Trump is not shy of collecting spoils, and the US presidency has plenty

Donald Trump's latest initiative involves his company, Trump Media and Technology Group, selling early access to his social media posts for as much as $100,000 per month. This plan has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party, with Republican senators expressing strong disapproval.

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Think it through. You are talking about the ability to move markets when you're advancing information.

Senator Lisa Murkowski described the plan as "wild," arguing that the presidency should not be used as a tool for accumulating personal wealth. She emphasized the potential for market manipulation, stating, "You are talking about the ability to move markets when you're advancing information." Senator Bill Cassidy echoed this sentiment, calling the practice "wrong" and "a form of buying access." Senator Susan Collins simply retorted, "That does not sound appropriate."

This practice aligns with Trump's long-held belief in "to the victor belong the spoils," a historical concept where political winners reward loyalists with positions and benefits. Trump has consistently collected significant financial gains from his ventures, including over $2.2 billion last year through family-run businesses, and has ventured into areas like cryptocurrency. His erratic leadership and frequent policy shifts, often announced via social media, have historically caused significant market swings, benefiting a select few.

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I think that's wrong. It's a form of buying access.

The Truth Social API service, which offers this early access, has raised legal and ethical questions. While Trump's family remains the controlling shareholder in TMTG, potentially benefiting financially, the company has continued to report substantial losses. Critics argue that leveraging the presidency for personal financial gain, especially through mechanisms that could influence markets, is inappropriate and potentially harmful.

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That does not sound appropriate.