Understanding American politics has often involved the philosophy of “follow the money,” a principle that gained popularity during the Watergate scandals of the 1970s. However, in this current era, often referred to as Trump 2.0, we must also consider the implications of kinetic power in our analysis.
Let’s begin with the Trump family, as highlighted by John Helmer, who reminds us that Donald Trump is primarily driven by the pursuit of personal—and familial—gain.
Follow the Money With Drones: The Trump Family Business
Just in: Florida-based Unusual Machines, a little-known drone company backed by Donald Trump Jr, said the US army had contracted it to manufacture 3,500 drone motors, alongside various other drone parts. https://t.co/7tgpoLaeIn pic.twitter.com/FBh29vhXgY
— Financial Times (@FT) October 24, 2025
Trump’s commitment to creating a legacy of political profiteering is almost endearing. Alongside his quirky sense of humor and fondness for junk food, this is one of his more relatable characteristics.
The Financial Times recently reported on Donald Trump Jr.’s surprising involvement in the drone manufacturing sector. Who would have guessed he was also involved in building drones?
The Florida-based drone company Unusual Machines, associated with Donald Trump Jr., recently secured its largest contract from the Pentagon as the U.S. government increases its procurement of drones.
This company, where Trump Jr. holds a $4 million stake, announced a contract to produce 3,500 drone motors as well as various other parts for the U.S. Army.
Moreover, the military has indicated plans to order an additional 20,000 components from Unusual Machines next year.
Allan Evans, the CEO of the company, remarked that this is likely their largest contract with the U.S. government to date, although he did not disclose the contract’s value.
The stock of Unusual Machines surged by as much as 13% on Friday following this announcement.
Trump Jr. began advising Unusual Machines in November 2024, shortly before shares in the business nearly tripled over the following weeks.
Since then, Trump Jr. has maintained ownership of 331,580 shares, currently valued at approximately $4 million. While he is not obligated to disclose any sales of this stake, company executives noted that Trump Jr. has continued to participate in further funding rounds.
Unusual Machines has also recently engaged in contracts with other defense suppliers, including a $12.8 million deal with Strategic Logix last September and a $1.6 million agreement with an unnamed domestic defense drone manufacturer in August.
This venture, which is attempting to produce more components stateside, has faced challenges due to Trump-era tariffs, which contributed to a $3.3 million operating loss in the first quarter of the year. Concerns remain about how sourcing parts from nations other than China will continue to affect profit margins.
Follow the Money to Iowa, Where Trickle-Down Economics Affects Trump’s Supporters
“Since siding with Barack Obama twice, Iowa has become a stronghold for Mr. Trump. Yet perhaps no state has struggled more with his economic policies. During the first quarter of 2025, Iowa’s GDP dropped by 6.1 percent, more than any other state aside from neighboring Nebraska.”…
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 26, 2025
Unfortunately, Trump’s interests appear to largely exclude his most devoted rural supporters. It remains uncertain whether he or his trade team fully understand the damage caused to American agriculture.
Let’s examine Iowa’s economic challenges more closely.
According to The New York Times:
When President Trump announced a $20 billion bailout for Argentina, Larry Ory, 86, a farmer in Earlham, Iowa, found it hard to believe. This sentiment only deepened as shipments of Argentine soybeans were sent to China, a once-essential market for Ory’s family.
Iowa has experienced multiple economic shocks since Trump’s second term started, one of which was losing China as a soybean market due to the ongoing trade war. The state’s GDP fell by 6.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025, the highest drop in the nation aside from neighboring Nebraska.
The manufacturing sector, accounting for 17 percent of Iowa’s economic output, has been adversely affected by rising production costs due to tariffs on materials such as aluminum and steel. Meanwhile, meatpacking plants, central to Iowa’s status as the leading pork producer, heavily depend on foreign workers—hundreds of thousands of whom have lost their legal status under Trump’s policies. Coupled with an ongoing assault on renewable energy, these factors threaten the wind industry that produces over half of Iowa’s electricity.
