Trump’s dream is a giant slush fund Congress can’t touch
Vox
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has been on an aggressive quest to establish a slush fund, enabling him to personally control large sums of money through various discretionary pools and leverage points. This strategy involves using his position to bypass legal and constitutional constraints, often by redefining foreign policy tools such as tariffs, trade deals, and military operations to secure financial gains. For instance, after capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump declared control over Venezuela’s oil revenue, aiming to use the proceeds for unspecified purposes. Similarly, he has negotiated tariff relief with allies like Japan and South Korea in exchange for massive investments, which he claims to oversee directly.
The article highlights how Trump’s approach disrupts traditional governance structures. By leveraging emergency powers and improvising legal frameworks, he has attempted to create a system where he can dictate the flow of money, often without congressional oversight. For example, his "Board of Peace" initiative proposes that countries pay $1 billion to extend their membership, with Trump holding significant control over its operations. Such schemes raise concerns about the separation of powers and the potential for misuse of federal funds.
These actions have sparked criticism from allies and legal experts, who argue they bypass Congress’s authority over the purse. The Constitution explicitly states that money cannot be drawn from the Treasury without congressional approval, yet Trump continues to push boundaries by claiming control over foreign revenue and investments. His methods, such as acquiring equity stakes in companies or imposing tariffs to generate revenue, blur the lines between emergency powers and personal gain.
The broader implications of Trump’s slush fund strategy are significant. It challenges established norms of governance and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations. By treating federal funds
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Originally published on Vox on 2/20/2026