutions of crypto firms, effectively greenlighting regulatory violations like money laundering and unlicensed exchanges
Donald TrumpTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-captureethics-violationjustice-weaponization
Meta has strategically appointed Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration national security advisor and Goldman Sachs executive with extensive government experience, to its board of directors, effective April 15, 2025. This move is seen as part of Meta’s efforts to strengthen its …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationDina Powell McCormickMark Zuckerbergmedia-controlregulatory-capturecorporate-governancestrategic-appointments