Below is a short excerpt from Lebensborn, the second book in the Addlestone Chronicles trilogy:
Louise said, “I actually read both volumes of Mein Kampf on my European tour in the summer of 1934. Even then, the book was available everywhere in shops and has now been made required reading for every child in German schools. You won’t be surprised to learn that Hitler receives royalties on each book sold. This is political corruption on a grand scale. It’s effectively a government-mandated subsidy payable directly into his personal bank account.
Obviously, these payments are solely and directly attributable to his dual positions of President and Chancellor. Quite frankly, as previously enforced, this wouldn’t be possible in the United States. In the US Constitution, the Title of Nobility Clause (Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8) makes it an impeachable offense for a President to receive gifts, emoluments, or directly profit from his title or office.”
Obviously, Trump never sought the consent of Congress. It has been estimated that former President Trump alone benefited directly to the tune of $160 million, while his children and their spouses profited substantially from overseas deals as part of his government. For example, Jared and Ivanka made up to $640 million while Trump was in the White House. It has been further estimated that Trump’s businesses made $240 billion during his four-year term in office.
In 2020, Trump’s stacked Supreme Court considered three pending cases against the then-sitting President concerning alleged violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. In one case, they denied a lower court review, and in two others dismissed the cases as moot.
To avoid financial conflicts of interest, the usual practice for Presidents had been to place their businesses in ‘blind trusts.’ Jimmy Carter even sold his beloved peanut farm to avoid any possible financial conflicts or accusations of impropriety.
My, haven’t times changed. Hold on to your hats for the ride over the next four years to observe how Trump and his billionaire cronies circumvent the law to enrich themselves.