Ep111. Crypto Corruption: Trump 2.0 with Frank Vogl

Apr 7, 2025

Frank Vogl, a former foreign correspondent and co-founder of Transparency International, joins to discuss the rampant corruption during Trump's second term. He delves into the intersection of cryptocurrency and political malfeasance, exposing how Trump’s circle exploits crypto for personal gain. Vogl also highlights the dismantling of anti-corruption mechanisms, the rise of populism, and the troubling parallels with authoritarian regimes. He stresses the urgent need for grassroots movements and a global framework to combat transnational corruption.

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INSIGHT

Crypto's Role in Trump's Fortunes

The current political climate dwarfs Watergate in terms of open corruption within the government.
Crypto plays a significant role in Trump family fortunes, with Eric and Barron directly involved.

INSIGHT

Strategic Crypto Reserve

Trump and crypto tycoon David Sachs proposed a strategic crypto reserve, potentially benefiting large crypto holders.
This, among other scams, involves dismantling government anti-corruption and anti-fraud mechanisms.

ANECDOTE

World Liberty Financial

World Liberty Financial, promoted by Steve Witkoff and Eric Trump, has a shady, unclear business model.
They promoted it in Dubai alongside Paul Manafort, pardoned by Trump and known for his Russian and Ukrainian dealings.

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Corruption, corruption, everywhere corruption. And no attempt to stop it in sight. As Trump and his cronies get rich from cypto, dismantle government, and propose their companies fulfilled outsourced contracts, the meta analysis of the new administration appears plain and simple: The tariffs, the strategic crypto fund, meme coin, it is all just corruption out in the open.

If it is so plain for all to see, how are they getting away with it?

To find out, Jason is joined by Frank Vogl. Formerly a foreign correspondent for The Times (UK), and then a senior official at the World Bank, Frank set up Transparency International in 1993, and then co-founded the Partnership for Transparency Fund in 1998. These two global organizations are at the forefront in the fight by civil society against corruption. Now, Frank is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and the author of many articles and two books on global corruption – ‘The Enablers’ and ‘Waging War on Corruption’.

In their discussion, Jason and Frank delve into the overt corruption of various decisions early in the 2nd Trump Administration, providing a focus on the role cryptocurrency plays in this corruption. Then, they look at the dismantling of anti-corruption mechanisms, and the transformation of the Republican Party into a vehicle for Trumpism and mafioso crony enrichment of Trump’s allies. Then: they analyse the complicity of Western nations in enabling corruption, and the economic implications of these actions.

Finally, as they Order the Disorder, Frank pushes for the establishment of an international anti-corruption court, and argues that European governments can and should step up to help fight back against this corruption.

Producer: George McDonagh

Executive Producer: Neil Fearn

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Show Notes Links:

For more on Frank’s work visit - https://www.frankvogl.com/news

For more on Transparency International - https://www.transparency.org/en/

Get Frank’s book The Enablers: How the West Supports Kleptocrats and Corruption - Endangering Our Democracy - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enablers-Kleptocrats-Corruption-Endangering-Democracy-ebook/dp/B09JGL62L1/

Get Frank’s book Waging War on Corruption: Inside the Movement Fighting the Abuse of Power - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waging-War-Corruption-Movement-Fighting/dp/1442218533/

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