During the 2024 campaign, Trump condemned the power of lobbyists in Washington, DC, and pledged that, if he returned to the White House, they would have no influence.
Good reporting and well balanced versus two siding it. I expect the level of corporate influence will be “at heights never seen before” to paraphrase the great orator.
We will have the worst government that money is buying because everything is for sale. I am waiting for Trump to start selling vials of his aged semen to impregnate his followers to carry on his kind. Never one to avoid making a profit, Musk will get in on the game too.
It will be the best for those who only measure their well being in wealthy, and do not mind turning us into a third world nation. They will eek out every penny from concessions from Trump that they paid for with their campaign, and now inauguration dollars.
Musk is buying a home in Italy. I presume it will be a place to live in after he gets done making the US unlivable, like blocking disaster relief, and treating all disasters like it is a personal failing of the victims and not the outcome of global warming and a failing climate policy. The rest of the US will have to drown in their floods, and burn in the conflagrations, because these greedy, stingy people will not give the relief that is needed. And, the wealthy in the US just use too much energy with their overconsumption. Big houses, big cars, big wardrobes, big furniture, big lifestyle with private jets, and many many homes, cars, spaces to heat and cool. The list goes on.
True, However, Musk can go to his up north residence during the summers when the wild fires and floods happen. He is really rich enough to own homes everywhere in the world, and just move to where the weather is better.
Thank you for putting this all on the record. The #DirtyOldMan and his band of soulless miscreants will rape and pillage their way through the next four years. It will be crucial for the record to be written.
How were you, Judd and Rebecca, ever able to find this degree of detail about lobbying in both administrations? You work hard and long hours! I remember when Obama decided against hiring the wonderful Tom Malinowski because he had worked as a lobbyist...But Tom had worked to support an admirable cause that helped those in need and not to work to make money to cover up crimes.
So, I would GUESS that Eric Holder's work as a lobbyist would further define what can be admirable about lobbying work, work that helps those who deserve legal support, not Trumpian style "profit above all" for himself.
Now, we know that Pam Bondi would be a thoroughly dishonest AG.
I hope it is possible that someone can articulate how wrong it woud be for the well-being of our country to approve any of the current nominees--most Republican Senators know better...DO THEY?
US Senators don’t know better. They’re paid in the form of campaign contributions to vote a certain way. It’s 100% Republican Senators and all but maybe 3 Dems/Ind. It’s critical Judd keep reporting this incredibly high level of corruption.
They - those guys you write about - must think of us - us - as a bunch of idiots. They treat us (and even their own) with such contempt. They grift and protect each other, They scoff laws but make race and poverty a crime. They pay off their malfeasance and those of their children, and buy their way into power. Jeez, Leon paid $250m for access.
I think he did much more: his potential use of Starlink could impact much that we are not aware of...under the Stars. He and Putin declared tell Trump he owes us! Do you wonder why, what for? I do not. They have enormous ability to impact many of our systems.
Thank you for this information. Just another day and another discovery in the corrupt con artist's life... of one... Donald J. Trump and his complicit anti democratic associates/enablers/profiteers.
Rampant corruption in American capitalism that government protects instead of protecting citizens. Wealth concentrated at the top serves itself at the expense of the rest. Thanks for this excellent reporting, though it doesn't lift my spirits.
Wiles will run the WH for how long? On the one hand Trump loves the revolving door, on the other hand Suzie Wiles is Trump in a dress, she is always going to be looking out for #1 and when trying to keep Trump from blowing up the world becomes to hard, or is tarnishing her "reputation" she'll bail. Frankly, I pray daily that everyone of the toadies that is sidling up to Trump from Musk to Fetterman end up in Giulianiland - ruined and broken.
Unbelievable. The intersection of money and influence in our political system has been so thoroughly corrupted, it is nearly impossible to follow. Thank you for doing the hard work and publishing this article. Now, more than ever before, these truths need to be told.
Thank you Judd for filling in the details & telling us " the rest of the story." These m'fng republicans just continue to do what they do. (And I'm certain a few Democrats may stray across the line on occasion, as well. I simply haven't seen as many stories about democrats straying from the path, as republicans. It would appear, Republicans seem to buy into illicit/ illegal, or twisted behaviors as a matter of course. As if it's now in the DNA of the maga following, republican party.
Well, what can we expect with DT as their " mob boss" like leader; always with the plausible deniability. Always one step away from those who will go down for his illegal actions. Only now it feels like any guard rails are off & we're in for a " free for all" in D.C. & government in general. I have had this saying for years. " Culture comes from the top." Positive, for good, or negative ( illegal, illicit) behaviors, to the detriment of America & Americans.
So sadly, strap yourself in for the "ride" of the next 4 years, because the American people I suspect, will be doing a " hurt" dance. Inept, corrupt, venal leadership, will disrupt & corrupt most everything & everyone it touches; even those who may have gone into governance with the nobel idea that they can assist in "correcting" the course of our path going forward.
Just remember the old saying, "power corrupts & absolute power corrupts absolutely." But what some of these folks don't realize, is that if nothing else, it does rot the soul.
Look at a recent shot of the Mar a Lago " bunch" around the holidays. Weary eyed, hollowed out people in what they think are glamorous, fashionable, costumes. When you choose evil, corrupt, self serving lifestyle, you rot from the inside out. No amount of finery & glitz can cover that up. Like the old saying about, "lipstick on a pig."
Good reporting and well balanced versus two siding it. I expect the level of corporate influence will be “at heights never seen before” to paraphrase the great orator.
We have the best government money can buy.
We will have the worst government that money is buying because everything is for sale. I am waiting for Trump to start selling vials of his aged semen to impregnate his followers to carry on his kind. Never one to avoid making a profit, Musk will get in on the game too.
