From @EdKrassen on X:
Trump has just signed an Executive Order calling for the creation of a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund—a move that could reshape government involvement in the economy.
If a Democrat had proposed this, Republicans would likely call it socialism—yet now, under Trump, it’s being celebrated by MAGA.
This fund could be used to reward political allies, pressure corporations, or consolidate power among an elite few. With minimal oversight, this could be ripe for corruption and a step toward an oligarchic system where government and corporate interests are tightly intertwined.
From @PJBrizzle on X:
Anyone who’s a student of history knows EXACTLY why Trump et al rushed to create a “Sovereign Wealth Fund” (SWF) which is a classic tool out of the dictator playbook.
This isn’t just another policy move—it’s a massive power grab.
Here’s why this is extremely dangerous in the hands of someone with authoritarian ambitions like Trump:
1. Bypassing Congress & Public Oversight – A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) gives Trump direct control over billions (or, god forbid, trillions) in national assets, without needing Congressional approval for spending. It’s quite literally a slush fund that he and his inner circle can use however they want.
2. Corruption & Cronyism – History shows that dictators use SWFs to enrich themselves and their allies. Putin, Chávez, Gaddafi—these guys all looted national wealth under the guise of “strategic investments.” Trump will do the same, funneling money to his family, donors, and corporate backers while gutting public programs.
3. Weaponizing the Economy – He can use the fund to reward loyalists and punish enemies. Business owners who support him? Subsidies, contracts, bailouts. Those who oppose? Blacklisted from federal funding. He can also prop up failing industries that serve his political agenda while starving sectors that don’t.
4. Military & Repression Funding – Don’t be surprised if this money starts flowing into surveillance, policing, and military expansion. SWFs under authoritarian leaders often bankroll secret police, propaganda networks, and paramilitary groups to crush opposition.
5. Election Manipulation – With endless cash at his disposal, Trump could flood elections with money, funding disinformation, voter suppression efforts, and state-controlled media. He wouldn’t need donors—he’d have the full force of the government’s wealth behind his campaign.
6. Foreign Policy Risks – He could use the fund to interfere in foreign governments, buy influence abroad, or strike shady deals with authoritarian allies like Putin and Orban. Worse, reckless financial moves could destabilize global markets and invite massive backlash.
This is how authoritarian regimes consolidate power.
A sovereign wealth fund isn’t just an economic tool—it’s a weapon in the hands of a dictator. This is how democracies die…not with a bang, but with a ledger full of “investments.”
We’ve seen this play out before. We must NOT let it happen here.