If it feels like Trump's corruption is worse this time around, that's because it is
If it feels like Trump's corruption is worse this time around, that's because it is.
- Wed, Aug 19 2026 at 2:37 PM
Mark,
Donald Trump already cemented himself as the most corrupt president in American history during his first term in office. Yet somehow, in his second term, he’s been able to multiply the ways he uses his public office for private gain.
During his first term, Trump amassed more than 3,700 conflicts of interest after refusing to divest from his business empire. Instead of reducing those conflicts when he returned to office, he has taken presidential corruption to an entirely new level.
We’re going to lay out 10 ways Trump is even more corrupt in his second term.
1. He’s making far more money than he did during his first term.
Trump’s first year back in office was the most lucrative year of his entire life. He reported making at least $2.2 billion in 2025 alone, significantly more than the $1.6 billion he made during his entire first term.
Between his expanding business empire, cryptocurrency ventures, licensing deals, foreign developments, merchandise and other revenue streams, the financial opportunities tied to his presidency have grown far beyond what existed during his first administration.
2. He’s pardoning even more corrupt politicians—and people who financially benefit him.
Trump has increasingly used his pardon power to benefit his political allies. He let at least 22 politicians off the hook, as well as other individuals who spent millions lobbying him or otherwise provided financial benefits to him and his interests.
3. There are far more ways to personally enrich Trump than there were in his first term.
During Trump’s first term, someone looking to curry favor could book a room at one of his hotels. Today, there are countless new ways to put money in his pocket—from buying his cryptocurrency to committing millions to development projects tied to his business empire.
4. He’s using the government to pursue his own financial interests.
Trump sued the government he now oversees, seeking billions of taxpayer dollars, and argued that the DOJ should pay him over $200 million to compensate him for federal investigations into his conduct.
While the nearly $1.8 billion slush fund for his allies was shut down in the courts, Trump still managed to get an agreement from the IRS barring audits into past tax claims of himself, his family and his businesses.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Trump and his family’s profiteering.
5. He’s visiting his properties even more than last time—directing more taxpayer money to them.
Trump has visited his properties 278 times so far this term, outpacing the 243 visits he had made by this point in his first term. Every presidential visit requires the Secret Service and may involve other government agencies spending taxpayer money at businesses he still owns.
6. Corporations and wealthy individuals have even more opportunities to buy access and influence with Trump.
Whether it’s settling bogus lawsuits the administration brings, contributing millions to Trump’s pet projects or providing any other financial benefits, wealthy interests have more ways than ever to seek favorable treatment or receive favors from the administration.
7. He now has dozens of foreign business developments while serving as president.
During Trump’s first term, he and the Trump Organization pledged not to make foreign deals. Now, he has roughly 23 international developments in the works, creating far more opportunities for foreign governments, investors and business partners to financially benefit the sitting president while seeking favorable treatment from the U.S.
8. There’s even less transparency into how the government is spending taxpayer money at Trump’s properties.
The Trump administration has largely failed to provide records in response to public records requests and has shuttered several agency FOIA offices. That makes it harder to track the extent to which public dollars are flowing into Trump’s businesses.
9. He used the presidency to make his own property the host site of the G20.
Trump tried to host an international summit at one of his resorts during his first term but backed down after widespread criticism. This time, he has succeeded in directing the G20 Summit to his Miami Doral resort, requiring foreign officials and the press to conduct official government business at a personal business that he still profits from as president.
10. He and his investment advisors have made trades worth millions of dollars, while he oversees policies that can affect their value.
Trump, either personally or through his investment advisors, has purchased and sold millions of dollars worth of stock while also potentially possessing—and sometimes publicly announcing—information capable of moving financial markets.
He also oversees policies that can directly affect the value of those investments, raising concerns over whether a sitting president is benefiting from information unavailable to everyday Americans.
Mark, if it feels like Trump's corruption is worse this time around, that's because it is. We know because we’ve been tracking the conflicts of interest, following the money, filing records requests, investigating abuses of power and taking legal action when necessary.
CREW is committed to being that watchdog—no matter how powerful the person in the White House is. But we can’t keep doing this work without you.
Comments
Post a Comment