Kleptocracy in Action: 40 Acts of Trump’s Blatant Corruption of the Presidency (Known So Far)
Senator Murphy’s floor speech lays out a “story of mind-blowing, massive, scalable corruption” in Trump’s first 100 days
Calling Trump’s first 100 days “a story of incompetence, theft, and mind-blowing corruption,” on April 29, 2025, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy took to the Senate floor to detail the laundry list of grifts committed by America’s first convicted felon president since the start of his second maladministration.
Here’s Senator Murphy’s speech:
If we thought Trump’s last term broke records for graft and self-dealing, we better get our asses into the streets to sound the alarm for the next four years. The evidence is right here, laid bare for anyone still caring about the general welfare over the welfare of one orange malignancy, E Pluribus Unum over “I got mine, sucker,” and democracy over dictatorship.
As I noted in an earlier article (and my “Tara Show” partner, Tara Dublin, would agree), the first 100 days of America’s wannabe dictator have been an absolute disaster for anyone who believes in the promise of American democracy—or for anyone not born with a trust fund.
At this point, the office of the presidency might as well be considered the next grift from Trump, Inc. Thanks to the corrupt Supreme Court, our first convicted felon president faces no consequences for his crimes—as long as he claims he’s acting in the name of a country whose system of checks and balances he clearly despises.
As the rest of us brace for the next blow from his Project 2025 wrecking ball, Trump runs the presidency like the boss of an organized crime operation, executing documented schemes to enrich himself, shield his cronies, and obliterate any remaining trace of accountability.
Thanks to Senator Murphy, every one of these acts is documented, confirmed and in the Congressional record. Buckle up, because I’m sure the so-called president/the world’s most prolific con man is just getting started.
For your convenience, here’s the list of Trump’s dirty dealings (that we know of so far) as detailed in Senator Murphy’s speech.
January: The Swamp Gets A Golden Ticket
1. Jan. 6: Amazon’s $40 Million Melania Payoff
The ink on Trump’s tacky inauguration program hadn’t dried before Amazon cut a $40 million check to “license” a Melania documentary. Weird coincidence how the DOJ’s antitrust probe into Amazon evaporated like Lindsey Graham’s integrity.
To put this in perspective, no other feature length documentary ever created has even come close to the so-called budget of this one. Most documentaries are completed with budgets that range between a few hundred thousand and a few million dollars.
For her trouble, Trophy Wife #3 is going to walk away with $28 million—a fee that far exceeds budgets of documentaries that people actually want to see.
Ever the hungry parasite, Trump will receive 70% of the deal’s proceeds. In yet another perfect opportunity for the world’s oligarchs to launder their bribes, he is also reportedly “shopping around” for sponsorship deals for this coming cinematic masterpiece.
What do you want to bet it never gets made?
2. Jan. 17: Trump Launches Meme Coin
Trump opens the door wide and welcomes fraud, money laundering, and untraceable foreign influence.
Meanwhile, Trump’s maladministration has weakened oversight by disbanding Justice Department teams investigating crypto fraud.
Naa. Nothing to see here.
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
3. Jan. 20: The $1 Billion Oil & Gas Shakedown
Just days before his New York felony trial, Trump summoned two dozen oil executives to Mar-a-Lago to explain he would axe every environmental regulation standing between them and even more profit for the low price of $1 billion.
Since he returned to the Oval Office, the con man has done all he can to undo all progress on climate change, and let the oil barons lose again to murder Mother Earth.
4. Jan. 25: Midnight Purge of Watchdogs
On the night of January 24, 2025, Trump fired at 17 Inspectors General across federal agencies. Every ethics cop on the beat in the federal government was gone before dawn.
Trump didn’t drain the swamp. He’s flooded it into every nook and cranny of our government.
5. Jan. 25: Killing the Ethics Office
Trump didn’t just remove the Office of Government Ethics director-he torched the whole institution. David Huitema, the OGE director, was replaced by Trump’s personal attorney on February 10, 2025, just weeks after the IG purge. The OGE’s files and investigations, including those into Trump’s own properties and possible Emoluments Clause violations, vanished without a trace.
Emoluments clause violations? What emoluments clause violations?
6. Jan. 27: NLRB Shutdown to Protect Musk and Bezos
Gwen Wilcox, the NLRB member probing Tesla’s union-busting and Amazon’s wage theft, was fired mid-investigation. Both companies had just funneled millions into Trump’s inauguration. Coincidence? There are no coincidences in the court of the con man.
