WASHINGTON, D.C. – A pattern of self-enrichment during Donald Trump‘s presidency,marked by controversial pardons,policy shifts linked to financial gain,and promotion of family business ventures,echoes past corruption seen in Russia and other former communist states,according to a new analysis by Janine R. Wedel. The scale and novelty of these actions, revealed through reporting in The Washington Post and the Financial Times, raise concerns about the normalization of presidential profiteering and the potential erosion of democratic norms.
Wedel’s assessment, published today, argues that Trump’s actions aren’t simply isolated incidents of misconduct, but a defining characteristic of his time in office. This approach, she contends, extends to personnel decisions, mirroring a Stalinist practice of appointing loyal, yet often unqualified, individuals indebted to the leader. The implications are far-reaching, perhaps impacting public trust in government, the integrity of policy-making, and the future of American political institutions.
Reports detail instances where Trump issued pardons – including that of Joseph Schwartz, as reported by the Washington Post on November 23, 2025 – and implemented policies seemingly in exchange for “cash donations or favors,” as documented by The Financial Times. Further scrutiny has focused on Trump’s encouragement of investments from foreign governments and non-state actors into his family’s cryptocurrency product, as The Financial Times reported.
Wedel’s analysis suggests these actions aren’t anomalies, but rather a purposeful strategy. By surrounding himself with individuals wholly reliant on his favor, Trump has created an surroundings where accountability is diminished and personal gain is prioritized. This dynamic, she argues, draws parallels to the systems of patronage and corruption prevalent in post-Soviet states, where personal enrichment often superseded public service. The long-term consequences of this pattern, experts warn, could include a weakening of institutional safeguards and a further decline in public confidence in government.
