Trump is making a killing as president — ethical norms are among the dead
Key takeaways
- Since returning to office, he and his family have raked in more than $4 billion.
- Barack Obama and Joe Biden didn t need to, because their assets consisted largely of diversified investments, pensions and book royalties.
- Trump alone retained ownership of a vast business empire whose fortunes can rise or fall based on actions he takes at the helm of our government.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
Altschuler, opinion contributors - 06/28/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied by David Wippman and Glenn C. Altschuler, opinion contributors - 06/28/26 8:00 AM ET Comments: Link copied Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC FEBRUARY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump talks with reporters as he and first lady Melania Trump leave the White House on February 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump is traveling to Fort Bragg in North Carolina to visit Special Operations troops who were involved in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro before continuing to his private Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Past presidents of both parties have recognized that the Oval Office is a public trust, not a business opportunity. President Trump has shattered that norm.
Since returning to office, he and his family have raked in more than $4 billion. Much of that comes from investments in cryptocurrency, real estate, and licensing ventures that benefit directly from President Trump s policies.
Although the federal conflict of interest statute does not cover the president, every occupant of the White House since Watergate has recognized an ethical obligation to separate public office from personal financial interests. Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush used blind trusts. Barack Obama and Joe Biden didn t need to, because their assets consisted largely of diversified investments, pensions and book royalties.