7. Jan. 31: Rep. Andy Ogles’ Immunity Deal
The DOJ paused its probe into Ogles’ illegal campaign loans the moment he introduced a bill to let Trump run for a third term. “I did what I had to do for the movement,” Ogles later smirked. Translation: corruption is the key to MAGAtville.
8. Jan. 31: IRS Nominee’s Six-Figure Debt Erased
Trump’s pick for IRS Commissioner, Billy Long, wiped out $130,000 in campaign debt thanks to a sudden flood of donations from tax consultancy insiders right after Trump announced his nomination.
The Senate confirmed him days later.
February: Hail to the Fleece
9. Feb. 4: PGA-Saudi Golf Cartel Meeting
Trump brokered a PGA-LIV Golf merger in the Oval Office, opening the door for the Saudis to pour money into American golf and, conveniently, Trump’s own courses and pockets.
10. Feb. 6: Foreign Agent Registration Act Gutted
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that DOJ would de-prioritize enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), leaving the door wide open for foreign oligarchs and shady shell companies to funnel cash into U.S. politics.
Drain the swamp? Anyone? Anyone?
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
11. Feb. 10: Dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Wall Street crowd toasted the news, as predatory lenders sharpened their claws to pounce on vulnerable Americans, unfettered by any watchdog.
Until we kick Republicans into history’s trash bin where they belong, the agency that was supposed to protect consumers from financial predators will remain a shell of its former self.
12. Feb. 10: Eric Adams’ Quid Pro Quo
The DOJ dropped bribery and fraud charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams after seven prosecutors resigned in protest, citing political interference.
Now, the maladministration has a lapdog who will open the door to the Trump gestapo.
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
13. Feb. 10: Foreign Bribes Legalized
Trump signed an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, under the guise of “restoring American competitiveness”.
14. Feb. 12: $400 Million Tesla Contract
Musk’s companies, already fattened by government contracts, got another taxpayer-funded windfall while his lawyers quietly erased OSHA violations from federal records.
15. Feb. 12: Musk’s OSHA Backdoor
Federal regulators cited Tesla for workplace safety violations after a worker’s death, but under Trump’s fake Department of Gazillionare Extortion (run by the parasite Musk himself) OSHA’s teeth were pulled.
16. Feb. 15-16: Neuralink’s FDA Purge
Trump’s mass firing of FDA staffers included those reviewing Musk’s Neuralink brain chip, which had already seen two patient deaths in trials.
The message: “innovation” means never having to say you’re sorry-or follow the law.
17. Feb. 19: Operation Whirlwind
On February 19, the Trump maladministration launched "Operation Whirlwind," a federal initiative led by Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, purportedly to "protect federal workers" but rapidly expanding to target political dissent and protest activity.
Protesters demanding DOJ accountability were jailed as “seditious.” Trump tweeted, “Protest = Sedition,” while his allies cashed checks from private prison donors. Dissent is terrorism now.
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
18. Feb. 21: SEC Drops Robinhood Probe
After a $2 million donation to Trump’s inauguration, the SEC dropped its GameStop market manipulation case against Robinhood.
See a pattern here?
19. Feb. 26: Starlink’s $20B Rural Broadband Grab
Trump’s corrupt Commerce Department rewrote FCC rules to let Musk’s Starlink tap into a $42 billion federal broadband program, with $20 billion going to Starlink alone—four times the original cap.
Rural families were supposed to get high-speed broadband but they can rest easier knowing that the unelected South African parasite got more of our taxpayer money.
20. Feb. 27: Capital One’s $1M Bribe
The DOJ dropped its predatory lending lawsuit after Capital One “donated” $1 million to Trump’s PAC.
Crime doesn’t pay—unless you’re a bank and a con man president is open for bribes.
21. Feb. 27: SEC Shields Coinbase
22. Feb. 28: SpaceX Labor Discrimination
The DOJ abandoned its discrimination case against SpaceX. I’m sure Musk’s $5 million “donation” to Trump’s legal fund had nothing to do with it. March: Of The Shameless Grifters
23. Mar. 1: Selling White House Access
Mar-a-Lago dinners went for $1 million. Oval Office meetings: $5 million. A Saudi lobbyist bragged about “buying policy over steak.”
