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Today, Explained

All the president’s side hustles

15 May 2025

Description

Ethical concerns abound on the president's first big trip to the Middle East since reentering office. But if you really want conflicts of interest, take a look at his crypto projects. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. A billboard featuring President Donald Trump holding Bitcoin in Hong Kong. Photo by May James/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Transcription

Full Episode

0.529 - 14.597 Sean Rameswaram

Donald Trump's in the Middle East doing the kinds of things you might expect a U.S. president to do while in the Middle East. He's been shaking hands with leaders, posing for photos. Here's some Fox News coverage. Donald's been doing diplomacy. He made a big announcement on Tuesday.

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21.841 - 28.551 Unidentified

I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness.

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29.032 - 37.264 Sean Rameswaram

And on Wednesday, Trump met with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharra, a former al-Qaeda leader who used to be on the U.S. terror list, I might add.

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37.845 - 39.927 Unidentified

Young, attractive guy. Tough guy.

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40.387 - 58.702 Sean Rameswaram

But while in the Middle East, and before he even got there, the president and his family have also been doing things you'd never expect a U.S. president and his family to do. Making hotel deals, golf course deals, plane gift deals, crypto deals. All the president's side hustles on Today Explained.

60.825 - 78.119 Sue Bird

Sue Bird here. I am thrilled to announce I'm launching a brand new show, Bird's Eye View, the definitive WNBA podcast. Every week we'll dig into the WNBA stories that actually matter with guest interviews, candid takes, and in-depth analysis from around the league. It's a show I've wanted to make for a while and I'm so excited it's finally happening.

78.34 - 87.087 Sue Bird

Whether you're new to the WNBA or a longtime fan, pull up. This show is for you. Bird's Eye View is coming May 16th. Follow the show on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

90.54 - 105.703 Unknown Speaker

We used to have big ideals and dreams when we were still in university. We wrote these beautiful application essays about how we were going to fix tax avoidance and tax evasion, how we're going to tackle global hunger and work at the United Nations. And look at us. What has happened?

106.163 - 119.706 Unknown Speaker

What has happened? This week on The Grey Area, we're talking about our moral ambition. Where did it go and what we can do to get it back. New episodes of The Grey Area drop on Mondays. Available everywhere.

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