Summary of "Devil's Cut | The Most Corrupt President in Modern History" Featuring Matthew Dallek

Episode Release Date: June 24, 2025
Podcast: Truth in the Barrel
Hosts: Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman
Guest: Matthew Dallek, Political Historian and Professor at George Washington University's Graduate School of Public Management

Introduction to the Episode

In the "Devil's Cut" episode of Truth in the Barrel, hosts Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman delve into the extensive topic of corruption within President Donald Trump's administration. Recognizing the complexity and magnitude of the subject, they welcome Matthew Dallek, a renowned political historian, to provide expert insights.

Unveiling Trump's Corruption: Term One vs. Term Two

Initial Instances of Corruption ([01:50] - [05:53])

The conversation begins by examining early signs of corruption in Trump's first term. Notable examples include:

• Conflict of Interest: The official White House website promoted Melania Trump's jewelry during her biography section.
• Family Business Promotions: Kellyanne Conway endorsed Ivanka Trump's product line on television.
• Major Financial Deals: Trump's son-in-law secured a substantial $2 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabia.

Matthew Dallek's Analysis ([03:10] - [05:53])

Dallek highlights the significance of the Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C., as a hub where foreign entities and lobbyists could influence the administration by patronizing the hotel. He states:

"During the first term, a lot of foreign entities and lobbyists would put money in Trump's pocket by staying at their hotel... [03:10]"

He references the Emoluments Clause, underscoring how Trump's business dealings potentially violate constitutional principles designed to prevent foreign influence over the presidency.

Escalation in Term Two ([05:53] - [16:10])

The discussion transitions to the second term, where corruption appears to have intensified. Dallek notes a significant increase in Trump's personal wealth, citing various investments and business ventures totaling billions of dollars. Amy enumerates several high-profile deals, including:

• International Investments: $5 billion golf course in the Middle East.
• Exclusive Clubs: A private Washington D.C. club with a $500,000 entry fee offering access to influencers connected to the president.
• Media and Technology Partnerships: Collaborations with Elon Musk involving Tesla stock promotions and crypto schemes.

Dallek attributes Trump's unprecedented ability to survive multiple legal challenges and maintain his position to three main factors:

1. Trump's Mindset and Resilience: Surviving assassination attempts, multiple indictments, and impeachments foster a belief of untouchability.

   "Trump... feels untouchable and that he can do no wrong... [11:46]"

2. Erosion of Post-Watergate Reforms: The safeguards established after Watergate to ensure presidential transparency and accountability have been undermined.

   "Trump demonstrated that shamelessness could be a superpower... [12:21]"

3. Public Disillusionment with Politics: A widespread belief that the political system is corrupt and rigged has allowed Trump to position himself as the disruptor necessary to "drain the swamp."

   "He knew how corrupt the system was, so only he could fix it... [15:00]"

Impact on American Institutions and Democracy

Erosion of Democratic Norms ([17:09] - [22:01])

Dallek discusses how Trump's actions have weakened key democratic institutions and norms. He points out the lack of effective constraints on the president, enabling unprecedented financial gains and policy manipulations. For instance, Trump's ability to create meme coins that directly funnel money into his pocket without transparent oversight represents a significant departure from traditional campaign finance regulations.

"There is an incredible irony that the President can get filthy rich... [21:32]"

Tariffs and Foreign Policy Manipulations ([24:18] - [28:15])

The episode also explores how Trump's use of tariffs has granted him personal power to influence markets and favor certain foreign investments. Dallek warns of the potential for quid pro quo arrangements, where policy decisions directly benefit Trump's business interests.

"It's the quintessential kind of definition of corruption, this idea of a quid pro quo... [25:08]"

Historical Comparisons and the Future of Political Corruption

Comparing Trump to Past Presidents ([33:43] - [43:10])

When asked to identify past presidents who flirted with corruption, Dallek mentions:

1. Richard Nixon: Central figure in the Watergate scandal, involving abuses of power to secure re-election.
2. Ronald Reagan: Despite his presidency's overall integrity, his administration faced multiple scandals involving cabinet members.
3. James Buchanan: Often criticized for policies that exacerbated tensions leading to the Civil War.

Dallek emphasizes that while historical presidents engaged in corrupt practices, the scale and direct financial gains observed in Trump's administration are unprecedented.

"Trump seems to have been far more explicit about his abuses of power... [45:54]"

Future Implications and Public Response ([38:26] - [42:00])

The conversation shifts to the role of American institutions in addressing corruption. Dallek expresses concern over the diminishing power of the judiciary and legislative branches to act as checks on the executive, especially with a conservative-leaning Supreme Court.

"The courts are really imperfect, if that's the only bulwark... [39:22]"

However, he remains cautiously optimistic that public awareness and voter action can drive future reforms and restore accountability.

"It is conceivable that... the country will look back and say, that was really dangerous... [19:58]"

Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Call to Action ([38:26] - [42:00])

Dallek urges listeners to recognize the severity of the current corruption landscape and the necessity for public engagement to demand systemic changes. He highlights the importance of understanding the intertwining of personal interests with national policies and the critical need for transparency and accountability.

Final Insights ([43:10] - [48:08])

In his closing remarks, Dallek underscores the distinctive nature of Trump's corruption, marked by the vast sums involved and the direct impact on both domestic and international policies. He contrasts this with past administrations, where corruption was often confined to individual cabinet members or family members rather than the president himself.

"The merger between Trump's vast business interests and much of government... [47:10]"

Notable Quotes

• Matthew Dallek on Trump's Untouchability:
  "Trump... feels untouchable and that he can do no wrong... [11:46]"

• On Post-Watergate Safeguards:
  "Trump demonstrated that shamelessness could be a superpower... [12:21]"

• Defining Corruption Through Tariffs:
  "It's the quintessential kind of definition of corruption, this idea of a quid pro quo... [25:08]"

• Historical Comparisons:
  "Trump seems to have been far more explicit about his abuses of power... [45:54]"

• Erosion of Judicial Checks:
  "The courts are really imperfect, if that's the only bulwark... [39:22]"

Conclusion

This episode of Truth in the Barrel offers a comprehensive examination of the alleged corruption in Donald Trump's presidency, both in his first and second terms. With Matthew Dallek's historical perspective, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how Trump's actions diverge from past presidential behaviors and the broader implications for American democracy and institutional integrity.