Dear Editor:
Corruption will be the defining issue in the upcoming election. Eighty-eight percent of all Americans, including a majority of Republicans, want something to be done to reduce the corrupting influence of big, often secretive money in influencing our elections. Billionaires like Elon Musk do not “give” donations, they make investments. Elon Musk invested $277 million in the 2024 election, and he has been well rewarded for his investment. It is outright corruption that drives many associated problems like illegal tariffs and wars. In truth, all of Trump’s tariffs are illegal. They are required to be reviewed by Congress within 30 days of implementation. They are required to be reviewed by Congress within 30 days of implementation, but Speaker Johnson found a way to sidestep that requirement.
One reason President Trump likes tariffs so much is that he can use such for personal gain. We were all supposed to be wealthy by now. Donald Trump promised to pay off the national debt in two terms. Having run up the national debt by two trillion dollars in his first term, he is well on track to repeat that in his second term.
Donald Trump increased his own net wealth by up to $4 billion dollars in 2025. It will be interesting to see how much he does so in 2026.
Between Trump’s illegal war and tariffs, inflation has increased and Donald Trump cannot lie his way out of it. Estimates are that his illegal tariffs have added 3% to inflation, and his illegal war with Iran another 2%.
If you are concerned about the increase in gas or diesel prices, one reason is that oil profits are up over 400%. While some oil is getting through the Strait of Hormuz, it comes with a healthy price, and we will be paying for that for the rest of our lives.
There certainly was inflation during the Biden administration, an unavoidable result of the COVID pandemic. However the average family was better off about $4,000 and was considered by reputable sources as being “The best economy in the world.” Donald Trump promised to end inflation on “Day One”. He has obviously failed.
We certainly need to get the Epstein files released. It is a matter of national security, it is a matter of law and President Trump promised to release them. His name appears up to 38,000 times in such. When Donald Trump says “Are we still talking about the Epstein files, I am reminded of Richard Nixon saying “One year of Watergate is enough.” And if Donald Trump is a pedophile, then the American people have a right to know.
Frank J. Thomeczek