In MAGAt America, democracy is for sale and it’s going fast.
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
24. Mar. 2: Taxpayer-Funded Crypto Scam
Trump signed an executive order to establish a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” turning the U.S. government into the world’s largest state holder of bitcoin.
Of course, Trump’s lickspittles tout it as visionary, but we know it’s state-sponsored grift to pad the con man’s pockets, which ballooned hundreds of millions of dollars on the back of his own memecoin.
25. Mar. 3: DOJ Comes to the Aid of Traitor, Tina Peters
Tina Peters, convicted of tampering with voting machines, was called a “charlatan” by the presiding judge for spreading her “stolen election” lies.
So, of course, Trump’s Justice Department filed statements in federal court expressing concern over the length of poor, poor, put-upon Peters’ sentence and questioning the motivations behind her prosecution, suggesting it may have been politically motivated.
Everyone is always picking on the traitors! If only we’d leave them be while they overthrow the system that patriots fought, bled and died to entrust to us! Not a chance, Tina.
26. Mar. 3: SEC Lets Yuga Labs Off the Hook
Bored Ape’s $200 million fraud case vanished after “donating” to Trump. Another coincidence, I suppose.
NFTs were always a scam—now they know the cost of a get out of jail (relatively) free card.
27. Mar. 4: Gutting the IRS
The IRS unit tasked with auditing billionaires lost 38% of its workforce this year, thanks to unelected South African billionaire parasite who fired 10,000 employees, with the “high-wealth audit unit” particularly hard-hit.
Mar-a-Lago members clinked glasses: “Finally, we can get a break!”
28. Mar. 4: Rigging Broadband for Musk
The Commerce Department rewrote the rules for a $42 billion broadband grant program, opening the door for the unelected South African billionaire parasite’s Starlink to cash in.
Starlink’s $20 billion contract ballooned to $36 billion after rule changes.
Rural America was supposed to get high-speed internet. Instead, they got crumbs while Musk got the buffet.
29. Mar. 11: Bank of America’s $500k Favor
The CFPB dropped its lawsuit against BoA for illegal fees. The $500k “donation” was just a coincidence, I’m sure.
Crime is a deductible expense these days.
30. Mar. 11: Tesla’s Taxpayer-Funded Ad
Trump’s White House didn’t just blur the line between public office and private gain—he ignored the line altogether adn parked one of those ugly Cybertrucks on top of it.
On March 11, the South Lawn became a car lot showroom with five Teslas lined up like prizes on a game show in a stunt that doubled as bailout for Musk’s plummeting stock.
How long until the worst president ever start selling product placement ads in the Oval Office?
Sen. Murphy breaks it down:
31. Mar. 19: Private Prisons Buy Influence
CoreCivic dropped a cool $500,000 into Trump’s inaugural committee and the return on investment was immediate. As soon as he could, the Dim Leader reversed Biden’s order to end DOJ contracts with private prisons. Private prison stocks soared.
Cruelty is not only the point—it’s the business model.
32. Mar. 24: Hiding Corporate Ownership
The Treasury Department gutted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and it was like an open invitation to money launderers and oligarchs to get back to the business of crime.
Like a flashing neon sign for Russian oligarchs and kleptocrats to park their billions in U.S. real estate, including Trump properties, with zero transparency.
Dontcha feel proud, America? Money laundering isn’t a crime—it’s an day in the Oval Office with Trump!
33. Mar. 25: Ripple’s $75M Fine Discount
The SEC slapped Ripple Labs with a $125 million fine for its crypto shenanigans, but after a $5 million “donation” to Trump, the penalty was quietly slashed by 60%-down to $50 million.
I’m sure it’s just another happy accident.
34. Mar. 28: Pardoning a Fraudulent Mega-Donor
Crime doesn’t pay-unless you can afford a donation to the Trump campaign. The founder of Nikola Motors, Trevor Milton, bilked investors out of hundreds of millions and was convicted of securities fraud.
Have no fear! Milton and his wife suddenly became political high-rollers, dropping nearly $2 million into Trump’s campaign coffers and —just like that— Trump handed Milton a full pardon, wiping away the threat of 4 years in prison along with any hope of restitution for the defrauded investors.
I doubt they can afford the “loyalty vig”.
