'$3.4 billion': Reporter Tells MSNBC Trump Family Turning Down 'No Opportunity' For Cash Since Taking Office
mediaite.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 8:50:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Uncategorized
The Trump family's love of money is opening up the White House to potential foreign interference by bad actors looking to curry favor with the president, The New Yorker's David Kirkpatrick told MSNBC's The Weekend Primetime on Sunday.
Kirkpatrick estimated that the family has raked in more than $3 billion dollars since the start of Donald Trump's second term.
"The number I came up with was $3.4 billion," Kirkpatrick said. "Some of that stretches back to before he reentered the White House. Some of that was payments this from Saudi Arabia investing in this fund with Jared Kushner, but almost all of it -- the lion's share of it -- is just in the last six months since he reentered the White House."
Kirkpatrick said he reviewed Trump's various businesses and income streams and asked himself, "Is this money from the presidency? You know, would he have made this money if he was just a reality TV show host or a real estate guy?"
The numbers he came up, Kirkpatrick said, were conservative values.
"And I really tried to show my work so readers can go through and see for themselves if they think I'm undervaluing the amount of money that Jared Kushner made off the off the Saudis, they can make that decision for themselves. Or maybe they think I'm overvaluing it. But no matter how you slice it, it's a lot of money."
Kirkpatrick said that the speed at which Trump and his family have been bringing in billions is worrisome.
"They seem to turn down no opportunity," he said. "And if I was a foreign government considering doing business with the Trump Organization as a way to try to curry favor with the president, perhaps to get some sort of official act in my benefit, I have to believe that I would see that eagerness for money and think, 'Yeah, there's an okay chance here that if I do business with the Trump Organization, they really want that money, it may work out for me."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent revelations surrounding the Trump family's financial dealings since Donald Trump's return to the presidency underscore a critical concern regarding the integrity of American governance. David Kirkpatrick's analysis on MSNBC highlights the staggering figure of $3.4 billion accrued by the Trump family, raising urgent questions about the intersections of wealth, power, and foreign influence in the highest echelons of American politics. Such financial opportunism is not merely a matter of personal enrichment; it poses profound implications for national sovereignty and the tenets of democracy itself. The increasing entanglement of personal profit with public office serves as a troubling reminder of the historical patterns of corruption that have marred political systems worldwide.
Historically, the United States has grappled with the influence of money in politics, a struggle that can be traced back to the founding of the nation. The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware of the dangers posed by financial interests to democratic governance, as evidenced by the establishment of checks and balances intended to mitigate such influences. The rise of political action committees (PACs) and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC in 2010 further eroded these safeguards, allowing for a deluge of dark money into American elections. The Trump family's financial rise amidst his presidency embodies the culmination of these developments, where personal enrichment is intertwined with the exercise of political power, raising significant questions about who truly benefits from government decisions.
Kirkpatrick's assertion that foreign governments might perceive the Trump Organization as a viable avenue for influence further complicates the narrative. The historical precedent for foreign interference in American politics is alarming, recalling instances such as the Watergate scandal and the Iran-Contra affair, both of which involved questionable dealings that compromised national interests. The allure of leveraging business relationships to gain favor with the presidency poses a direct threat not only to American democracy but also to the broader international order. When personal profits can sway political decisions, the very fabric of democratic accountability is at stake, as elected officials may prioritize their financial interests over the welfare of their constituents.
Moreover, the systemic inequality that allows figures like Trump and his family to amass such wealth is emblematic of broader social struggles faced by the American populace. The increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, juxtaposed with the struggles of working-class families to secure basic necessities, underscores the capitalist framework that often privileges profit over people. As the rich get richer, they gain disproportionate influence over public policy, leading to decisions that often exacerbate social inequities. Conversations about wealth accumulation and its impact on governance should be central to any discourse aimed at dismantling systemic injustices—particularly in a nation that prides itself on the principles of equality and justice.
In light of these developments, it becomes essential for citizens to engage in informed discussions about the implications of wealth in politics. Bringing attention to the intersection of money and governance not only serves to hold powerful figures accountable but also fosters a broader dialogue about the need for campaign finance reform and the establishment of stricter regulations on lobbying and foreign investments. As history has taught us, unchecked power can lead to devastating consequences; thus, it is imperative that we advocate for policies that prioritize transparency and accountability in our political processes. By doing so, we can work towards a more equitable democracy, one that serves the interests of the many rather than the few.
The recent commentary on the financial dealings of the Trump family during Donald Trump's presidency raises significant questions about the intertwining of wealth, power, and politics in America. As reported by David Kirkpatrick on MSNBC, the Trump family has reportedly earned around $3.4 billion since the onset of Trump's second term, with a considerable portion of that wealth stemming from foreign investments, specifically from Saudi Arabia. This situation not only underscores the ethical dilemmas surrounding potential conflicts of interest but also brings to light the broader implications of money in politics and governance.
