Trump’s Use of Federal Power for Personal Interests

President Trump is using the federal government in ways no previous president has. He focuses on advancing his personal interests, as well as those of his family and allies. The scale and transparency of his actions set him apart from past presidents.

One of the most audacious actions includes Trump suing the government he controls, then settling the lawsuit by preventing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from auditing his past tax returns. Part of this settlement involves transferring $1.8 billion of taxpayer money to his allies, showcasing the extent of his influence.

This unprecedented use of power is highlighted by Trump’s history as the only convicted felon ever elected president. Despite being unpopular with the general population, he maintains a strong grip over his party. This power makes him feel secure from potential consequences from Congress.

The immunity from IRS audits, granted to himself, acts like a get-out-of-audits-free card. It is akin to pardoning himself for prior offenses, potentially saving him from $100 million or more in tax liabilities. While the specifics of the canceled audits are unknown, this move illustrates Trump’s rule-breaking governance style.

The tax immunity and the taxpayer funding given to his supporters, including those involved in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, demonstrate Trump’s bold approach. These actions reflect his governing philosophy in his sixth year in office.