The Economist.
I'm John Pradeau and this is Checks and Balance from The Economist.
Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics and explore it in depth.
Today, how Donald Trump makes money.
Donald Trump earned at least $2.2 billion in outside income in 2025.
The president says that this extraordinary windfall,
which was revealed in financial disclosures released last week, was thanks to a booming stock market.
The White House has denied any conflict of interest,
but the president's ventures do often seem to benefit from the very policies his administration sets.
How did the president amass all this wealth?
And will there be any consequences, legal or political for him doing so?
With me this week to talk about the president and his money is Charlotte Howard, our US editor.
James Bennett's on holiday this week, so it's just the two of us this week, Charlotte.
How how are you doing?
I am doing pretty well.
It has been a big week for Grant Plattner in Maine.
There were these reports that came, a report that came out on Monday night from Politico
with new allegations of sexual assault and then we're recording this on Thursday.
Last night, Plattner released this 11-minute selfie video.
Have you watched it yet, John?