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
Trump Treasury appointee David Eisner attempted to intervene in an IRS audit of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a known Trump ally. The incident suggests potential misuse of government resources to assist a political supporter, raising concerns about tax enforcement impartiality.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMike LindellDavid Eisnerkleptocracytrump-administrationtax-interferencepolitical-manipulation
The Trump administration lifted US sanctions against Antal Rogán, a top Hungarian government official previously sanctioned for corruption, signaling a significant shift in diplomatic approach toward Hungary and potentially demonstrating geopolitical leverage.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationAntal RogánViktor OrbánMarco Rubiokleptocracysanctionsforeign-policytrump-administration
Several major Trump donors, including tech billionaires and investment firms, are positioning themselves to potentially profit from the Trump Administration’s continued pursuit of strategic interests in Greenland, focusing on rare earth mineral rights and geopolitical positioning.
Donald TrumpMark ZuckerbergSam AltmanJeff BezosHoward Lutnick+1 morekleptocracytrump-administrationrare-earth-mineralsarctic-geopolitics
Michael Wolff revealed that the Trump team suggested to Warner Bros. Discovery that giving Donald Trump Jr. an outdoors show could help the network curry favor with the White House, highlighting ongoing attempts to leverage media relationships for political advantage
Donald TrumpDonald Trump Jr.Michael WolffDavid ZaslavSteven Cheungkleptocracytrump-administrationmedia-influencecorporate-appeasement
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene purchased $21,000 to $315,000 in stocks across 19 companies on April 8-9, 2025, just before and during President Trump’s surprise 90-day tariff pause. The market surge saw the S&P 500 rise 9.5% and Nasdaq jump 12.2%. Greene bought stocks in companies like Apple, …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMarjorie Taylor Greenekleptocracytrump-administrationcongressional-corruptionmarket-manipulation
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
The CFPB dismissed a lawsuit against Comerica Bank that had accused the bank of systematically mistreating 3.4 million federal benefits cardholders through disconnected customer service, illegal fees, and mishandled fraud complaints. The lawsuit, originally filed in December 2024 by then-Director …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationRohit ChopraComerica BankBank of New York Mellonregulatory-capturegovernment-contractsjustice-weaponizationcfpbtrump-administration
Democratic FTC Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya warned that the Trump administration’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) was seeking access to highly sensitive, confidential business records that could potentially manipulate markets. They emphasized that under no …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskRebecca SlaughterAlvaro Bedoyaregulatory-capturetrump-administrationftcmarket-manipulation
A leaked service agreement between the Department of Labor and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shows a $1.3 million fee for DOGE’s work, contradicting Elon Musk’s previous claims that DOGE would cost taxpayers nothing. The agreement covers four DOGE affiliates over an …
Elon MuskDonald TrumpDepartment of LaborUS Digital Service (USDS)regulatory-capturegovernment-contractsinstitutional-transformationtrump-administration
The Trump Administration’s Justice Department, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, disbanded the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), effectively ending federal prosecutorial oversight of complex crypto-related financial crimes. The move represents a significant …
Donald TrumpTodd BlancheTrump Administrationcryptoregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationtrump-administrationfinancial-deregulation
Long-serving SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) leaders Charles Cain and Tracy Price retired following the Trump administration’s February 2025 order pausing anti-bribery enforcement. Their departure represents a significant shift in anti-corruption regulatory oversight, occurring amid a …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationCharles CainTracy Pricecorruptionforeign-influenceregulatory-capturesectrump-administration+1 more
The SEC restructures its enforcement and examination divisions under the Trump administration, consolidating regional offices from 10 to 4, reducing senior leadership positions, and implementing a more focused approach to regulatory enforcement
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationPaul AtkinsSamuel WaldonKatherine Zoladz+2 moreregulatory-capturesec-restructuringtrump-administrationinstitutional-transformation
Trump administration continued systematic purge of Department of Justice personnel in March 2025, firing and demoting multiple prosecutors who previously investigated Trump or participated in high-profile cases. While initial reports suggested 50 total prosecutors were fired, verified sources …
Trump AdministrationDepartment of JusticeJames McHenryCareer Prosecutorsdoj-weaponizationprosecutor-purgemass-firingstrump-administrationinstitutional-destruction+1 more
The FDIC issued Financial Institution Letter (FIL-7-2025) on March 28, 2025, removing prior approval requirements for banks’ crypto-related activities. Acting Chairman Travis Hill announced a significant policy shift, allowing FDIC-supervised institutions to engage in crypto-related activities …
Donald TrumpTravis HillTrump AdministrationFDICcryptofinancial-regulationbankingtrump-administration
Foreign Policy and other analysts published comprehensive assessments highlighting the systematic dismantling of anti-corruption infrastructure during the Trump administration. Key concerns include the closure of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, a six-month pause on Foreign Corrupt …
