Trump Is Getting Even Richer. Is That a Crime?

About this episode

President Trump made more than $2 billion last year — far exceeding his presidential salary of $400,000. His growing fortunes are raising questions about his allegiance to investors, particularly foreign ones, as he makes policy decisions and shapes the direction of the country. The contributing Opinion writer Christopher Caldwell and the Harvard law professor Jack Goldsmith discuss how the president has amassed this fortune, whether it’s legal and if the United States is becoming a kleptocracy. Note: As we work on relaunching 'Interesting Times,' the show will feature a series of guest hosts in the coming months. 00:00 Why Trump’s Wealth Is Unusual 01:30 Presidential Ethics Before Trump 02:28 Trump’s Crypto and Foreign Money Flows 06:12 Is It a Kleptocracy? 07:36 What’s Unconstitutional About Trump’s Finances 10:43 The U.A.E. and Trump’s Foreign Policy 13:41 How Trump’s Weaponization Is Changing Government 16:42 What Congress Could Do 18:59 The Tit for Tat Weaponization 24:13 Can Trump Pardon Himself? 26:57 The “Deep-State” Crackdown 36:59 Oversight Norms and Voter Verdict 42:46 Closing Thoughts (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts?