The Making of an American Kleptocracy
How Trump Is Rewiring Government for Personal Gain
From the moment that he returned to the White House, Donald Trump has moved quickly and aggressively to make drastic—and often illegal—reforms to the federal government. For many Americans, the dizzying onslaught of reforms can seem chaotic. But a clear pattern has emerged: the Trump administration is converting the US political system into a form of government often known as a "kleptocracy." A kleptocracy is a “government for thieves, by thieves,” instead of a "government for the people, by the people,” like a democracy. This dangerous form of government exists in several countries around the world, including Venezuela, Russia, and Equatorial Guinea.
In kleptocracies, corruption becomes the operating system. The government no longer represents the public interest and instead becomes a vehicle for the personal enrichment of a group of oligarchs who are loyal to the leader. Elites loyal to the regime gain enormous wealth from unchecked access to state resources, as well as the ability to weaponize the power of the state to silence their critics and perceived enemies. Meanwhile, history demonstrates again and again that the majority of citizens will suffer from the government's economic mismanagement and the loss of their fundamental freedoms. Businesses are less competitive and money leaves the country.
Though listed individually and chronologically, the events that follow are not isolated acts. They are part of a broader pattern of action that is establishing an American kleptocracy.
Explore how Trump is building an American Kleptocracy
Build a protection racket
Learn how the Trump administration builds a network of supporters for his actions by rewarding loyalty and punishing dissent.
Get rid of independent checks on power
Learn how the Trump administration is erasing the rules and systems that have kept American presidents from abusing power.
Drive division
Learn how the Trump administration is building public support for his actions by getting rid of debate and manipulating us into thinking our neighbors are our enemies.
Control the media and suppress free speech
Learn how the administration and its allies are attacking the ability of independent media and civil society organizations to act as watchdogs of his administration's wrongdoing.
Coordinate with kleptocrats abroad
Learn how the Trump administration is helping kleptocrats around the world and making it easier for transnational criminal networks to thrive.