Until very recently, the consensus among historians and political observers was that Richard Nixon was the most corrupt president in American history. (Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater famously led a delegation of congressional Republicans to the White House and told the president he would be impeached and removed from office.) After his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, along with the infamous events of Jan. 6, Trump was rewarded with a triumphant return to the White House four years later. Now, as his corruption and retribution have gone into overdrive, he maintains the full and enthusiastic support of his party. The pardon opened the door to what was possible if only you could maintain partisan political support in Congress, along with a compliant media.