Trump Cabinet Sparks Ethics Debate Over Billionaire Influence

As Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration, his administration is set to be one of the wealthiest in history, featuring numerous billionaires among his Cabinet nominees, including Scott Bessent for treasury secretary and Steve Feinberg for the Pentagon. Critics, including President Biden, are raising alarms about the implications of such wealth concentration in government, warning of an emerging oligarchy that could threaten American democracy. The billionaire nominees are under scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest, as they navigate the disclosure of their vast assets and financial backgrounds. Delays in paperwork have hindered some Senate confirmation hearings, leading to concerns about the ethical implications of their appointments. Advocates for working families are particularly worried about how these wealthy officials will prioritize their interests over those of the middle class. Amidst this backdrop, Trump’s billionaire allies assert that their entrepreneurial backgrounds qualify them to champion working-class interests.