Foreign Influence Archives | American Democracy Minute

President Trump’s Crypto Conflicts Compound as United Arab Emirates Investment Fund Uses $2B in Trump-Backed Cryptocurrency for Deal

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025

A new Trump-backed crypto currency company launched last September got a credibility boost when a United Arab Emirates investment fund used it to make a $2 billion dollar investment in another company. This raises more conflicts of interest for President Donald Trump, still named as World Liberty Financial’s “Chief Crypto Advocate.”

What is a ‘Baby FARA’ and Why are States Enacting It?

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

The federal version of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, has been in place since 1938, but recently, states are passing their own versions, nicknamed “baby FARAs.” What are they, and how do they relate to American Democracy?

The Federal Election Commission is Reportedly Now Out of Commission with the Departure of Another Member. It’s Unlikely to Get Fixed Soon.

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

As if the Federal Election Commission didn’t have enough problems, another member has reportedly chosen not to continue when his term runs out April 30th. That leaves the normally six-member commission with three, and unable to conduct business.

Trump ‘Meme Coin’ Cryptocurrency Scheme Selling Access to the President Raises Alarms for Emolument Clause Violations

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

President Donald Trump launched a cryptocurrency “meme coin” with his likeness on January 17th, just before inauguration day. April 21st, with its value plummeting, the company offered top buyers of the coin a dinner with Trump and a personal tour of the White House. That likely violates the Emoluments Clause.

61 Individual and Corporate Donors Gave $1M or More to Trump’s Inaugural. Where did the $239M Go? We’ll Likely Never Know.

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025

A parade of well-known brands and CEOs lavished a post-election tribute of $239 million dollars to the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, according to a new filing with the Federal Election Commission. What was it used for? Voters will likely never know.