Pool Me Twice, Shame On You

The Trump administration’s second term is defined by pervasive corruption, chaotic management, and a disregard for traditional governance. Recent developments include the controversial appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, the ongoing failure of the Reflecting Pool renovation, and the acquisition of a luxury Qatari jet. These events reflect a broader pattern of self-dealing and a lack of transparency, as evidenced by the secret sale of a crypto business and the questionable commutation of convicted fraudster David Gentile. Journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of *Regime Change*, highlight that this administration operates as a "great man of history" project, prioritizing personal power and retribution over policy. The administration’s reliance on an impenetrable information bubble and a disregard for subject-matter expertise further exacerbate the erosion of institutional norms and the rise of unprecedented political cronyism.