April: America to the Highest Briber
35. Apr. 8: Coal Mining for a Billionaire
Joseph Craft gave a $10 million “donation” to Trump’s campaign and, walla! There’s expanded coal mining on federal lands! Craft’s net worth jumped $800 million.
As the planet burns, the rich warm their hands by the fire.
36. Apr. 9: Market Manipulation via Truth Social
Trump tweeted “Buy stocks—big news coming!” then paused China tariffs. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other lawmakers made buku bucks in insider trades.
37. Apr. 17: Musk’s $100B “Golden Dome”
SpaceX landed a $100 billion missile defense contract benefiting Elon Musk, of course. The project was pitched as a “subscription model” for missile defense where taxpayers fund a constellation of satellites that exist only in concept or as “PowerPoint slides”.
Taxpayers fund fantasies while billionaires cash-in— in reality.
38. Apr. 23: VIP White House Tours for Crypto
People who hold Trump’s crypto were offered exclusive perks, including a VIP White House tour and a private dinner with the con man himself!
Senator Murphy breaks it down:
39. Apr. 23: $1M in Trading Fees
Chinese crypto partners raked in $1 million while Treasury ignores FinCEN’s warnings and Trump rolls back regulation of crypto-related financial crimes.
It’s the circle-jerk of corruption!
Crime isn’t underground—it’s embedded in the global economy and the American so-called president wants his vig.
40. Apr. 26: The $500k “Executive Branch” Club
Last but not least on this list, is the “Executive Branch” private club in Washington, D.C., co-founded by Donald Trump Jr.
With a jaw-dropping $500,000 membership fee, the club promises exclusive access to high-profile political and business figures. Sure to be a magnet for foreign spies and anyone else with an America-hating agenda. Sort of like a Bond villain casting call — but for real.
While the “forgotten men and women” watch in disbelief while their lifelines are cut and their federal government is gobbled up by unelected sociopathic oligarchs, the only thing trickling down is contempt for the suckers outside the velvet ropes.
Pay no attention to what that useless parasite Bezos says, Democracy doesn’t “die in darkness” — it’s systematically executed in VIP lounge.
Senator Murphy breaks it down:
The Bottom Line
I’ve said for years that Republicans don’t get into government “service” for altruism, they run for positions in government so they can use said positions of public trust to enrich themselves and their pals. Just look at how quickly they jettisoned whatever integrity they had and went along with their Grifter-in-Chief’s assault on everything that actually made America great - from decency to democracy—to themselves on January 6th 2021.
All one has to do is take a look at how the states and communities Republicans pretend to represent sink further down the ladder of all positive measures, while they people they send to Congress get richer with every divisive lie they spread, and we know today’s Republican party is a lost cause.
They know what Trump is and had numerous opportunities to stop him. All they had to do was grow a spine, stick together and impeach his traitorous ass. More pathetic still is that they see the unclassified, greed-centered, antics of their unfit Dim Leader and they won’t do a thing to stop him.
Senator Chris Murphy’s Senate floor speech on May 1, 2025, wasn’t just a laundry list of America’s first convicted felon president’s shameless acts of corruption—it’s an accounting of a nation under siege by self-serving grifters who view democracy as a hindrance to their unbridled “right” to steal.
This isn’t governance. It’s kleptocracy, executed with the precision of an organized crime family mob operation. Every agency weaponized, every check on power removed, every dollar traced back to Trump’s pockets.
As Murphy warned: “If we normalize this, democracy dies.”
In short, how much longer are we going to take it, people? How much longer?
Support independent liberal voices! Watch “The Tara Show with Tara Dublin and Tara Devlin” here on the Political Voices Network, Tuesdays and Thursdays 2PM EST!
If you missed the show live, check it out at the Political Voices Network on Youtube!
Please Like and Subscribe, and subscribe to our Substacks.
Here’s Dublin's and Devlin’s.
Support the independent media! Every dollar helps to keep the truth out and save the “Grand Experiment” from the right wing forces currently destroying it.
Become a Tarabuster Patron.
Check out Tarabuster on Friday evenings, 8:30 PM EST
“We Stick Together, We Win!”
Thank you Senator Chris Murphy and Tara!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the Achille's heel that must bring him down. It is beyond sickening and a true nightmare and the American people, if informed, will reject this ongoing criminality. Just based on his first 100 hours, much less 100 days, Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in our history. We have a mafia don in the Oval Office. . . but what did anyone think would happen, electing a felon to the Presidency ?!!!!