The Political Scene | The New Yorker How Bad Is It?: Trump’s Self-Dealing and the Question of Kleptocracy
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Aug 21, 2025 David D. Kirkpatrick, a staff writer for The New Yorker known for his deep dives into political finance, shares his insights on how Donald Trump has financially benefited from his presidency, amassing a staggering $3.4 billion. They explore whether Trump's practices signify typical political corruption or a dangerous move toward kleptocracy. The conversation also touches on the implications for American democracy and the ethical dilemmas of intertwining personal profit with public service.
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Estimated Presidential Profit Total
- David Kirkpatrick calculates at least $3.4 billion that flows to the Trump Organization from activities tied to the presidency.
- He counts only revenue he judges linked to presidential leverage, using conservative present-value methods.
Optics Matter Even Without Proven Quid Pro Quo
- Kirkpatrick avoids labeling actions as corruption absent proof of quid pro quo but flags the optics of frantic moneymaking.
- He warns foreign actors could reasonably assume business with the Trumps buys official influence.
Counting Only Accessible Cash
- Kirkpatrick counts only cash or liquid assets Trump could realistically access today and excludes illiquid holdings.
- He uses present-value calculations for future licensing deals rather than inflating net worth with unsellable shares or tokens.