In Trump's America, Loyalty Is Being Made Profitable. History Shows Where That Leads.

Strongmen do not survive on fear alone. They create supporters with a financial stake in the regime's survival. Self-interest is more durable than conviction.

On April 25, 2025, dozens of America’s top business leaders met for dinner in the White House’s East Room. The event marked the opening of Trump’s personal ballroom, a $250 million renovation of the East Wing that some former lawmakers called a complete desecration. The guests of honor were the donors who paid for the project.

Public Citizen looked into …