It will be the best for those who only measure their well being in wealthy, and do not mind turning us into a third world nation. They will eek out every penny from concessions from Trump that they paid for with their campaign, and now inauguration dollars.
Musk is buying a home in Italy. I presume it will be a place to live in after he gets done making the US unlivable, like blocking disaster relief, and treating all disasters like it is a personal failing of the victims and not the outcome of global warming and a failing climate policy. The rest of the US will have to drown in their floods, and burn in the conflagrations, because these greedy, stingy people will not give the relief that is needed. And, the wealthy in the US just use too much energy with their overconsumption. Big houses, big cars, big wardrobes, big furniture, big lifestyle with private jets, and many many homes, cars, spaces to heat and cool. The list goes on.
Musk won’t escape climate change in Italy
True, However, Musk can go to his up north residence during the summers when the wild fires and floods happen. He is really rich enough to own homes everywhere in the world, and just move to where the weather is better.
Linda, While TFG will likely sell his semen. (ugh), I wager that Elon will give his away... as a bonus!
Maddening but unfortunately not surprising. BigOrange has a habit of practicing the opposite of what he preaches.
You are an incorruptible investigative reporter, Judd. We are lucky to have you.
Thank you for putting this all on the record. The #DirtyOldMan and his band of soulless miscreants will rape and pillage their way through the next four years. It will be crucial for the record to be written.
I feel like taking a shower after reading how the scum has risen to the top.
How were you, Judd and Rebecca, ever able to find this degree of detail about lobbying in both administrations? You work hard and long hours! I remember when Obama decided against hiring the wonderful Tom Malinowski because he had worked as a lobbyist...But Tom had worked to support an admirable cause that helped those in need and not to work to make money to cover up crimes.
So, I would GUESS that Eric Holder's work as a lobbyist would further define what can be admirable about lobbying work, work that helps those who deserve legal support, not Trumpian style "profit above all" for himself.
Now, we know that Pam Bondi would be a thoroughly dishonest AG.
I hope it is possible that someone can articulate how wrong it woud be for the well-being of our country to approve any of the current nominees--most Republican Senators know better...DO THEY?
US Senators don’t know better. They’re paid in the form of campaign contributions to vote a certain way. It’s 100% Republican Senators and all but maybe 3 Dems/Ind. It’s critical Judd keep reporting this incredibly high level of corruption.
How can we remove money from campaigns?
You believe that none of them has a moral compass?
They - those guys you write about - must think of us - us - as a bunch of idiots. They treat us (and even their own) with such contempt. They grift and protect each other, They scoff laws but make race and poverty a crime. They pay off their malfeasance and those of their children, and buy their way into power. Jeez, Leon paid $250m for access.
I think he did much more: his potential use of Starlink could impact much that we are not aware of...under the Stars. He and Putin declared tell Trump he owes us! Do you wonder why, what for? I do not. They have enormous ability to impact many of our systems.
Thank you for this information. Just another day and another discovery in the corrupt con artist's life... of one... Donald J. Trump and his complicit anti democratic associates/enablers/profiteers.
Grifters gonna grift
(sigh)
It all just sickens me. And we can’t afford universal healthcare.
Rampant corruption in American capitalism that government protects instead of protecting citizens. Wealth concentrated at the top serves itself at the expense of the rest. Thanks for this excellent reporting, though it doesn't lift my spirits.
Wiles will run the WH for how long? On the one hand Trump loves the revolving door, on the other hand Suzie Wiles is Trump in a dress, she is always going to be looking out for #1 and when trying to keep Trump from blowing up the world becomes to hard, or is tarnishing her "reputation" she'll bail. Frankly, I pray daily that everyone of the toadies that is sidling up to Trump from Musk to Fetterman end up in Giulianiland - ruined and broken.
As always... thank you
Unbelievable. The intersection of money and influence in our political system has been so thoroughly corrupted, it is nearly impossible to follow. Thank you for doing the hard work and publishing this article. Now, more than ever before, these truths need to be told.
Thank you Judd for filling in the details & telling us " the rest of the story." These m'fng republicans just continue to do what they do. (And I'm certain a few Democrats may stray across the line on occasion, as well. I simply haven't seen as many stories about democrats straying from the path, as republicans. It would appear, Republicans seem to buy into illicit/ illegal, or twisted behaviors as a matter of course. As if it's now in the DNA of the maga following, republican party.
Well, what can we expect with DT as their " mob boss" like leader; always with the plausible deniability. Always one step away from those who will go down for his illegal actions. Only now it feels like any guard rails are off & we're in for a " free for all" in D.C. & government in general. I have had this saying for years. " Culture comes from the top." Positive, for good, or negative ( illegal, illicit) behaviors, to the detriment of America & Americans.
So sadly, strap yourself in for the "ride" of the next 4 years, because the American people I suspect, will be doing a " hurt" dance. Inept, corrupt, venal leadership, will disrupt & corrupt most everything & everyone it touches; even those who may have gone into governance with the nobel idea that they can assist in "correcting" the course of our path going forward.
Just remember the old saying, "power corrupts & absolute power corrupts absolutely." But what some of these folks don't realize, is that if nothing else, it does rot the soul.
Look at a recent shot of the Mar a Lago " bunch" around the holidays. Weary eyed, hollowed out people in what they think are glamorous, fashionable, costumes. When you choose evil, corrupt, self serving lifestyle, you rot from the inside out. No amount of finery & glitz can cover that up. Like the old saying about, "lipstick on a pig."
Brilliant! I haven't seen these connections made anywhere else and it is absolute need to know information.