June 16, 2026

You don’t need me to tell you that President Trump makes public policy decisions largely based on his (and his friends’) personal interests. Corruption has defined both of his presidencies.

This weekend's Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the South Lawn of the White House was no different. In fact, as my colleague Russ Choma pointed out today, Trump owns shares in the company that runs UFC, and UFC reportedly both paid bonuses to fighters using the Trump family’s struggling cryptocurrency and named the company an official sponsor of the event. Polymarket, the prediction market in which Donald Trump Jr. is an investor and adviser, displayed its logo throughout the fighting arena. Another sponsor: Riyadh Season, a major cultural festival in Saudi Arabia, whose crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is close allies with Trump.

All to commemorate America’s 250th Independence Day, of course.

—Alex Nguyen

The White House Cage Fight Was Spectacular—And Spectacularly Corrupt

Trump has obliterated the lines between public policy and personal wealth.

BY RUSS CHOMA

SPONSORED POST

8 Reasons the CARE PACKAGE Has Worked for 80 Years

80 years of the CARE PACKAGE shows the most enduring humanitarian idea may also be the simplest: give people exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.

THIS CONTENT WAS PAID FOR AND SPONSORED BY CARE.ORG.

RFK Jr. will oversee disability education policy

BY JULIA MÉTRAUX

Here's what Americans really blame for causing energy price hikes

BY KATE YODER

She froze after being released by ICE. The medical examiner ruled it a homicide.

BY SOPHIE HURWITZ

The plague in the shadows

Decades before Covid-19 appeared, AIDS tore through the US, but there was little help for the most vulnerable communities.

BY REVEAL

MOTHER JONES MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

WE NEED YOU NOW

Halfway through our Summer Membership Drive, we’ve raised just $35,000 of a $200,000 goal that we absolutely can’t afford to miss. But there’s good news: This week only, every donation will be doubled up to $50,000.

In this pivotal moment for democracy, we need you to stand with us. Make a gift of any amount and see it DOUBLED for the independent, investigative journalism you rely on. We can’t do this work without you.

Double Your Impact

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Share it on Facebook and Bluesky.

Your source for journalism that doesn't shrink back. Fifty years and counting. Keep us growing with a gift of any amount.

Donate

This message was sent to npxlpxnaph@niepodam.pl. To change the messages you receive from us, you can edit your email preferences or unsubscribe from all mailings.

For advertising opportunities see our online media kit.

Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.