According to widely cited financial estimates, Donald Trump’s net worth rose from roughly $4.3 billion a year ago to about $7.3 billion today, an increase of approximately $3 billion. Much of this growth is tied to his presidency: foreign-linked benefits such as a luxury aircraft from Qatar, expanded overseas licensing and property deals, and aggressive promotion of cryptocurrency ventures connected to Trump family members.
During the same period, Americans have faced elevated housing and health insurance costs, continued volatility in retirement accounts, and policy uncertainty that weakened federal agencies through mass departures of experienced staff. Promised economic relief for workers and seniors has been minimal, while tax, regulatory, and market advantages have disproportionately favored those already at the top.
Leadership is ultimately measured by outcomes. In Trump’s first year, the data point in one direction: extraordinary personal enrichment for the president and mounting economic hardship for the public. He promised the greatest economy, but for whom?
Lawrence Mazin
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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