Testimony: Trump’s corruption harms Americans

President Donald Trump is using the power of the presidency to enrich himself and his allies at the expense of everyday Americans. CREW President Donald Sherman appeared at a congressional shadow hearing in Las Vegas, Nevada before members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to explain how the Trump administration’s corruption is hurting American families and businesses, weakening the government’s ability to fight fraud and putting Americans at risk.

Since winning the 2024 election, Trump has created 59 companies, and he reported at least $233 million in revenue from them in 2025, according to CREW analysis. His crypto ventures have generated billions, while his decision to host the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami will direct business to one of his own properties. Trump is enjoying these financial gains from his public office as the American economy remains on shaky ground and regular folks are struggling to afford groceries and gas amidst the president’s war in Iran.

Trump’s profiteering extends to his family and allies, who are also benefiting from taxpayer dollars and government decisions. Trump’s golf trips alone have cost taxpayers over $100 million for security and travel costs—much of which has gone to his own resorts—and a company tied to Donald Trump Jr. received a $620 million loan from the Department of Defense, after a senior White House staffer reportedly intervened. 

While Trump and his allies profit, the administration’s actions are hurting American businesses, workers and families. The administration has routinely invoked special powers to steer government contracts to preferred vendors, while more than half of the contracts cancelled by DOGE were held by small businesses. At the same time, the administration is dismantling the government’s ability to protect Americans from fraud. The Justice Department has lost around 10,000 employees and closed over 900 federal program or procurement fraud cases in 2025. That comes as financial fraud is already costing Americans billions of dollars. Trump has compounded the problem by pardoning political allies and donors convicted of fraud, wiping away payments owed to their victims.

This pattern of personal profiteering is evident throughout the administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took his family on a road trip funded by corporations regulated by his agency, while former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spent $200 million in taxpayer funds for two private luxury jets during a government shutdown. These are just a few among many examples.

Congress must use its oversight authority to hold the administration accountable, protect federal civil servants who investigate fraud and advance legislation to prevent presidential profiteering. Americans should not be forced to bear the costs of corruption while the president and his allies use public office for personal financial gain. 

Screenshot from Oversight Dems field hearing