Expert warns Trump era profiteering could threaten Social Security and trade
Economist Karl Widerquist argues that the Trump administration’s alleged self-dealing and tariff policies amount to a kleptocratic regime that may jeopardize Social Security and ordinary consumers.
According to Georgetown University in Qatar professor Karl Widerquist, President Trump has profited enormously from office, creating a slush fund for supporters and leveraging foreign-policy ties for personal gain. He warns that the administration’s plans to privatize the Social Security trust fund could expose retirees to market risk and enable cronies to profit from investments such as a proposed “Trump coin.” Widerquist critiques recent tariffs on Canada and other partners, explaining that they raise costs for many U.S. industries while benefiting only a few domestic sectors.
He also argues that decades of trickle-down policies have failed to improve living standards for most Americans, with gains concentrating among the wealthiest. The expert frames these actions as evidence of a kleptocratic government that threatens both economic equity and the promise of Social Security.
Why it matters
The claims highlight potential risks to retirees' benefits and broader economic fairness under current U.S. policies.
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