Key Highlights
- The article critiques the current state of political standards in Washington, specifically focusing on President Trump’s ballroom project.
- It compares the current situation to a similar scandal involving the Clinton Foundation, highlighting how the latter was met with more scrutiny and criticism.
- The author argues that the lack of outrage over Trump’s actions reflects lower ethical standards in modern politics.
- Critics and defenders of both projects are analyzed, showing how the political landscape has changed under Trump’s presidency.
The Current State of Political Standards
The article titled “What’s a Scandal When Everything Is Outrageous?” delves into the current state of political standards in Washington. Jonathan Chait, writing on November 3, 2025, argues that the recent revelation about President Donald Trump’s ballroom project exemplifies the declining ethical norms within the political sphere.
The Ballroom Project and Its Controversy
The article begins by discussing the ongoing controversy surrounding President Trump’s plans to rebuild the East Wing of the White House with private funds. The proposed project, which has already cost $300 million (as of press time), is drawing criticism for its potential conflicts of interest. According to Chait, the project’s funding method—soliciting donors who have business before the government—is reminiscent of a scandal involving the Clinton Foundation.
Comparing Scandals: From Bill to Donald
Chait draws parallels between the Clinton Foundation and Trump’s ballroom project. He notes that when former President Bill Clinton established his foundation, it faced significant criticism for potentially creating conflicts of interest. However, the article suggests that this same issue has garnered far less attention in the context of Trump’s presidency. The author highlights how The Washington Post downplayed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing Jeff Bezos as a notable donor.
Declining Ethical Standards and Media Coverage
The piece argues that the reduced scrutiny of Trump’s actions reflects a broader decline in political standards. Chait suggests that holding President Trump to normal standards of behavior is practically impossible due to the scale of his misconduct. He posits that while some of Trump’s actions may not be the worst, their open nature and brazenness make them more problematic than the subtler issues faced by previous administrations.
Conclusion
A New Normal?
Ultimately, the article concludes with a stark assessment of the current political landscape. It suggests that as long as scandals like Trump’s ballroom project are met with indifference, the ethical standards in Washington will continue to decline. Chait argues that while it may be impossible to hold President Trump accountable using traditional metrics, this does not justify praising him for committing what would otherwise be considered normal-sized scandals.
The piece highlights a critical shift in political discourse and media coverage, where the severity of misconduct seems to be relative to the current administration. As such, the article serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing modern journalism and governance.
