Conservative commentator labels Trump administration as unusually pro-crime for insiders

David Frum, a conservative analyst and senior editor at The Atlantic, wrote that Donald Trump’s presidency has become the most pro-crime era in U.S. history for individuals tied to the president. He points to the Treasury’s decision to drop ownership-reporting rules for American companies, a move he says creates a haven for money-launderers, tax evaders and drug traffickers connected to Trump’s network. Frum argues that while the Treasury touts the change as deregulation for honest businesses, the real beneficiaries are “shady business owners” linked to the administration.

He adds that the Justice Department has slashed resources for public-integrity prosecutions, reducing a team of dozens to just two lawyers and eliminating the crypto-crime unit. According to Frum, enforcement against affluent offenders has been largely abandoned, effectively rewarding Trump’s donors, family and friends. The commentary suggests the policy serves as retaliation against agencies that previously pursued anti-money-laundering actions against Trump-related entities.