Public Office, Private Profits - The Grifter

         In just a few months, Trump has transformed what should be public service into what may be the most lucrative presidency in American history. Meme coins, sneakers, watches, a fucking Tesla ad on the White House lawn, foreign backed investments, international real estate ventures, a $400 million plane that was gifted to him from Qatar; it's not subtle, it is painstakingly obvious. Trump treats the highest office in the land as just another revenue stream—for himself and his inner circle.

        Accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments while holding any form of public office isn't just frowned upon — it's prohibited under the U.S. Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause. This clause was designed to prevent any type of foreign influence over American officials by banning presents, payments, or titles from other nations without Congressional approval.

        This has been seen several times- albeit these rules were enforced then. You know, back when we don't have a pseudo-fascist and the drove of boot-licking cronies running things. Hillary Clinton was forced to return a $400 necklace gifted to her by a foreign dignitary during her time as Secretary of State. Or when Rex Tillerson faced scrutiny over his ties to foreign entities during his time at ExxonMobil. Or what about the various diplomats that have been investigated and reprimanded for accepting gifts? Even lower-profile officials have been compelled to return gifts or face ethics investigations. 

        Yet, despite this clear legal framework, Trump has facilitated a public power that is able to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar. Something he himself criticized, presumably because it wasn't benefiting him. Under the notion that this plane is for "America" raises alarming questions that will be dismissed and swept under the rug. This is a personal gift to Trump, not a 'hold-over' until the new Air Force One is finished. Many have speculated —and Trump has also alluded to —  this will be added to his Presidential Library and then transferred for personal use after presidency.

    

    Lets be perfectly clear: accepting this jet without Congressional approval is not a gray area. It is a direct conflict with the Constitution. If you think otherwise because "It's a gift to the U.S." or "It's just going to be used temporarily." I want you to ask yourself, if Biden or Obama did this during their term, would you be spewing the same shit? They would have had a damn aneurism calling for immediate impeachment if Biden took a gift of even a miniscule fraction of what Trump just accepted. The Foreign Emoluments Cause exists for a reason, and it's not optional. 

        Presidents are explicitly required to seek the consent of Congress before accepting any gift or benefit from a foreign state. There is no record of Trump doing so. But that's become a pattern. This same man attacked the legitimacy of the Supreme Court when rulings don't go his way, and has been treating the legislative branch as a speed bump, not a co-equal branch of government. It's not just about one plane or one law. Its about a president acting as if he is above it all. That he holds all the power. That there is no longer checks and balances.

        Underneath it all? Ethical rot. What message does it send when the presidency is taking multimillion dollar favors from a country he criticized for having ties to, and funding, extremism and buying influence? It's transactional power. It puts ever future negotiation, military decision, or international deal under a cloud of doubt. 

        Trump is not some fringe grifter cashing in after his time in office. He is the sitting POTUS. And he is actively using that position to enrich himself in ways that would have triggered bipartisan scandal under any previous administration. This isn't post-precedency profiteering. It's real-time corruption with global implications. With this jet, with launching crypto currencies, with sneakers and shitty cheap watches that he is pawning off for hundreds under the guise of populism, Trump has made the presidency into a personal brand and business venture. And what's worse? No one in Congress is stopping him. The longer this continues unchecked, the more we signal to future leaders that public office is just another hustle. A luxury suite with diplomatic immunity. The question isn't whether Trump is corrupt. It's whether anyone still has the spine to hold him accountable. 

-The 8th