Donald TrumpPam BondiJoe BidenBernie SandersForeign Policy Analystskleptocracyinstitutional-capturedemocratic-backslidingforeign-policytrump-administration+2 more
Former federal employees and watchdog groups warn that the Trump administration’s policy changes enable Elon Musk to steer lucrative contracts toward SpaceX and Starlink, potentially privatizing key government space and satellite operations
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskMikie SherrillTim Whitehousegovernment-contractsinfrastructure-privatizationtrump-administrationelon-musk
The 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll marked an unprecedented moment of corporate capture, with tech giants Meta, YouTube, and Amazon purchasing sponsorship packages ranging from $75,000 to $200,000. These packages included branded activation spaces, event brunch tickets, and potential meet-and-greet …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationMetaYouTubeAmazon+2 moregovernment-contractscorporate-accesstrump-administrationinstitutional-capturecorporate-sponsorship
In an unprecedented move, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly recommended buying Tesla stock during a Fox News appearance on March 20, 2025, raising significant ethical concerns. Lutnick stated ‘It’ll never be this cheap again,’ directly contradicting federal ethics …
Howard LutnickElon MuskDonald TrumpTrump AdministrationGerry Connollyregulatory-capturecorporate-influenceethics-violationtrump-administration
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
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced 32,809 enforcement arrests in the first 50 days of the Trump Administration (January 21 - March 12, 2025), demonstrating a dramatic acceleration of immigration enforcement. The arrests included 14,000 convicted criminals, 9,800 migrants with …
ICEDHSKristi NoemDonald TrumpTodd Lyonsimmigration-enforcementicemass-deportationenforcement-milestonetrump-administration+1 more
Elon Musk’s America PAC launched a nationwide $1 million television advertisement praising President Donald Trump’s early presidency, aired following Trump’s joint address to Congress. The ad attacks the Biden administration, highlights Trump’s border and efficiency claims, …
Donald TrumpElon MuskAmerica PACpolitical-advertisingtrump-administrationelection-infrastructurecampaign-finance
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
The SEC moved to pause its civil fraud case against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, a key adviser to Trump’s World Liberty Financial, signaling a potential negotiated resolution. Sun, who invested at least $75 million in Trump-linked crypto assets, appears to have secured a temporary …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationJustin SunSECcryptocorruptionregulatory-capturegovernment-contractssec+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
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 a systematic move to dismantle transparency mechanisms, the Trump administration fired multiple members of the Office of Personnel Management’s privacy and communications teams, including those handling FOIA requests. This action effectively cut off external access to government information …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskDepartment of Government Efficiency (DOGE)regulatory-capturegovernment-transparencyfoiatrump-administrationinformation-control
The Trump administration initiated a widespread purge of federal prosecutors, particularly those who previously investigated the president. Over 40 career prosecutors were fired without warning, with the acting attorney general claiming they could not be ’trusted to faithfully implement the …
James McHenryMichael Ben'AryJack SmithDonald TrumpDepartment of Justice+1 moredoj-weaponizationprosecutorial-independencetrump-administrationpolitical-retaliationrule-of-law+1 more
Acting Attorney General James McHenry systematically fired multiple Justice Department officials who worked on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Trump’s election interference and classified documents case. In termination letters, McHenry argued the officials could not be …
James McHenryDonald TrumpJack SmithJamie RaskinGerald Connollydoj-weaponizationprosecutorial-independencetrump-administrationretaliationrule-of-law+1 more
The Supreme Court heard critical arguments challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally federalize state National Guard units during the 2025 constitutional crisis. At least 23 Republican-led states support the deployment, while 22 Democratic-led states oppose it. The case centers …
Supreme CourtTrump AdministrationState GovernorsBrian SchwalbCalifornia Governor+1 morenational-guardconstitutional-crisisexecutive-powerseparation-of-powerslegal-challenge+1 more
Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the immediate closure of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, KleptoCapture Task Force, and related anti-corruption units. The decision redirects multi-billion dollar forfeiture funds previously returned to victim countries toward domestic detention …
Pam BondiDepartment of JusticeKleptocracy Asset Recovery InitiativeKleptoCapture Task ForceTransparency Internationalanti-corruptiondojkleptocracypolicy-reversaltrump-administration+1 more
On February 15, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the immediate closure of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative and KleptoCapture Task Force, representing a fundamental shift in DOJ enforcement priorities. The decision redirects resources from tracking international corruption and …
Pam BondiDepartment of JusticeKleptocracy Asset Recovery InitiativeKleptoCapture Task ForceTransparency Internationalanti-corruptiondojkleptocracypolicy-reversaltrump-administration+2 more
Trump administration systematically stalled over 40 regulatory investigations into Musk’s companies across multiple federal agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, SEC, FAA, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Strategic leadership removals and quorum eliminations …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationElon MuskFederal Regulatory Agenciesregulatory-capturecorporate-powertrump-administrationelon-musk
