Arguments that have been presented to demonstrate corruption by Donald Trump include:
- Conflicts of Interest and Personal Profiteering:
- Using his businesses for personal financial gain while in office, such as promoting his properties and hosting events at his resorts, according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
- Accepting gifts and favors from foreign entities, which critics argue violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution.
- Maintaining ownership of his business empire while delegating day-to-day operations to his sons, rather than utilizing a blind trust.
- Reportedly selling access to his administration and himself through high-priced dinners, donations to his political efforts, and potentially influencing decisions affecting industries where his allies have significant interests.
- Accusations of using his office to push through trademarks for his businesses, including from the Chinese government, while the U.S. was engaged in a trade war.
- Attacks on Democratic Institutions and Rule of Law:
- Interfering in Department of Justice investigations and efforts to delay the election.
- Refusing oversight from Congress.
- Using government resources for partisan purposes.
- Weaponizing the Department of Justice for political purposes and attacking the independence of agencies and the media.
- Attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, including pressuring election officials in Georgia.
- Attacking judges and sidelining Congress's role in decisions about taxes and spending.
- Financial and Business Misconduct:
- A New York judge found Donald Trump, his company, and family members liable for lying about his property valuations. The judge ordered the Trump Organization to pay millions of dollars, plus interest, for falsely inflating Trump's net worth to obtain favorable loan terms, according to the New York Attorney General. Trump is appealing this judgment.
- The Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud in a scheme to compensate top executives with undeclared benefits like luxury apartments and cars.
- Indicted for falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to an adult-film star in 2016. A jury found him guilty on all 34 counts in May 2024. His sentencing was indefinitely postponed following his second election to the presidency.
- Other Accusations:
- Using the presidency as a platform for free advertising for his businesses and encouraging visits to his properties by public officials.
- Misusing his bully pulpit by spreading misinformation and engaging in racist rhetoric.
- Accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women.
