Trump's $2bn bonanza heralds the rise of political grifters across the west

The article claims that Donald Trump’s financial disclosures show a surge in earnings tied to Trump-branded businesses, framing it as evidence of a broader trend of political monetization in the West. It says that during the first year of his second term, Trump made more than $2 billion from Trump hotels, golf courses, cryptocurrency, watches, cologne, and Trump Bibles, among other ventures. The piece argues this scale is unprecedented in transforming the U.S. presidency into a “moneymaking enterprise,” and quotes a human-rights lawyer, Tutu Alicante, who says an ethical restraint appears to be eroding “with brazenness.” It also references allegations around crypto activity, including a figure of $635 million from Trump’s disclosed crypto play. The article compares the Western pattern with examples elsewhere and discusses how some supporters respond to these arrangements.