TAE Technologies, a company focused on fusion energy, has announced plans to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group, where former President Donald Trump is the largest shareholder. This merger could position Trump to compete with other energy firms while his administration has been working to expedite safety reviews for new nuclear power plants and proposed lowering acceptable radiation exposure limits. Concerns have been raised by Peter A. Bradford, a former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, regarding the implications of the president and his family holding significant stakes in a specific energy source. The administration's push for nuclear power technology, including unproven fusion energy, aligns with increasing energy demands driven by the expansion of data centers in the tech industry, particularly related to artificial intelligence. Federal support for this sector has included loans, grants, and executive orders aimed at accelerating the review and approval processes by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

In parallel, Trump's fundraising initiatives have amassed nearly $2 billion since his re-election, surpassing the funds raised for his 2024 campaign. An investigation by The New York Times revealed that over half a billion dollars of this total can be traced back to 346 donors, each contributing at least $250,000, with many donors remaining anonymous. Notably, more than half of these contributors are linked to industries that have benefited from actions taken by the Trump administration, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. For instance, at least 197 of the 346 donors have received benefits from Trump’s policies, including pardons and favorable regulatory changes.

Major corporations such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, which have significant interests in defense contracts, have also contributed substantial amounts to Trump's fundraising efforts. These donations coincide with the administration's favorable treatment of the defense industry, including the approval of lucrative contracts. The investigation suggests a level of transactional politics that is unprecedented in recent American history, with many donors making calculated business decisions rather than being coerced.

As Trump continues to engage in fundraising, including the announcement of a new initiative called Freedom 250, the implications of these financial relationships on governance and public policy remain a critical area of scrutiny. The intertwining of corporate interests and political fundraising raises questions about the integrity of political processes and the potential for corporate influence to shape policy outcomes, particularly as many working-class Americans face challenges such as rising unemployment and a cost-of-living crisis.