Iowa is the largest corn producer and second-largest soybean producer in the nation. About half of U.S. soybean exports typically go to China, amounting to $12.6 billion last year. However, retaliatory tariffs from China have halted purchases this year, leaving American producers reeling. Farmers have spent decades cultivating relationships with Chinese importers, using profit from Iowa farms to foster these connections, which are now jeopardized.
Furthermore, Iowa’s beef industry recoiled when Trump suggested lowering beef prices by importing from Argentina.
Amid these economic pressures, Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation farmer in Polk County, faces daily decisions using his outdated combine, which would cost over $100,000 used, and more than $250,000 new, if he were to replace it.
Follow the Money: Who’s Funding the Troops?
While Trump’s economic decisions seem to be straining the economy in key supporter states, funding issues related to troop salaries have surfaced. This became particularly evident during a recent government shutdown and may have impacted Trump’s plans, and those of Secretary of State/National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.
As an Armchair Warlord tweeted, historical precedence shows that ensuring troops are paid is crucial before embarking on any military campaign.
I feel like the fact that the US military is about to miss a paycheck and we’re still moving to attack Venezuela isn’t getting enough press. It’s a military principle that troops must be compensated before any campaigns begin. https://t.co/bRLaclws8Q
— Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) October 25, 2025
In this context, Trump donor Timothy Mellon has stepped in, according to The New York Times:
Timothy Mellon, a billionaire and significant supporter of President Trump, has emerged as the anonymous private donor who contributed $130 million to fund troop salaries during the shutdown.
Shortly after leaving Washington, Trump declined to disclose Mellon’s identity, calling him “a great American citizen” and “a substantial man,” stating that he prefers anonymity in contrast to typical political donors.
It remains uncertain how much this donation will alleviate the paychecks of the 1.3 million active-duty members of the military, considering the 2025 budget submitted by the Trump administration requested around $600 billion for total military compensation. This means the $130 million is roughly equivalent to $100 per service member.
Mellon, a banking heir and railroad magnate, has previously supported Trump with tens of millions of dollars. Following Trump’s election, he became more active in Republican funding.
The Daily Beast provides insight into the source of Mellon’s substantial wealth:
Mellon is the grandson of Andrew W. Mellon, a Treasury Secretary who served from 1921 to 1932. The family’s wealth traces back to Mellon Bank, which Thomas Mellon established.
Timothy’s father, Paul Mellon, was a thoroughbred horse breeder, and by 1957, his family was listed among the wealthiest in America.
Timothy Mellon’s cousin, Matthew, was an early crypto investor who struggled with addiction and met his untimely end in 2018.
“He’s a great gentleman,” Trump characterized Mellon, describing him as a patriotic contributor who provided funds to support military salaries during the shutdown.
However, the $130 million contribution won’t significantly address the military payroll issue. It equates to only a small fraction of the funds needed to meet obligations:
The Department of Defense payroll for 2024 was about $192 billion, roughly $8 billion per bimonthly paycheck. This donation is less than 2% of what’s required for the October 31st payroll. https://t.co/8CZDBPG8ta
— Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) October 25, 2025
Follow the Money Down the Jeffrey Epstein Conspiracy Path
Given Mellon’s prominent name, it’s not surprising that social media users have linked him to the recent Epstein allegations due to a lawsuit against the Bank of New York (and Bank of America) by another anonymous alleged victim.
The Wall Street Journal reports on the details of the lawsuit:
The lawsuit against BNY Mellon alleges that since at least 2006, the bank maintained a relationship with MC2, a modeling agency co-founded by Epstein and Jean-Luc Brunel. The suit claims that Epstein used bank funds to facilitate his trafficking operations. Brunel was arrested in 2020 on sex-trafficking charges but died in prison in 2022.
Lawyers previously representing Epstein’s victims have brought this suit against BNY Mellon. Similar actions were taken against JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank in 2022.
