Thanksgiving or Trumpsgiving? Billionaires Revel in Selfishness

Thanksgiving vs. Trumpsgiving

Thanksgiving has traditionally represented a moment for gratitude, reflection, and generosity towards those less fortunate. However, with Donald Trump at the helm, this year's holiday appears to be overshadowed by a starkly different ethos—Trumpsgiving. Where Thanksgiving calls us to acknowledge what we have and extend kindness to others, Trumpsgiving becomes a celebration of greed and personal gain.

The Greed Epidemic

Under Trump, we find the rich not giving back but taking more. In his worldview, there is little room for gratitude or altruism; it's all about accumulating more wealth and power. This transactional approach to generosity is not just astonishing—it's a dangerous precedent for our society. Billionaires, under Trump's influence, have embraced an attitude of reverse philanthropy, offering a masterclass in self-interest rather than community support.

“Instead of giving, you get — take, for example, a private jet.”

In these times, the concept of giving back appears more like a relic of the past. This troubling shift places the wealthy in a bubble of entitlement, unbothered by the struggles facing average Americans this holiday season. What might have been a time for introspection instead demands we observe a disheartening practice of one-upmanship among the ultrarich.

Lessons from Philanthropy's Decline

Consider the legacy of Agnes Gund, often referred to as the "last good rich person". After her recent passing, various arts organizations once supported by her generosity now face uncertainty. Gund's philosophy embodied the spirit of noblesse oblige, rooted in the belief that wealth carries a responsibility to uplift others. Sadly, this ethos is dwindling in the current landscape of philanthropy, replaced by alarming self-interest.

Trump's rhetoric claims he is a titan of philanthropy, yet reports from publications like The Washington Post tell a different story. Many of his so-called charitable contributions have been found to be exaggerated, another tactic in his grand game of image management rather than true generosity. For instance, the Trump Foundation's misuse of funds has raised significant ethical questions that linger unanswered.

What Happens Now?

In the wake of growing wealth inequalities and diminishing public support for the arts, Trump's tenure coincides with a significant decline in charitable contributions. Between 2019 and 2024, the corporate support for the arts dropped by 58%. This alarming trend, compounded by declining individual donations by more than 30%, suggests a society increasingly reluctant or unable to give back, driven almost entirely by fear and uncertainty.

The Call for a Return to Guilt

As I reflect on this bleak picture, it becomes evident that guilt—once a vital component of our collective conscience—has been replaced by a fear of scarcity. The rich, many of whom are wealthier than ever, stand to gain much more while becoming increasingly disconnected from the reality of others suffering. Perhaps we must remind them that they should feel guilt, not just gild their wealth.

“Maybe it's time to bring the guilt—not the gilt—back.”

Conclusion: A Call for Change

As we navigate this changed landscape this Thanksgiving, one thing resonates clear: it's time to challenge the status quo. We must redefine what it means to give back and inspire action that reflects an authentic desire to help those less fortunate. To truly appreciate what we have, we can only start by reconnecting with empathy, understanding, and the weight of our responsibilities.