Source: Washington Monthly
by Bill Scher
“Musk owns successful companies that make things people want: cars, trucks, rockets, and satellites. Trump’s business is basically a brand licensing scheme selling his name, often, courts have determined, in a corrupt fashion. His family business, The Trump Organization, was convicted of criminal tax fraud and found by a judge to have engaged in civil fraud. He has filed for bankruptcy numerous times. The list of his failed enterprises is long — from casinos to airline shuttles to universities to steaks –though he continues to slap his name on products such as ‘Swiss’ watches partly made in China, Bibles, and meme coins. Musk’s government stint was a distraction from his wealth-making endeavors. For Trump, government is part of the lifelong hustle — a way to keep his name in the spotlight and maintain a following of loyal MAGA-mad consumers willing to buy whatever he’s selling.” (05/30/25)