Trump’s Actions Unite Enemies and Outrage Allies

President Donald Trump is facing unusual bipartisan condemnation over allegations that he is profiting from his continued influence and access to the United States government. Columnist Brian Karem, writing for Salon, details accusations that Trump is essentially “selling off” national assets and security interests through opaque business dealings and the acceptance of lavish “gifts.”

A former Trump administration official, quoted by Karem, described the situation as a wholesale auction of American interests, including classified information and defense initiatives, with no internal check on the former president’s activities. The official stated that everything is “pay to play” within the current environment surrounding Trump.

Karem highlights a particularly concerning example: a $400 million luxury airliner “gifted” to the Defense Department, but earmarked for Trump’s personal use. He sarcastically notes the perceived low cost of influence, comparing the airliner’s price to the amount Elon Musk reportedly spent acquiring Twitter.

The accusations extend to Trump’s business ventures in the Middle East, specifically plans for an 80-story Trump Tower in Dubai and a partnership with Qatari Diar, a real estate company backed by the Qatari sovereign wealth fund. This project involves a luxury golf resort with ties to the Qatari royal family, an entity Karem links to terrorist organizations, including Hamas.

What’s particularly striking is the breadth of opposition. Karem reports that even staunch Trump supporters, including figures like Laura Loomer, Mark Levin, and Ben Shapiro, are voicing strong criticism alongside progressives such as Bernie Sanders and James Carville. This unusual alignment suggests a widespread concern that Trump’s actions have crossed a line, even for those who previously defended him.

The situation presents a deeply troubling picture of potential conflicts of interest and the erosion of ethical boundaries. While the full extent of these allegations remains to be seen, the bipartisan outrage underscores the seriousness of the concerns. It’s a situation that demands greater scrutiny and accountability, raising fundamental questions about the influence of money and power in American politics. The fact that figures across the political spectrum are united in their condemnation is a significant development, suggesting a growing recognition that the pursuit of personal gain should not come at the expense of national security and integrity.