Trump administration explores consolidating banking regulators by potentially merging FDIC and OCC under Treasury Department, reducing regulatory workforce and oversight. Proposed changes include combining regulatory functions, transferring employees, and potentially eliminating independent banking …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationOffice of the Comptroller of the CurrencyFederal Deposit Insurance Corporationregulatory-capturetreasury-departmentbanking-regulationtrump-administration
Trump Media & Technology Group awarded $800,000 in stock to Kash Patel on January 28, 2025, just days before his Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director. Patel claimed he would not accept the stock ’to avoid any appearance of conflict’, but the award raised significant ethical …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationKash PatelDonald Trump Jr.Linda McMahonmedia-controlcorporate-captureethical-violationstrump-administration
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
Administration deployed what agency staff call ‘MAGA commissars’ - young Trump loyalists placed throughout federal agencies to monitor compliance with administration directives and screen remaining career staff for political reliability. These individuals, often without specific agency …
White House Personnel OfficeFederal AgenciesOffice of Personnel Management (OPM)political-controlfederal-workforceloyalty-monitoringcommissarspersonnel-screening+1 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
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
Analysis of Trump’s first week in office reveals approximately 65% of his executive actions closely align with Project 2025 recommendations, despite previously claiming no association. Key areas of implementation include dismantling DEI programs, reviving Schedule F to reclassify federal …
Donald TrumpRuss VoughtHeritage FoundationPaul Dansproject-2025trump-administrationexecutive-actionsconservative-policyfederal-workforce+1 more
Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Defense Secretary in a historic 51-50 Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Three key Republican senators - Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins - voted against confirmation. Hegseth’s confirmation was controversial …
Pete HegsethJD VanceU.S. SenateMitch McConnellLisa Murkowski+2 morepete-hegsethdefense-secretaryconfirmationjd-vancetiebreaker-vote+3 more
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who received over $3 million from Trump businesses including Truth Social stock, shuts down FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force and DOJ’s KleptoCapture unit on first day. Units had recovered billions in Russian oligarch assets and investigated foreign election …
pam-bondiDepartment of JusticeFBITrump Administrationpam-bondikleptocaptureforeign-influencedojinstitutional-capture+3 more
J.D. Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2025, completing a remarkable political transformation from bestselling author and Trump critic to Trump’s most prominent advocate. At 40 years old, he is the first millennial and third-youngest vice …
J.D. VanceDonald TrumpPeter ThielRepublican Partyinaugurationvice-presidentpolitical-transformationthiel-influencetrump-administration+2 more
Melania Trump launched her $MELANIA cryptocurrency two days after Donald Trump’s coin, with highly suspicious trading patterns. Trading data reveals that just 24 wallets rapidly purchased massive amounts of Melania tokens immediately after launch, netting a combined $99.6 million windfall …
Melania TrumpCryptocurrency tradersWorld Liberty FinancialSen. Chris Murphycryptomelania-trumpinsider-tradingfinancial-corruptionmemecoin+3 more
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel released a comprehensive investigative report documenting that 13 senior Trump administration officials violated the Hatch Act prior to the 2020 election, with the violations characterized as demonstrating “willful disregard for the law” and occurring …
Mike PompeoChad WolfKellyanne ConwayJared KushnerKayleigh McEnany+8 moreHatch ActEthics ViolationsRepublican National ConventionTrump AdministrationRule of Law+1 more
Steve Bannon was indicted on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. He was charged for failing to appear for a deposition and refusing to produce requested documents, which the …
Steve BannonHouse Select Committee on January 6Department of Justicejanuary-6congressional-investigationlegal-accountabilitytrump-administrationpolitical-obstruction
Oracle Corporation announced on September 14, 2020, that ByteDance had selected Oracle as TikTok’s “trusted technology provider” in the United States, positioning Oracle to provide cloud infrastructure services and security oversight for TikTok’s U.S. operations. The …
The Department of Health and Human Services launched a $300 million advertising campaign called “Defeating Despair” to promote the Trump administration’s COVID-19 response, with the effort conceived by political appointee Michael Caputo and timed to air before the November …
Michael CaputoDonald TrumpDennis QuaidCeCe WinansAlex AzarHatch ActEthics ViolationsAbuse of OfficeCampaign FinanceCOVID-19+3 more
President Trump delivered his Republican National Convention acceptance speech from the White House South Lawn before 1,500 attendees in an unprecedented use of federal property for a partisan campaign event, culminating four days of systematic Hatch Act violations that transformed the White House …
Donald TrumpMelania TrumpMark MeadowsMike PompeoChad Wolf+1 moreHatch ActEthics ViolationsRepublican National ConventionWhite HouseAbuse of Office+2 more
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech to the Republican National Convention from a hotel rooftop in Jerusalem during an official diplomatic trip to the Middle East, becoming the first sitting Secretary of State to address a party convention in modern history. The U.S. Office of Special …
Mike PompeoDonald TrumpOffice of Special CounselHatch ActEthics ViolationsMike PompeoRepublican National ConventionState Department+2 more