Trump Inc. 2.0: The CEO Presidency’s Second ActBy Hadia Safeer Choudhry

Trump Inc. 2.0: The CEO Presidency’s
Second ActBy Hadia Safeer ChoudhryWhen Donald J. Trump first assumed the presidency in 2017, he vowed to run the United States like a business. Now, in his second term, that vision has matured into a full-fledged corporate enterprise—complete with executive overreach, personal profiteering, and a transactional approach to governance that blurs the lines between public duty and private gain.In April 2025, Trump offered an exclusive private dinner to the top 220 investors in his newly launched cryptocurrency, MAGA Coin. This initiative, marketed as a patriotic memecoin, is emblematic of how Trump continues to intertwine his personal brand with the machinery of the state. The dinner, held at Mar-a-Lago, was not merely a fundraising event but a testament to how the presidency has become a platform for personal enrichment and brand expansion.This blending of personal business with public office is not new. During his first term, Trump faced criticism for frequenting his own properties, where government officials and foreign dignitaries often stayed, effectively funneling taxpayer money into his businesses. The MAGA Coin dinner is a continuation of this pattern, raising ethical concerns about the commercialization of the presidency.Beyond personal profiteering, Trump’s second term has been marked by aggressive policy shifts that reflect a CEO’s approach to management—prioritizing efficiency, loyalty, and bottom-line results over democratic processes and institutional norms.Executive Overreach and Institutional UnderminingTrump’s administration has aggressively pursued policies that centralize power within the executive branch. He has fired independent inspectors general across multiple federal agencies, effectively dismantling watchdog entities designed to ensure accountability. Efforts to assert control over independent agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Election Commission further illustrate a desire to consolidate power and eliminate checks and balances.These actions mirror a corporate restructuring, where dissenting voices are silenced, and oversight mechanisms are weakened to allow for unilateral decision-making. Such moves undermine the foundational principles of democratic governance and raise alarms about the erosion of institutional integrity.Transactional Foreign PolicyIn international affairs, Trump’s approach resembles deal-making in the corporate world, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term strategic interests. His proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which includes recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership, has been criticized for undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and favoring Russian interests. This plan, hastily drafted and lacking broad international support, reflects a transactional mindset that treats complex geopolitical issues as business deals to be negotiated rather than diplomatic challenges requiring nuanced engagement.Similarly, Trump’s trade policies have reignited tensions with China. His administration’s imposition of high tariffs on Chinese goods, coupled with threats to eliminate China’s "most favored nation” trade status, has escalated economic hostilities. These actions, aimed at protecting American industries, risk triggering retaliatory measures and destabilizing global markets.Domestic Policy: Efficiency Over EquityDomestically, Trump’s policies prioritize efficiency and cost-cutting, often at the expense of equity and inclusivity. The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to streamline federal operations. While efficiency in government is a laudable goal, the emphasis on sunset clauses and temporary projects raises concerns about the sustainability and long-term vision of public programs.In immigration, Trump’s administration has intensified enforcement measures, including mass deportations and the deployment of National Guard troops to the southern border. These actions, while framed as efforts to uphold the rule of law, have been criticized for their humanitarian implications and potential violations of due process.Trump’s energy policies reflect a clear shift towards fossil fuel development and away from environmental conservation. Executive orders promoting oil and gas drilling on federal lands and the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement signal a prioritization of economic interests over environmental concerns. These policies, while potentially beneficial for certain industries, pose significant risks to global climate efforts and environmental sustainability.Trump’s second term has solidified his vision of a CEO-style presidency, where the lines between public service and personal business are increasingly blurred. His approach to governance, characterized by executive overreach, transactional diplomacy, and a focus on efficiency over equity, challenges the traditional norms of democratic leadership.As the United States navigates this uncharted territory, it must grapple with the implications of a presidency that operates more like a corporation than a public institution. The long-term consequences of this shift will depend on the resilience of democratic institutions and the vigilance of the public in holding leaders accountable.Hadia Safeer Choudhry is a political analyst and commentator focusing on governance and international affairs. She can be reached at hadiasafeer74@gmail.com