“It is disheartening that only litigation and Congressional action can provide justice for these victims,” said attorney Brad Edwards.
In a clearer context, The Economic Times clarifies that there is no credible evidence linking Timothy Mellon to Epstein, and BNY Mellon has dismissed the claims as baseless.
BNY Mellon has stated their defense against the allegations and insisted that they will vigorously contest them. It is essential to note that the Mellons lost ownership of BNY Mellon after the merger in 2007, leading to confusion and unwarranted connections.
Despite this, speculation persists among netizens:
But the Mellon’s were out of BNY bank by 2008…
Oh… wait. pic.twitter.com/5i10VFIRc0
— Diligent Denizen 🇺🇸 (@DiligentDenizen) October 26, 2025
Follow the Money to the Power Under the East Wing Ballroom
Concerns have arisen in mainstream media regarding Trump’s new ballroom, being constructed atop the remains of the White House East Wing. Much of the discourse, however, has focused on the architectural history instead of the significant activity happening below the surface.
CNN referenced something much more crucial occurring beneath the demolition site:
The East Wing’s history started as a carriage entrance during President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration in 1902. By Franklin D. Roosevelt’s term, it had evolved into a vital route for millions of visitors. The urgency for construction arose during WWII, leading to the establishment of an emergency bunker underneath the East Wing.
This bunker, officially known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, has served multiple presidents, including Dick Cheney during 9/11, and Trump during protests in his first term. President George W. Bush even rehearsed his State of the Union address there back in 2004.
Carlyn Beccia elaborates on Medium:
According to the National Capital Planning Commission, no comprehensive architectural plans have been submitted; there are no blueprints, elevations, or site approvals. Yet, demolition is already in progress, with the White House stating such “preparatory work” bypasses review. This provides an opening for significant alterations to one of America’s most protected buildings without oversight.
The bunker below, built during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era, was made to withstand serious threats. Its importance for past presidents underscores how much security it has provided the government throughout various crises.
Today, many refer to it as “the shelter” or PEOC. This five-story stronghold is fortified with reinforced concrete, steel doors, filtered air, and essential supplies needed to endure crises.
Following 9/11, upgrades were essential. By 2010, significant improvements were made, ensuring the operations center had sophisticated systems capable of supporting the government amid emergencies.
Over the years, it has expanded into a network of tunnels linking significant buildings in Washington. With the White House’s plans to create a ballroom overhead, it raises pressing questions about whether Trump is merely expanding space for festivities or enhancing a critical emergency facility.
These revelations prompt inquiries about the financial sources behind Trump’s ballroom project.
The Washington Post provides more details:
Ethics experts and Democrats are scrutinizing whether those funding the estimated $300 million ballroom are set to gain any advantages from their contributions.
Notable tech and defense firms, including Google, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft, have funded the project, alongside influential Republican donors. It raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest, especially for firms engaged in federal contracts or acquisitions.
The Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit, is overseeing these tax-deductible contributions, with some donors receiving acknowledgment in the form of name engravings within the ballroom.
Trump recently stated he has amassed $350 million for the ballroom project and intends to cover any financial shortfalls coming from his personal funds.
When we follow the money, it often leads directly to power and influence.
Follow the Money to the GOP Congressional Split
I’m keen on reinforcing the “follow the money” axiom, which is notably appreciated by Google, yet it may annoy some human readers. This topic sheds light on the changes in the dynamics surrounding the ongoing government shutdown.
It’s not solely a matter of GOP versus Democrats; rather, MICHAEL JOHNSON—the hapless MAGA Speaker of the House—is using this crisis to manage the divided GOP caucus. According to The New York Times, Johnson’s approach could dramatically reshape the role of Congress:
Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to keep the House in indefinite recess during a government shutdown diminishes Congress’s influence while consolidating his power during this critical time. Rather than negotiating with Democrats, Johnson has focused on publicly blaming them for the shutdown, presenting the idea that the House has no obligation to act.
