President-elect taps allies to roll back rules and cut taxes in ‘nakedly transactional’ ploy critics call ‘unprecedented’

Summary

Donald Trump is appointing major donors and loyalists to top government posts, raising concerns about unprecedented conflicts of interest.

Key picks include Elon Musk, who donated $200M to Trump’s campaign and will co-chair a regulatory-cutting panel potentially benefiting his companies, and Harold Hamm, a fracking tycoon positioned to influence energy policies.

Trump’s transactional style rewards allies like RFK Jr. for HHS and Pete Hegseth for Defense, despite their lack of qualifications.

Watchdogs warn of corruption risks and donor-driven policymaking at the expense of public interests.