(Illustration: Cold War Steve/The Guardian)
How should we describe the Trump regime?
Is it a kleptocracy, a rule by thieves, in which a cabal of greedy billionaires steal our resources for their personal gain? Well, there are certainly numerous examples that could support that conclusion. Donald Trump has sold the Oval Office, and everything is now transactional and quid pro quo, including US national security. He accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar and hosted a crypto dinner where millionaires bought his memecoin to gain access to his administration and pardons for their family members.
You, too, can have Trump pardon your tax-evading son, but only you have enough money. If money is tight, don’t worry, you can also barter for a pardon by flattering Trump’s family members and filming an episode of “My View with Lara Trump.” That’s what Savannah Chrisley did to obtain a pardon for her imprisoned parents.
In addition to being a kleptocracy, the Trump regime is also a kakistocracy, a government led by the most incompetent, least qualified people on Earth. For the sake of brevity, I’ll make my case by naming one individual: Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Need I say more? Fine, fine, I’ll also give you RFK Jr. as Director of Health and Human Services and Kristi Noem, with her $60K Rolex watch, as our Director of Homeland Security, who wears many costumes but doesn’t know the definition of habeas corpus.
Then again, the Trump Administration has the hallmark traits of an oligarchy, where a cabal of powerful billionaires openly gains control of the country to benefit their fiefdoms. Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, bought access to the Presidency for nearly $300 million and used his time with DOGE to dismantle regulations and government agencies that interfere with his business aspirations. Republicans are currently engaged in the largest wealth transfer “theft” in modern history to pay for tax cuts for the rich and balloon the deficit.
Meanwhile, Trump is hollowing out all checks and balances and threatening to punish critics who defy his dictates. He’s also using his pardon power to reward violent criminals who do his bidding. In addition to pardoning 1,600 insurrectionists, Trump will now “take a look at” pardoning militia members who were convicted of attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer of Michigan.
You know what? Let’s just make this easy and call it a fascist regime.
In this Chai Talk, I’m joined by veteran and Meidas Touch host Fred Wellman to expand on his latest Substack piece, where he dissects how the Trump Administration is emerging as one of the most corrupt, shameless, and dangerous regimes in American history.
Thank you
, , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with ! Join me for my next live video in the app.
Share this post