Donald Trump Raises Prices for 'FaceTime' Meetings Amid Corruption Allegations

Escalating Costs for Presidential Access

• 💰 Donald Trump has reportedly increased the price for one-on-one meetings, escalating from $1 million to $1.5 million, and now to $5 million for "FaceTime" sessions.
• 📈 This move is framed as an attempt to "cash in more" compared to his first term, excluding those deemed "riff-raff."

Allegations of Pay-to-Play

• 🤝 Reports suggest a correlation between these paid sessions and subsequent pardons, citing an instance where a woman whose son faced financial crime charges received a pardon after a $1 million meeting.
• 🌍 The practice extends beyond individuals, with countries also reportedly pouring money into Trump, raising concerns about unchecked corruption.

The "Outer Borough Mafia" of Influence

• 🃏 A "lobbying veteran" described the exchange of money for access as "Outer Borough Mafia," highlighting it as a gamble rather than a guaranteed investment.
• ⚠️ The value of a $5 million meeting is contingent on Trump's mood, with potential negative influences like a bad day, market downturns, or public criticism impacting the outcome.

Trump's View on Ethics and Gain

• 🗣️ Trump has privately expressed regret for not "obliterating the line between public good and private gain" more during his first administration.
• 💸 He has also reportedly stated that he is so wealthy he doesn't need new cash flow, implying he takes bribes simply because he likes it, which is seen as even more corrupt.

Concerns for the Future

• 🇺🇸 The narrative suggests that without Democratic control in midterms to impeach and remove Trump, these practices will continue and potentially worsen.
• ⚖️ There is skepticism about the legal system's ability to hold Trump accountable due to claims of executive immunity or self-pardons.