President Trump has used his position to further his personal interests and those of his family and allies more than any previous leader. His actions have been particularly bold and transparent.
One noteworthy act involved suing the government he oversees, only to later resolve the lawsuit by preventing the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) from auditing his past tax returns. As part of the settlement, he agreed to distribute $1.8 billion of taxpayer funds to his allies.
This approach marks a significant departure from the conduct of his predecessors. As the first convicted felon to become president, Trump’s disregard for both written and unwritten rules guiding past presidents is evident. Although unpopular with the general public, he has maintained a stronghold over his party, allowing him to act without concern for congressional opposition.
By granting himself immunity from I.R.S. audits, Trump effectively avoids any reviews of his past tax records. This move may potentially save him around $100 million, based on previous estimates of his tax obligations had the I.R.S. found unfavorably.
The immunity from audits, coupled with the taxpayer payouts to his supporters—including those involved in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021—underscore the audacity of his governance in his second term.