Surviving Trump: With Democracy On Life Support
Surviving Trump is your indispensable guide to navigating the challenges and contradictions of life under the second Trump administration. In the first 20–25 segments we’ll uncover what’s truly at stake: our democracy. You'll deep dive into the key players, from Trump and Musk (with candid insights into their mental states) to MAGA supporters and other Trump loyalists, revealing who they are and why they pose a threat to democratic values. This essential guide equips you with the knowledge and insight to confidently navigate the turbulent years ahead, empowering you to make informed decisions and take proactive action as challenges emerge.
Surviving Trump: With Democracy On Life Support
Episode 40: Corruption’s New Benchmark — The Trump Era
What happens when corruption isn't hidden, but flaunted? In this final episode of the corruption series, Bella Goode uncovers how Trump dismantled guardrails, exploited legal loopholes, and normalized presidential profiteering. From crypto conflicts to collapsing oversight, this isn’t just about scandal—it’s a systematic threat to democracy. Stay with us as we trace the erosion of accountability and what must be done to fight back.
Key Takeaways To Listen For
- How Trump’s firing of 17 Inspectors General signaled the start of unchecked self-enrichment
- The rise of crypto corruption: Trump’s financial entanglements with foreign powers through digital currencies
- Why conflict of interest laws don’t apply to the presidency and how Trump uses that loophole
- The “new normal”: How brazen profiteering has been recast as political savvy
- Three legislative reforms on the table: the End Crypto Corruption Act, the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, and reforming the GENIUS Act
- Why institutional checks are failing and why public mobilization is essential to preserving democracy
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
- The New York Times
- The Bulwark
- Yahoo News
- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Inc.
- American Oversight
- World Liberty Financial
- GENIUS Act
- End Crypto Corruption Act
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Host: Bella Goode
Bella is a former Republican turned democracy advocate raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania with a masters of business administration from Wharton and a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology.
Career wise, Bella spent 20 years with American Express in New York and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She started and sold a fitness business that grew to 180 locations worldwide.
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