The president of the United States of America just openly signed an executive action that directly increases his own revenue stream.

On Tuesday morning, Donald Trump pushed through an order to continue construction of the $3.78 billion Dakota Access Pipeline, according to BBC. 

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) sparked controversy over the past year when the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, along with their allies, set-up the Oceti Sakowin encampment between the pipeline and Cannon Ball River. 

The tribe argues that DAPL will destroy sacred tribal lands and possibly poison the Missouri River, their only source of fresh water. 

DAPL has brought thousands of protesters from around the world through the small plot of Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) land in North Dakota. When former President Barack Obama canceled the project it was seen by many as a victory in the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s protection of their land and their resources. 

Due to Trump, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s victory is up in the air.

Whether or not DAPL will be built along the same path is unknown; the USACE has been looking for an alternative route, according to BBC. But one thing is certain: Trump owns “…between $15,000 and $50,000 in stock in Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners,” the very company in charge of building the pipeline, according to CNBC.

Trump used his position of political power to put money into his own pocket.

The president is, first and foremost, a businessman. He touted his knowledge of the deal straight into the White House. It is not a surprise to anyone I’ve spoken to that he pushed through DAPL, it’s a sound business decision. But that is no excuse for apathy. 

This order by Trump is not only a conflict of interest, but it is, at the very least, highly unethical. 

This is the United States government stomping on an already disenfranchised group of minorities. People who, en masse, stood up against what they perceived as the systematic destruction of their homes and livelihoods and when they think their fight is over, they’re told that America comes first. 

Are they not part of Trump’s America? Are they part of your America? The people’s candidate is making a quick buck off the backs of the American people. 

Still glad you voted for him?

 

Garrett Ammesmaki is a news editor at The Collegian and can be reached at [email protected].