Author | Lightnews

As Raskin says, by ordering his cronies to commit crimes, Trump makes them dependent on him to obtain pardons. Because the price of losing favor with the dictator in the Oval Office could well be a prison sentence, there's a huge incentive to do anything Trump wants, however repugnant it may be.

Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 1d

Finally: If Trump is hinting or outright demanding that DOJ give him $230 million in claims, how can any official who might be needing a pardon later say no to him? Reinforces the picture of all this as a kind of criminal syndicate. Raskin is strong on this here:

newrepublic.com/article/2021...

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

I wonder if Uber is providing customer information and location to ICE.

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

Choices have consequences. Still.

MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

I think Trump is built different and the 3.5% rule would be just meaningless rule for him to ignore. I hope Congress would feel safe to step up and speak out against the authoritarianism.

MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

Having lived worked through multiple bubbles, I agree with you. This feels eerily similar to the housing bubble in 2008.

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Reposted by MMMurray

Asha Rangappa @asharangappa.bsky.social · 2d

Trump has believed, since his first term, that the U.S. treasury is his personal piggy bank (as he did with his personal charity). The entire purpose of his presidency is to funnel as much of it as he can to himself and his family

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 2d

Trump: "It's awfully strange to make a decision where I'm paying myself. But I was damaged very greatly and any money I would get I would give to charity."

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

Especially since Trump will spend tariff revenue as he wishes to placate the masses.
The budget is useless when Trump ultimately decides what is funded.

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

We are seeing your observations in real time. The pace of hovering up cash is accelerating.

Zach Everson @zacheverson.com · May 11

🚨 NEW: Trump's biggest lesson from his first term?

He left money on the table.

He's returned to the White House with three new ways—all easier and faster than booking a hotel room—for allies, favor-seekers and foreigners to funnel money to the US president.

me, for @forbes.com

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Truth Social, the $Trump meme coin and World Liberty Financial Give Supporters And Favor Seekers New Ways To Pay Trump

Foreign firms, crypto whales and political allies are using Trump’s newest ventures to route millions into companies he profits from while in office.

www.forbes.com

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

Perhaps it was an enraged self-driving car?

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MMMurray @mmmvegas.bsky.social · 1d

bsky.app/profile/npr....

NPR @npr.org · 2d

The phrase appeals more to several demographics that strongly align with Trump, says Republican strategist Frank Luntz, including older voters, for whom he suggests it signals "a more simple past." n.pr/4qmOGhR