Throughout history, the term ’30 pieces of silver’ has had significant meaning. In ancient Greece, it referred to the 30 minae offered to spare Socrates from the death penalty. More famously, it refers to the price Judas Iscariot was paid to betray Jesus. Either way, the idea remains that for some, principles and lives can be compromised in exchange to money. During the past week, we have seen this exemplified by the US President.

President Trump’s trip to the Middle East has been marked by numerous incidences of kow-towing to the ostentatiously wealthy sheiks of the region. ‘What amazing marble!’ Good grief. And while he largely took credit for contracts that were already signed or agreed to during the last administration, he also took the opportunity to cozy up to governments that have deep investment partnerships with the Trump Organization. It was no coincidence that the Trump sons Eric and Donald Jr. had travelled to the region in recent weeks to drum up business. From securing crypto investments in World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin from the UAE, to LIV Golf partnerships with the Saudis on Trump golf courses, to a new Qatari golf course, the family interests in the region are deep. So the stream of compliments to the dictators of the region should surprise no one.

Nor is it particularly surprising that the ‘deals’ were marked by a most egregious offer – the Qataris would ‘donate’ a 13 yr old 747 to the Trump Administration for conversion to a new Air Force One, with the stipulation that Trump takes it with him (to his Presidential library, which he has done nothing to build) when he leaves office. So, to be perfectly clear, the US taxpayer would spend $1B to retrofit it, with it unlikely to be ready for service during his term. If ever there was an emolument envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, this is it.

But when wealthy folks fawn over President Trump, he is most inclined to give away the store. For Saudi Arabia that was ability to purchase the most advanced AI chips from Nvidia (despite the risk of the technology being diverted to China) and the lifting of sanctions on Syria and their new leader, a former al-Quaeda offshoot honcho. In return the US looks the other way as Syrians pursue mass-killings of Alawites and Druze populations, cleansing religious minorities from their midst. With Qatar, the compliments kept flowing at the same time as the US turns a blind eye to the Qatari support of terrorists and their anti-Israel intentions. We must also recall that Qatar owns Al-Jazeera, the primary journalist mouthpiece of Hamas in Gaza. Apparently if antisemitic acts take place in the US, its a travesty but when the US President leaves US soil, he warmly embraces those who spearhead the destruction of Israel.

But the Middle East is not the only region where the President is happy to trade away US principles. This past week has seen a near-wholesale retrenching of the Trump trade policy, with 140%+ tariffs reduced to 80% and then 30%. In return? China lowered its reciprocal tariffs, resumed selling its rare earth minerals to US businesses, and agreed to sit down to discuss tariffs. Essentially, China gave up nothing. Is China cracking down on the export of fentanyl precursors to drug cartels? No. Is China stopping it’s financing of Chinese hackers and identity theft? No. Is the US recovering millions of dollars in taxpayer dollars stolen by the Chinese? No. I have to doubt that these topics are seriously being addressed at all. President Trump will not be trading away the millions of dollars he receives from his personal Chinese interests.

Are the principles of America for sale? Is the success of our economy negotiable? And how little will it take for President Trump to negotiate away American ideals? It will need to be shiny – 30 pieces of silver might do (or gold for this President).

And the national disgrace continues…