Kleptocracy Tracker

The Kleptocracy Tracker is a public record of political decisions that benefit private interests. It draws on Anne Applebaum’s reporting in The Atlantic to document a clear and ongoing shift in American governance—one where financial conflicts of interest are no longer hidden, but accepted, promoted, and in some cases, celebrated.

This project focuses on actions taken by President Trump and his administration that reflect the erosion of long-standing democratic norms. It includes foreign-sponsored events held at Trump-owned properties, decisions made by federal agencies that weaken oversight, and business ventures launched by the president’s family that raise serious ethical concerns. These events are not isolated. Together, they represent a pattern of behavior that prioritizes personal gain over public duty.

The article that inspired this work, “Kleptocracy, Inc.,” argues that we are witnessing the normalization of a governing model shaped by financial self-interest. What was once considered improper or illegal is now routine. Government resources are being redirected to serve private networks. Regulatory protections are being removed. Transparency is declining.

The Tracker does not offer analysis or commentary. It offers facts. Dates. Sources. Official statements. Public records. It is meant to be a tool—for journalists, for researchers, for anyone trying to understand how corruption operates in the open, and what that means for democracy.

This work is ongoing. The events logged here are not just part of a political story. They are part of a larger shift in how power works in the United States. By keeping a careful record, the Kleptocracy Tracker helps ensure that these actions are seen, remembered, and understood.

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