Fact Check: Trump's presidency represents the high-water mark of American kleptocracy.

Published July 11, 2025

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# Fact Check: Trump's Presidency Represents the High-Water Mark of American Kleptocracy ## What We Know The claim that "Trump's presidency represents...

Fact Check: Trump's Presidency Represents the High-Water Mark of American Kleptocracy

What We Know

The claim that "Trump's presidency represents the high-water mark of American kleptocracy" is supported by various analyses and reports that highlight unprecedented levels of corruption during his administration. According to a detailed analysis by Casey Michel in The Atlantic, Trump's second term has already shown signs of escalating corruption, with numerous instances of the Trump Organization profiting from foreign regimes. Michel notes that Trump's dealings include luxury real estate projects in Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, as well as accepting a $400 million jet from Qatar, which raises ethical concerns about the influence of foreign money on U.S. politics.

Moreover, the dismantling of anti-corruption measures during Trump's presidency has been documented. His administration has effectively terminated the new shell-company registry and dissolved task forces that previously targeted kleptocracy and public corruption (Yahoo, The Atlantic). This has created an environment where foreign regimes perceive an opportunity to gain favor through financial incentives, as highlighted in multiple sources (Yahoo, AlterNet).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of Trump's presidency as a peak of American kleptocracy is compelling. The sources cited are credible and provide a thorough examination of the corruption associated with Trump's administration. Casey Michel, the author of the analysis, is a recognized expert on the intersection of lobbying and democracy, which adds weight to his observations about the implications of Trump's actions (AlterNet).

The historical context provided in these analyses is also significant. Comparisons to past presidential corruption, such as that of Ulysses S. Grant and Warren Harding, underscore the unique nature of Trump's dealings, which are described as more brazen and varied than any seen before (The Atlantic). This historical perspective reinforces the claim that Trump's presidency represents a significant departure from previous norms of political conduct.

However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the sources. Publications like The Atlantic and AlterNet may have editorial slants that could influence their framing of events. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple reputable sources regarding the scale and nature of corruption during Trump's presidency lends credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "Trump's presidency represents the high-water mark of American kleptocracy" is True. The evidence presented in credible analyses indicates that Trump's administration has engaged in unprecedented levels of corruption, dismantled anti-corruption frameworks, and created an environment conducive to foreign influence through financial means. The historical comparisons and expert insights further substantiate this assertion.

Sources

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