Tom Homan, the former White House border czar, is at the center of a troubling controversy after allegedly accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents posing as business executives during a sting operation last year. This payment was reportedly made following Homan’s insinuation that he could facilitate government contracts if Donald Trump were to secure a second term in office.
In simpler terms, this scenario exemplifies bribery: officials offering favors in exchange for financial compensation. Although Homan was not a government official at the time of the sting, he had indicated during the 2024 election cycle that he anticipated a role in a potential second Trump administration. The investigation into Homan, which began during the Biden administration, has recently concluded with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche claiming that no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
While the details of the case remain murky and we cannot definitively label Homan as guilty of orchestrating a bribery scheme without a thorough investigation or trial, the situation undeniably raises significant concerns.
This incident brings to light a critical question that has been echoed repeatedly since Donald Trump first ascended to the presidency: Do American voters genuinely care about corruption? Despite Trump’s history of unprecedented conflicts of interest, accepting gifts from foreign governments, and transforming the presidency into what many perceive as a cash grab, he was able to secure a second term last November.
Interestingly, polls consistently show that a majority of Americans recognize corruption as a serious issue plaguing Congress, the presidency, and the Supreme Court. Moreover, corruption scandals have been known to tarnish the reputations of politicians. A recent example includes New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who faced indictment on corruption charges last year. A significant majority of New Yorkers believe Adams should step down, and his reelection efforts appear to be in jeopardy, with most recent polls indicating his support lingering in single digits.
So, why does it seem that no level of corruption within the Trump administration—whether involving Homan, other Cabinet members, or even Trump himself—seemingly sticks?
One of the most profound changes since Trump’s first term is his assault on one of the most effective tools for holding politicians accountable: public shaming. This powerful mechanism has historically pressured politicians to resign in the face of scandal, as seen with figures like Richard Nixon and Andrew Cuomo. Public shaming has the potential to delegitimize those in power and deter them from engaging in corruption out of fear of exposure.
Trump, however, has demonstrated an uncanny ability to defy public shame, allowing him to navigate scandals that would have derailed the careers of other politicians, such as the infamous Access Hollywood tape. His apparent lack of shame has enabled him to maintain a network of conflicts of interest while evading accountability.
Other politicians have taken notice of Trump’s tactics. Cuomo attempted a political comeback following his resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations, but he couldn’t escape the shadow of his past as voters were constantly reminded of his previous misdeeds. Ultimately, he lost his bid in the Democratic primary, suggesting that while public shaming may still resonate with voters, it has yet to find the right target in Trump.
Trump’s disregard for the norms of accountability has left many voters feeling disempowered. Despite evidence suggesting that Americans care about corrupt governance, as illustrated by Adams’s decline, Trump’s core supporters often overlook allegations of corruption in favor of supporting his broader political agenda. Some may not believe the accusations against him or may deflect by pointing to the alleged corruption of his political opponents, with many voters believing the Democratic Party is more corrupt than the GOP.
Moreover, the perceived powerlessness in holding Trump accountable is exacerbated by the fact that he has won a second term despite facing serious legal challenges, including being found liable for sexual abuse and convicted of crimes related to business record falsification. While incidents of potential corruption may spark outrage among voters, they often fail to escalate into full-blown scandals, as many Democratic voters seem resigned to the notion that Trump will continue to evade consequences.
A contributing factor to this apathy might be the realization that Trump is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, prompting many to adopt a wait-and-see approach rather than actively resisting his administration as they did during his first term. While they recognize they are currently stuck with him, they also understand that this situation is not permanent.
However, the narrative around corruption and abuse of power could shift as the midterm elections approach. Democrats aiming to reclaim the House may emphasize that a Democratic majority in at least one chamber of Congress would serve as a check on Trump’s alleged corruption. Some Democratic operatives are advocating for a strategy that focuses on highlighting Trump’s “culture of corruption” as a key message for the midterms.
Ultimately, whether Democrats will adopt this strategy hinges on their belief in the American electorate’s concern regarding Trump’s corruption. So far this year, the signs point to a lack of urgency. However, as the political landscape evolves, it remains possible that an anti-corruption coalition could emerge with the right messenger to galvanize voter sentiment.
