The Level of Corruption Is Breathtaking

I remember a conversation I had in 2016, after he won his first election. I was told Trump would grow into the job. The gravity of the responsibility of the position would mold him into true leadership. Boy, that sure was off the mark.

The slush fund is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Trump's corruption. The following is from the commentary of Brooks and Capehart on the PBS Newshour.

William Brangham:

You mentioned that this is -- some people call this weaponization fund a thug fund. My colleague Liz Landers talked to Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, a white supremacist, organizer, a lead organizer of January 6, and he was thrilled by the idea of this fund.

He thinks he's owed tens of millions of dollars for what he has been through. Do you think, David, if in fact, money starts to flow to people who there is very good evidence assaulted officers or were deeply involved in January 6, that this will further that revolt?

David Brooks:

Possibly.

And it wasn't just the fund. Derek Thompson, an independent journalist, mentioned, what happened this week? Trump got out of $100 million IRS fund. He had the immunity from future tax investigations, this $1.8 billion slush fund, insider trading about $1 billion.

This was like the Coachella of political corruption all in one week. And you take a look at that, and you're like, I don't care who you are. If you have got a shred of integrity, you're like, what is going on here?

Walter Olson, who is a prominent legal analyst, said it was the biggest act of political corruption of his lifetime.

Several notable historical quotes offer different perspectives on corruption:
On Law: "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws." — Tacitus

On Morality: "Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country." — Karl Kraus

On the Poor: "Corruption is paid by the poor." — Pope Francis

Insider trading has netted Trump over $1 billion

And this is all legal because the Supreme Court ruled Trump can not be prosecuted for acts that take place while in office.

Addressing Voter Concerns

 

If Democrats want to win, they have plenty of issues to address. The cost of living, inflation, and cost of health care are on top. Speak to those issues, and the Democrats will find their talking points resonating with the majority of Americans. These issues are common ground, transcending the culture wars (race, color, and creed), because they affect all of us.

As of early 2026, the biggest problems in America are dominated by financial pressures, intense political divisions, and the rising cost of living, with many Americans feeling their financial situation is deteriorating. [1, 2]

Based on 2026 data, here are the top issues facing the United States:

1. Cost of Living and Inflation

• Persistent Inflation: Despite cooling from previous peaks, inflation remains a major issue, with 50% of Americans ranking it as a top concern.
• Housing Affordability: The high cost of housing is a critical issue, exacerbated by low inventory and high mortgage rates.
• Everyday Costs: Surging prices for food, gas, and utilities are placing a strain on household budgets, leading to a "struggle for survival" for many households. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Healthcare Costs and Access

• Rising Costs: Healthcare has become the top concern for Americans, rising above the general economy as a key worry.
• Insurance Premiums: The potential doubling of insurance premiums for millions following the expiration of Obamacare subsidies is a major 2026 issue. [1, 2]

3. Politics and Government Functioning

• Political Polarization: "Government dysfunction" and the inability of Democrats and Republicans to work together are considered major problems by 60% of Americans.
• Role of Money in Politics: 72% of Americans say the role of money in politics is a "very big problem," topping the list of societal concerns.
• Trust in Institutions: A 2026 record high of 45% of U.S. adults now identify as political independents, reflecting disillusionment with the two-party system. [1, 2, 3]

4. Immigration

• Border Concerns: Immigration is a top-tier issue for the American public, with 44% citing it as a priority concern. [1, 2]

5. Economy and Labor

• K-Shaped Economy: While some wealthy households continue to spend, many lower-income families are struggling, creating a "K-shaped" economic divide.
• Job Market Uncertainty: Concerns exist about a "low-hire, low-fire" labor market and a slowdown in job growth outside of health and education services. [1, 2, 3]

6. Climate Change and Infrastructure

• Uninsurable Homes: Climate change is fueling destructive natural disasters, causing insurance companies to stop issuing new policies in some regions, making homes uninsurable.
• Grid Stability: Increased electricity prices and the need for new transmission infrastructure are major concerns. [1, 2, 3, 4]

7. Social and Health Crises

• Mental Health Epidemic: Rising mental health challenges, particularly among youth, are a significant issue.
• Misinformation: The spread of misinformation is posing a threat to public health, with the return of diseases like measles.
• Drug Addiction: Many Americans still classify drug addiction as a very big problem. [1, 2, 3, 4]

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Other 2026 Context:

• Demographic Shift: US public schools are facing a crisis due to a decline in the number of children in America.
• Global Instability: The U.S. is facing high levels of geopolitical risk, including an "End of Global Order" scenario and a new nuclear arms race. [1, 2, 3]