Dispatches of alarm and hope, on politics and society, democracy and justice. Because silence is not an option. We may read and write alone, but we drive change together.   Watch now   As the Corrupt Trumps Monetize the Presidency Foreign real estate deals and cryptocurrency are opportunities for influence peddling and pocket stuffing Steven Beschloss May 7 Yes, we are confronted by desecration about desecration. Here’s one more: Donald Trump’s two oldest sons, Don Jr. and Eric, are doing major deals at home and abroad that are opportunities for blatant influence peddling with Daddy. In this new On-Target short video, Mark Jacob and I highlight a New York Times story (gift link) that details the grift and notes a key difference between these deals and the businesses of past presidential family members: Trump himself is pocketing money, indifferent to conflicts of interest—or the Constitution’s essentially defunct Emoluments Clause meant to stem such profiteering. It’s just one more reminder that this corrupt family believes the rules do not apply to them. Jacob is author of the excellent “Stop the Presses” newsletter. Check it out if you haven’t already. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber for $50 a year or just $5 a month, if you’re not already. This helps sustain and expand the work of America, America, keeps nearly all the content free for everyone and gives you full access to the comment sections. Building our community has never been more important.