Trump amasses wealth in corrupt presidency
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The gist
Trump reported $2.2bn in 2025 revenues from crypto, Truth Social, and foreign deals.
Ethics experts call it unprecedented corruption as oversight wanes.
Background
Trump's second presidency has been marked by his refusal to divest from his business empire, leading to thousands of conflicts of interest. In 2025, his financial disclosures showed at least $2.2 billion in revenue, far exceeding his first term's total. This surge is attributed to cryptocurrency ventures, Truth Social expansion, and foreign licensing deals, while federal ethics oversight has weakened.
How it unfolded
- Aug 9, 2026The Atlantic reports on watchdogs' alarm over Trump's wealth, citing a senator calling it 'Mount Everest of corruption'.
- Aug 10, 2026Alternet publishes expert commentary describing a 'volcano of corruption' in Trump's second term.
- Aug 13, 2026The Guardian and CREW release analyses detailing Trump's $2.2bn in 2025 revenues and expanded conflicts of interest.
Who’s saying what
- Ethics Experts
- Larry Noble, former FEC general counsel, says Trump is using presidential powers to financially benefit his family's interests on an unprecedented level.
- Democrats
- Senator Jeff Merkley calls the situation 'the Mount Everest of corruption'.
- White House
- Spokesperson Anna Kelly dismisses allegations as 'the same, tired narrative' and says Trump's assets are in discretionary accounts with no conflicts.
Still unverified
The claim that World Liberty Financial will soon operate like a bank is based on a NOTUS report and not yet confirmed.