The Bulwark Podcast David Kirkpatrick: Trump's Self-Enrichment
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Aug 19, 2025 David Kirkpatrick, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Into the Hands of the Soldiers', delves into the controversial financial dealings of Donald Trump post-presidency. He reveals that Trump has pocketed an estimated $3.4 billion from ventures, notably in crypto, while striking deals with Middle Eastern dictators. The discussion highlights the moral quandaries of self-enrichment in politics and the role of flattery in Trump’s foreign relations, drawing parallels to the self-serving practices observed in other nations.
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Scale Of Presidential Self-Enrichment
- David Kirkpatrick estimates about $3.4 billion is flowing to the Trump family tied to presidency-related businesses.
- He finds the largest chunk of that amount comes from crypto-related ventures rather than traditional real estate deals.
Optics Versus Legal Proof
- Kirkpatrick avoided labeling the activity 'corruption' absent proven quid pro quo, but called it undignified and worrying.
- He notes the global optics: foreign actors could reasonably expect favors when paying a sitting president's family.
Vietnam Project Fast-Tracked
- A massive Vietnam resort deal progressed with expedited treatment because Vietnamese officials noted Trump's involvement.
- Kirkpatrick flags that local rules were waived, making the project unusually fast-tracked.