Slate Daily Feed What Next | Presidency for Sale
Sep 2, 2025
David Kirkpatrick, a staff writer at the New Yorker, dives into the financial machinations of the Trump family during Trump's presidency. He discusses how Trump capitalized on his position, raking in billions through various ventures, including overseas deals and NFTs. Kirkpatrick raises intriguing questions about the legality of these practices, exploring the blurred lines between political and personal profit. The conversation also sheds light on public perception and the unique nature of corruption in this administration.
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Presidency-Linked Profits Total Billions
- David Kirkpatrick counted revenue streams that depend on Trump's presidency and reached a headline number of $3.4 billion.
- The total rose further after publication, showing the amount grows as new deals appear.
Mar-a-Lago Monetizes Presidential Access
- Mar-a-Lago's membership fees and access to the president drove large revenue increases tied to Trump's office.
- Kirkpatrick estimates about $125 million in added profits from Mar-a since Trump first ran for office.
Campaign-Like Merch Sends Cash To Family
- The Trump Organization runs a separate merch store selling items that resemble campaign gear and funnels proceeds to the family.
- That setup diverts purchases that many buyers might assume would support Trump's political committees.