donald trump / cryptocurrency / government ethics

Axios columnists Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen argue that President Donald Trump is using the presidency for personal profit and legal protection in ways they call unprecedented in modern U.S. history. The May 22, 2026 “Behind the Curtain” piece says Trump has publicly maintained active ownership of businesses and large crypto and stock portfolios while his administration regulates affected industries, and has sought to shield himself and his family from tax scrutiny. Citing The Wall Street Journal, Axios says Trump’s crypto venture generated more cash for the family in 16 months than the Trump real estate empire did from 2010–2017. The article also points to a Justice Department addendum tied to a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit as part of broader efforts to limit audits or investigations. Axios frames the issue as a precedent-setting ethics problem beyond Trump, noting congressional stock trading concerns.

Axios reports that Republican voters are increasingly pessimistic about President Donald Trump’s economic stewardship ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A University of Michigan May consumer sentiment survey found Republican and independent views of the economy at the lowest point of Trump’s second term, while overall sentiment hit an all-time low. Inflation expectations rose across groups, with Republicans’ long-run inflation expectations more than doubling versus February 2025. Polling also shows softening GOP support: an AP/NORC survey found about 6 in 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from about 8 in 10 in February. Gallup reported four months of declining Republican economic confidence, and a CBS News/YouGov poll found 36% of Republicans feel Trump’s policies are improving their finances. The White House cited “short-term disruptions” tied to Iran and emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and energy policy.