This strategy serves a dual purpose of keeping his unruly members in line by limiting political distractions, as previous Speakers often did during shutdown negotiations.
This unconventional approach indicates that Mr. Johnson is leveraging the speakership to diminish the House’s effectiveness altogether.
Such dynamics bolster the theory that the U.S. has entered a post-Constitutional phase, as suggested by various analysts.
For now, let’s shift our “follow the money” theme to some Democrats in action.
Follow the Money Behind Campaigns: Platner, Mamdani, Sanders, Porter, and Fetterman
🧵My latest article on Substack exposes the political consulting firm that turned the Bernie movement into a $134M cash cow, while repackaging and selling centrists like John Fetterman as “leftist change-makers.” https://t.co/FXY9akGPhE pic.twitter.com/1C95L2rBNu
— Zeynab Day (@ZeynabDay) October 23, 2025
Previously, I discussed the competitive Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat challenging longtime GOP incumbent Susan Collins. However, I didn’t include an important detail regarding Platner’s consultants.
It’s also relevant when examining Katie Porter, who has worked with these operatives at times.
To enrich today’s exploration of money trails, here’s a key insight from The New Yorker:
Just three days before the launch of “Platner for U.S. Senate,” a significant video was released, catapulting the oyster farmer and former marine into the national spotlight. The launch was orchestrated by Morris Katz, a top strategist for New York City’s Democratic mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani.
Within just four days of rollout, the campaign raised half a million dollars, drawing attention from major media outlets and showcasing the potential of political novices in the Democratic Party.
Through the lens of “follow the money,” it becomes evident that political consulting firms, like Middle Seat, play a crucial role in shaping the messaging of these campaigns:
Middle Seat claims to be a digital firm delivering “visionary, persuasive, disruptive, and dynamic” solutions while branding establishment politicians as grassroots change-makers. Their model has yielded a remarkable $134 million since 2017, including prominent figures like John Fetterman. Their business approach raises questions about whether they truly vet candidates or merely provide their services for anyone looking to cultivate a leftist facade.
With previously mentioned figures like Platner, Porter, and Mamdani connected through this narrative of money and influence, let’s explore the New York mayoral race as it approaches its conclusion.
Follow the Money to Mamdani’s New York?
Mainstream media has largely shifted focus away from Andrew Cuomo’s campaign as Zohran Mamdani gains momentum, anticipated to win the NYC mayoral election. Politico reflects this view:
Everyone from Trump to polling analysts believes that Mamdani has a solid chance of winning. However, Republicans express concern about what his socialist policies would mean for New York City. Nevertheless, some GOP strategists believe that he could be a significant target for the party to demonize in upcoming elections, utilizing him as a symbol of the perceived far-left shift in the Democratic Party.
Yet, there’s an important aspect of Mamdani’s potential administration that merits discussion.
If he were to secure the role and manage city operations, particularly with the NYPD—which operates on an annual budget exceeding $5 billion—what approach will he take when dealing with the police force?
His upcoming challenges may compound, especially considering the narratives surrounding encounters between the NYPD and diverse communities, as referenced by prior incidents during the George Floyd protests.
Mamdani Seems to Be Aware of Kinetic Reality
Mamdani has made initial moves that suggest he understands the delicate political landscape he would navigate if elected. However, how aware is he of the complexity awaiting him?
Mamdani aims to retain current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a figure who readily represents the establishment and embodies values that conflict with his previous statements about the NYPD.
Embracing someone closely aligned with Mayor Eric Adams signals an intention to foster a cooperative governance style but raises questions about his commitment to his own platform. The ramifications of these early decisions may define his time in office.
While the political currents shift rapidly in the city, it’s essential to remain vigilant of the historical context informed by the relationships between law enforcement and civil society, as seen in the previous administration.
This ongoing dialogue marks a crucial moment as we track the financial trails leading to power in New York and beyond.
For now, I’ll wrap up this exploration into the intricate connections of money and power, promising further insights as this situation continues to evolve.
