Second Term: Corruption
Donald Trump's Second Term: Corruption of the Presidential Office Through Self-Enrichment, Personal Influence, and Institutional Manipulation
In his second term as President, beginning January 20, 2025, Donald Trump has continued a pattern of behavior that undermines the integrity of the highest office in the United States. Drawing on public records, investigative reports, and ongoing scandals, this article presents a compelling case that Trump has corrupted the presidency by using his power for personal financial gain, imposing his whims on domestic and global affairs, and politicizing federal institutions to serve his agenda. These actions not only erode public trust but also set dangerous precedents for executive overreach. While some defenses frame these as bold leadership, the evidence points to a systematic abuse of authority for self-interest.
Self-Enrichment Through Presidential Power and Controlled Funds
Trump's second term has seen an acceleration of efforts to monetize the presidency, blending official duties with personal profit in ways that raise serious ethical concerns. Unlike predecessors who waited until leaving office to capitalize on their tenure, Trump has actively pursued financial opportunities while in power, often through opaque channels.
A prime example is the aggressive fundraising for his presidential library, which has amassed nearly half a billion dollars in donations, gifts, and in-kind contributions by mid-2025. (freedom.press) Critics argue this serves as a vehicle for potential bribes, with donors including corporations like Paramount and Meta, and foreign governments such as Qatar. (senate.gov) A Senate report highlighted how these funds could funnel illicit gifts, prompting Democrats to introduce legislation for greater transparency in presidential library financing. (cbsnews.com) (politico.com) Trump's administration has also been accused of directing federal resources toward his future library, including freezing museum funding in violation of impoundment laws. (politicopro.com)
Beyond the library, Trump has leveraged his position to resolve personal financial disputes and boost family businesses. He reportedly banked millions by pressuring tech companies as president-elect, settling old disputes in exchange for favorable policies. (theguardian.com) His family's ventures have seen a surge in deals, with foreign entities potentially profiting the Trumps during his term. (pbs.org) A New Yorker investigation estimated Trump's self-enrichment innovations, including cryptocurrency ventures tied to his name, have added hundreds of millions to his wealth, often at taxpayer expense through visits to his properties. (newyorker.com) (theatlantic.com) Additionally, a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar and the launch of his own crypto coin exemplify "trickle-down corruption," where personal perks flow from international dealings. (wbur.org) These actions, tracked by groups like CREW, represent unprecedented conflicts, with over 100 instances documented in the first 100 days alone, including pardons for convicted financial criminals in crypto firms. (house.gov) (citizensforethics.org)
Imposing Personal Preferences on the Economy, the World, and Foreign Policy
Trump's economic decisions in 2025 appear driven more by personal vendettas and preferences than coherent strategy, leading to volatility and long-term risks. His sweeping tariffs, imposed on countries like India and China, align with his "America First" rhetoric but have reduced GDP projections by about 6% and wages by 5%, according to economic models. (wharton.upenn.edu) He has demanded a "cut" of private companies' sales for business rights, defying free-market principles and pressuring corporations like those in tech and energy. (npr.org) Trump's public disputes over job numbers—claiming data is falsified when unfavorable—have chilled economic confidence, with July 2025 figures showing only 73,000 jobs added amid rising inflation. (cnn.com) (apnews.com) Policy shifts, such as deregulation benefiting wealthy advisers' interests, further illustrate how his cabinet's financial ties influence decisions. (cnn.com)
On the global stage, Trump's personal style has reshaped world affairs, often prioritizing deals over alliances and exacerbating international chaos. His authorization of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 aided Israel in its war but escalated tensions, securing a ceasefire on his terms while drawing criticism for unilateralism. (en.wikipedia.com) Global confidence in Trump is low, with over half in 19 of 24 surveyed countries lacking faith in his leadership, leading to a decline in America's reputation in 26 of 29 nations. (pewresearch.org) (ipsos.com) His foreign policy, marked by flux in trade and alliances, has weakened U.S. standing, with actions like hosting Gaza meetings promoting "comprehensive plans" that favor his preferences over multilateral efforts. (chathamhouse.org) (carnegieendowment.org) An under-discussed aspect is his influence on global energy dominance, pushing policies that benefit personal associates in fossil fuels while ignoring climate commitments, further isolating the U.S. (ecfr.eu)
Politicizing Federal Agencies and Undermining Institutional Independence
Trump has aggressively remade federal agencies to align with his agenda, politicizing what were once independent bureaucracies and purging dissenters. Through executive orders, he created "Schedule G" (building on the revoked Schedule F), allowing agencies to hire non-career political appointees for policy roles, broadening the scope for loyalists and making it easier to fire civil servants. (umich.edu) (marylandmatters.org) (govexec.com) (federalnewsnetwork.com) This has led to a workforce reduction plan and hiring freeze, with agencies required to slash staff to "restore accountability."
Further, Trump terminated 17 inspectors general without congressional notice, citing "changing priorities," which watchdogs decry as an attack on oversight. (ourpublicservice.org) He claimed expanded power over independent agencies via executive order, enhancing presidential control and raising fears of weaponization. (npr.org) Federal grants now must "demonstrably advance" his agenda, adding bureaucracy and politicization that concerns employees. (govexec.com) An overlooked element is his rescission of prior orders on DEI, framing them as "corrupting" institutions, which has led to purges in agencies like the DOJ and OPM to eliminate perceived opposition.
Additional Avenues of Corruption: Nepotism and Taxpayer-Funded Perks
Beyond the core issues, Trump's term has featured nepotism, with family members influencing policy amid conflicts, and increased taxpayer costs for golf trips and foreign visitor protections at his properties. (citizensforethics.org) (theatlantic.com) His administration's handling of Middle East policies, including deportation and family separations, has been tied to personal financial gains from allied nations. (mei.edu)
Conclusion
In just over seven months of his second term, Trump's actions—self-enrichment via his library and businesses, personal imprints on economic and foreign policy, and the politicization of agencies—constitute a profound corruption of the presidency. With ongoing investigations and global repercussions, these patterns, documented in reports from CREW and Issue One, threaten democratic norms and demand accountability. (issueone.org) (citizensforethics.org)
This article was written with help from Grok.
