Consider This from NPR Episode: Will Trump's Next Term Make Him Richer? Release Date: December 3, 2024 Host: NPR

Introduction

In the December 3, 2024 episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the intricate relationship between former President Donald Trump's business ventures and his political career. The episode explores whether a potential second term in the White House would further enrich Trump, examining past actions, current business expansions, and the ethical implications surrounding them.

Trump's Business Influence in Politics

Ari Shapiro opens the discussion by highlighting how Donald Trump's tenure as president was characterized by the seamless blend of his business endeavors with his political role.

“President elect Donald Trump won his first term by campaigning as a businessman, not a politician. When he got into office, he never really stopped being Trump the businessman.”
— Ari Shapiro [00:01]

One notable instance was the 2019 announcement to host the G7 meeting at Trump's Doral Resort in Florida, which, although ultimately canceled, signaled Trump's intent to leverage his business assets for political purposes.

“Right next to the airport. Right, right there, meaning a few minutes away. It's a great place. It's got tremendous acreage.”
— Donald Trump [00:30]

Evolution of Trump's Business Interests

As Trump prepares for a potential second term, his business empire has diversified beyond hotels and resorts. He now holds a significant stake in the media company behind Truth Social and has ventured into the cryptocurrency sector.

“No, I'm not selling. No, I love it. I mean, I use it as a method of getting out my word.”
— Donald Trump [01:17]

Additionally, Trump announced the launch of his own cryptocurrency company, aiming to position the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency.

“To ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the bitcoin superpower of the world. And we'll get it done.”
— Donald Trump [01:27]

Potential Conflicts of Interest

The episode critically examines how Trump's expanding business interests could pose significant conflicts of interest should he return to the presidency. NPR points out that despite previous pledges to separate his business dealings from his official duties, Trump's continued ownership and expansion into new industries raise ethical concerns.

“Trump's businesses could benefit substantially from his actions as president. And this time around, he has announced no plan to address potential conflicts of interest.”
— Ari Shapiro [01:37]

Insights from Experts: Noah Bookbinder

Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), provides expert analysis on the issue. He recounts how Trump's initial attempts to mitigate conflicts of interest were insufficient, leading CREW to sue him.

“Donald Trump maintained effective ownership interest of all of his companies, so when they made money, he made money. He knew what those interests were, so he knew that he would make money if those companies profited.”
— Noah Bookbinder [04:08]

Bookbinder explains that Trump's current business portfolio, including Truth Social and his cryptocurrency venture, heightens the potential for conflicts of interest. For instance, investments in Truth Social can directly influence Trump's personal wealth, especially if the company's stock value rises due to external investments.

“When somebody buys a lot of stock, it often drives the stock value up. That is the primary source of Donald Trump's wealth at this point. So if you move that value up, you're essentially putting money in his pocket.”
— Noah Bookbinder [06:38]

He also raises concerns about Trump's cryptocurrency business, World Liberty Financial, highlighting the lack of regulation in the sector and the risks of the administration potentially favoring his business interests in regulatory decisions.

“If Donald Trump is an owner, is somebody who has a stake in that industry, and his administration is deciding how that industry should be regulated, there's really a risk that he could be making decisions based on what's going to make his company money and therefore what's going to make him and his family money.”
— Noah Bookbinder [07:22]

Accountability and Legal Challenges

Bookbinder discusses the challenges in holding Trump accountable, noting that traditional accountability mechanisms have been less effective during his administration. The Supreme Court's decisions and a pliant Congress further complicate efforts to enforce ethical standards.

“Donald Trump has been masterful in evading accountability. It's really one of his kind of superpowers.”
— Noah Bookbinder [10:03]

He emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to uphold constitutional principles and ethical governance, despite the obstacles posed by Trump's influential position.

“We have to keep trying.”
— Noah Bookbinder [10:03]

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential implications of Trump's second term on his business empire and the broader ethical landscape of American politics. While there are significant concerns about conflicts of interest and the blending of personal wealth with public duty, the lack of clear accountability mechanisms presents a daunting challenge.

“I do think that there is a real concern that as often as he was able to evade accountability the first time around, that there are fewer checks on his power.”
— Noah Bookbinder [10:03]

Shapiro underscores the necessity for vigilance and persistent efforts to ensure that the presidency serves the American people's interests rather than personal financial gains.

Key Takeaways

• Intertwined Interests: Trump's business ventures have historically intertwined with his political role, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

• Business Expansion: Trump's business empire has expanded into media and cryptocurrency, areas that could significantly benefit from his presidential actions.

• Ethical Concerns: Experts like Noah Bookbinder express deep concerns about the ability to hold Trump accountable and the risks of his continued business involvement influencing policy decisions.

• Accountability Challenges: Traditional mechanisms for enforcing ethical standards appear less effective in the current political climate, necessitating ongoing efforts to uphold governance integrity.

This comprehensive exploration by NPR's Consider This provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the financial and ethical dimensions of Donald Trump's potential second term, highlighting the broader implications for American democracy and governance.