The Dark Side of Donald Trump: Overcharging the Secret Service and His Tactics

Donald Trump's presidency was marked by a multitude of controversial decisions and actions, many of which revolved around his unconventional and often unethical business practices. A particularly egregious example of this was his tendency to overcharge the Secret Service to stay at his hotels. This article explores why Trump engaged in such practices and the broader implications of his mindset.

The Case of the Scottish Overcharge

One of the most notorious examples of Trump overcharging occurred in Scotland, where a C-17 crew found themselves in a peculiar situation. When the Secret Service had to arrange accommodations for their visit, they were directed to a particular hotel. To everyone's astonishment, all other nearby hotels were fully booked, yet this hotel decided to charge the government rate. This decision was carefully selected to maximize profits from government visits. The incident was thoroughly investigated, and it was found that the allegations were thoroughly debunked. Nevertheless, the fact that such a strategy was even considered is a testament to Trump's keen sense for financial advantage.

Business Cynicism and the Golf Overcharge

Overcharging the Secret Service wasn't a one-time incident but a recurring theme throughout Trump's presidency. He was particularly adept at taking advantage of any situation where he could extract more money. One such case involved golf courses, where his Secret Service detail had to pay for rooms and cart rentals to accompany him during his golf games. This, in turn, incurred significant costs on the taxpayers. While the Secret Service's mission is to ensure the safety of the president, the requests for such expenses often came at a high premium, reflecting Trump's commercialized mindset.

The Grift and the Presidency of Donald Trump

Donald Trump's approach to business and politics can be best described as a relentless pursuit of personal gain. He saw every opportunity, no matter how small, as a chance to hustle and take what he believed was rightfully his. This mindset extended far beyond mere financial gain; it encompassed a broader philosophy of entitlement and control. For Trump, it was not just about maximizing profits but about total dominance and ownership.

Take, for instance, the C-17 crew incident. Instead of booking the cheapest available accommodations, Trump's hotels opted for a higher rate, fully aware that the Secret Service had no choice but to book there. This behavior was not unique to Trump's hotels but also extended to his golf courses and other business ventures. His Secret Service detail had to pay just to access his property, which is a stark reminder of his exploitative tendencies.

Personal Gain vs. Public Service

One of the most striking aspects of Trump's presidency was his complete disregard for the dividing line between personal gain and public service. He saw every aspect of government and public life as an opportunity to profit. This attitude was not just about short-term financial gains but about cementing his personal brand and legacy. His words and actions, such as referring to people of color as "my African American," demonstrate a clear lack of respect for others and a dehumanizing perspective.

Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy were not solely a measure to benefit the economy; they were also a way to gain favor with his supporters and maintain his political power. Similarly, overcharging the Secret Service was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior that prioritized his financial interests over the public good.

The Dark Side of Trump's Supporters

While overcharging the Secret Service was a significant issue, it was just one facet of a larger pattern that was part of Trump's presidency. His supporters often turned a blind eye to his numerous shortcomings and controversial actions, particularly those that were racially or ethnically motivated. This enabled Trump to pursue his agenda without significant pushback, creating a climate of division and hatred.

It is important to recognize that while not all Trump supporters are fascists, there is a significant number who share a similar worldview and would go to great lengths to support him. The enabling of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia by ignoring or dismissing his actions is a dangerous path that threatens the core values of democracy and human rights.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's penchant for overcharging the Secret Service and his broader business practices and philosophies are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of behavior. His failure to maintain a clear distinction between personal gain and public service, coupled with an exploitative approach to public resources, highlights the darker aspects of his presidency. It is crucial to understand these actions to fully comprehend the impact of his presidency on the United States and the world.

As we reflect on his legacy, it is important to critically evaluate the choices made and the consequences they had. Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential for the health and well-being of our society.