Historically, the intersection of money and politics has been a contentious issue in American democracy. The founding fathers were acutely aware of the dangers posed by the undue influence of wealth on political decision-making. The Federalist Papers, for instance, discuss the need for checks and balances to prevent any single group from dominating the political landscape. Over the decades, however, the rise of super PACs, corporate lobbying, and the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010 have further eroded the barriers that once existed. The normalization of financial gain as a political tool exemplified by the Trump family's aggressive monetization of political office reveals a troubling trend: the prioritization of profit over public service.
As concerned citizens, there are several actions we can take to address these issues. First and foremost, we must advocate for comprehensive campaign finance reform. Efforts to limit the influence of money in politics, such as the implementation of stricter regulations on political donations and increased transparency regarding the financial ties of public officials, are essential in ensuring that elected leaders prioritize their constituents over their personal financial interests. Grassroots movements pushing for legislation like the DISCLOSE Act, aimed at increasing transparency in campaign finance, have gained traction and could serve as a model for future activism.
Moreover, we must engage in public discourse about the ethical implications of the Trump family's financial dealings. By raising awareness of how foreign investments can sway political influence, we can cultivate a more informed electorate. Educational initiatives that focus on civics and the importance of ethical governance can empower citizens to hold their representatives accountable. Town hall meetings, community forums, and social media campaigns can serve as platforms for discussions on the dangers of corruption and foreign interference in our democratic processes, effectively mobilizing the public to demand accountability.
Additionally, supporting independent journalism that seeks to uncover and report on these financial entanglements is crucial. Investigative reporting plays an essential role in democracy, shining a light on potential corruption and holding power to account. Readers should be encouraged to subscribe to, share, and promote reputable news sources that prioritize investigative journalism. By doing so, we can amplify voices that challenge the narrative of unchecked power and wealth in politics.
In conclusion, the alarming financial gains of the Trump family during his presidency serve as a clarion call for action. The entrenchment of wealth in American politics not only poses risks to the integrity of our democratic institutions but also undermines the principle that elected officials should serve the public good rather than their own interests. By advocating for reform, engaging in public discourse, supporting independent journalism, and mobilizing our communities, we can work toward a political landscape that prioritizes ethical governance and the welfare of all citizens over the appetite for profit. This commitment to democracy and accountability is essential for safeguarding the future of our nation.
Analyzing the implications of the article regarding the Trump family's financial activities while in office raises significant concerns about ethics, accountability, and the influence of money in politics. Here are concrete actions that individuals can take to foster change and hold those in power accountable.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Stay informed about the implications of financial conflicts of interest in politics. Share articles, host discussions, or create online forums to exchange information.
2. **Engage in Local Politics**: Attend town hall meetings and engage with local representatives about the importance of ethical governance and transparency.
3. **Support Campaign Finance Reform**: Advocate for policies that limit the influence of money in politics, such as campaign finance reform, to ensure that elected officials are accountable to their constituents rather than to wealthy donors.
### Exact Actions We Can Personally Take:
1. **Sign and Share Petitions**: - **Petition for Transparency in Government Contracts**: Join or initiate a petition that calls for increased transparency in government contracts, particularly those involving foreign entities. - Example: [Change.org petition](https://www.change.org) (search for related petitions). 2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Write to members of Congress expressing your concerns about the potential for foreign influence and the ethics of financial dealings. Here’s how to reach out: - **Senator Elizabeth Warren** **Email**: senator_warren@warren.senate.gov **Address**: 2400 JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203 - **Senator Bernie Sanders** **Email**: senator_sanders@sanders.senate.gov **Address**: 1 Church Street, Suite 2, Burlington, VT 05401 - **Representative Ilhan Omar** **Email**: ilhan.omar@mail.house.gov **Address**: 2233 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
3. **Draft a Letter**: - **What to Say**: - Express your concern about the potential for foreign influence in U.S. politics due to the financial activities of political figures. - Ask your representatives to support legislation that increases transparency and accountability for elected officials and their families. - Advocate for investigations into potential unethical financial practices and conflicts of interest.
**Sample Letter**: ``` Dear [Senator/Representative Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent reports about the Trump family's substantial financial gains during their time in office, particularly in relation to foreign investments. This raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of our political system.
I urge you to support measures that promote transparency and accountability in government, including legislation aimed at investigating financial dealings that may undermine our democracy. It is crucial that we ensure elected officials act in the best interests of the public, free from the influence of foreign entities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
4. **Participate in Advocacy Groups**: - Join organizations focused on campaign finance reform and governmental ethics, such as: - **Common Cause**: [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org) - **Public Citizen**: [citizen.org](https://www.citizen.org)
5. **Promote Grassroots Movements**: - Get involved in local grassroots movements that focus on ethical governance and hold political figures accountable. Attend meetings, volunteer, or donate to causes that align with your values.
6. **Utilize Social Media**: - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to raise awareness about financial conflicts in politics. Share information, engage with others, and amplify calls for accountability.
By taking these actions, individuals can play a significant role in advocating for a political landscape that prioritizes ethical governance, transparency, and accountability. Each effort contributes to a broader movement aimed at reforming the systems that allow conflicts of interest to thrive.