Donald Trump is swiftly appointing top donors and political allies to key positions in his incoming administration, a move critics argue is a blatant effort to reward those who helped him win the presidency. These appointments are seen as part of a “transactional” approach, with Trump rewarding supporters like Elon Musk and fracking magnate Harold Hamm, whose businesses stand to benefit from deregulation and policy changes.
Trump’s transition has drawn scrutiny from government watchdogs, who label it as unprecedented in modern times. The president-elect’s strategy of placing loyalists in powerful positions could create serious conflicts of interest, critics say. Musk, for example, is co-chairing a federal panel aimed at cutting $2 trillion in spending and regulations, a plan that could benefit his companies like SpaceX and Tesla. Similarly, Hamm’s ties to the fossil fuel industry are expected to result in policies favorable to oil and gas, with appointments like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior.
Trump has also made it clear he will reward the cryptocurrency industry, which supported his campaign. He pledged to make the U.S. the global leader in crypto, while promising to appoint a new SEC chair more friendly to the industry’s interests. This could benefit Trump’s own new cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial.
In addition to rewarding donors, Trump’s early picks for cabinet positions show a preference for loyalists over qualified experts. He has nominated figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, despite his controversial views on vaccines, and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, despite ethical concerns.
This pattern of appointing donors and allies is raising alarms about corruption and conflicts of interest, as watchdogs worry that Trump’s administration could prioritize the interests of the wealthy over the public good. Critics argue that his “payback” approach is detrimental to the safety and well-being of ordinary Americans, as it seems to put personal and financial gain ahead of the nation’s needs.
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