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He personally pushes his fundraiser, Meredith O’Rourke, to demand huge checks from companies even as he has become much more personally involved in regulatory decisions that used to be made by independent agencies.

Companies are paying attention. TikTok, Lockheed Martin, SoftBank, and more have all reportedly donated millions to Trump's projects while his admin becomes more involved in making decisions that directly affect them.

Several CEOs and board members told the WSJ they believe there is a connection between making contributions and getting access to Trump. Some donors have been offered White House dinners and meetings with the president.

Some said that when Trump called them after a donation, it was only to ask for even more money. Trump has raised more than $800 million for pet projects like the White House ballroom since returning to office. The WSJ describes it as “a staggering fundraising and influence operation.”

This story isn't just about fundraising or the usual money in politics. It's about a broader pattern that sounds to us a lot like a protection racket, with the president using his political power and influence to entice or force others to give him what he wants.