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Jan 31, 2025 reporting on Billy Long revealed that donors with pending IRS tax issues paid off the campaign debt of Trump's IRS nominee shortly after his nomination Corroborated Economic Structure
A pattern of donations from people with matters before the IRS to the agency's incoming leader raises serious concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest.
Supporting reports
- Billy Long's campaign debt paid off by donors with tax issues pending before IRS — Billy Long, Trump's nominee to run the IRS, had his 2022 campaign debt paid off by donors who have current tax issues pending before the IRS. Long had loaned $130,000 to his unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign and was personally liable for over $100,000 of that debt. Shortly after Trump announced Long as his IRS nominee, Long's dormant campaign committee raised $137,000 in under three weeks in January 2025. Two-thirds of the donations were at the maximum allowed amount of $2,900, and one-third came from donors in the tax consultant industry or people with tax-related legal issues. Long used the funds to reimburse himself for his campaign loan.
Jan 30, 2025 Trump ordered creation of a federal sovereign wealth fund and a strategic bitcoin reserve Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
Directing new financial instruments without clear congressional authorization raises questions about executive control over substantial public and cryptocurrency assets.
Supporting reports
- Trump orders creation of sovereign wealth fund — Trump ordered the US Treasury and Commerce Department to create a sovereign wealth fund. Such a fund, which requires congressional approval, would act as an investment fund for the country, operating outside the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department. Trump offered few details about the fund, including where the cash would come from. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters the government would "stand this thing up within the next 12 months." Trump stated "We have tremendous potential. I think in a short period of time, we'd have one of the biggest funds." Trump also said the fund could be used to facilitate the purchase of TikTok.
- Trump creates strategic bitcoin reserve — Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. The reserve "will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings," according to Trump's crypto czar David Sacks. Creating the reserve was one of several crypto-related promises Trump made during the 2024 election campaign.
Jan 30, 2025 Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10 percent on China, then delayed tariffs on USMCA-covered goods and autos Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
Launching a broad trade war through unilateral tariff authority, later softened with selective exemptions, raised concerns about economic disruption and favoritism.
Supporting reports
- Trump imposes tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China — President Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on China, effective immediately. This move marks the beginning of a global trade war, as Trump had promised higher tariffs on China during his campaign. The announcement led to a significant drop in the stock market, with the Dow closing down by 337.54 points. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed opposition to the tariffs and indicated that Canada is prepared to respond forcefully if they proceed.
- Trump closes de minimus loophole on Chinese exports — Trump signed an executive order closing "the de minimus loophole" on China. The loophole previously allowed China to export cheap goods to the US without paying taxes and import duties.
- Trump exempts USMCA goods from tariffs — Trump signed an executive order delaying tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada covered by the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Goods imported to the United States under the USMCA will be exempted from Trump's 25% tariffs for one month until April 2. Trump stated the interim period "makes it much more favorable for our American car manufacturers."
- Trump imposes 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum — Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, which will be enforced "without exceptions or exemptions." The action ends exemptions granted to certain countries and increases the duty rate on both metals to 25% (the duty on aluminum was previously 10%). Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro stated the tariffs are "about ensuring that America never has to rely on foreign nations for critical industries like steel and aluminum." The changes are not due to come into effect until March 12, raising the prospect the administration will broker deals with governments seeking reprieve.
- Trump signs executive order on auto tariffs — Trump signed an executive order watering down his sweeping tariff plan by curbing duties on foreign cars and parts, granting a reprieve to the automotive industry. Carmakers subject to a 25% tariff on imports will not be subject to other levies on steel and aluminum. US automakers are allowed to apply for tariff relief on a proportion of imported parts costs, with relief phased out over two years.
Jan 30, 2025 Trump expanded Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency authority over federal spending systems Corroborated Power and Authority
Granting a private citizen sweeping oversight of government payment systems raises conflicts of interest and undermines institutional independence.
Supporting reports
- Trump expands Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency — Trump signed an order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system to be monitored by Musk's team. The order states it "commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."