🚫 Not fit for public office. Fewer than three stars, and a critical Article fails (Open Books). This isn’t a close call. Expect to hear from us — often.
Editorial opinion — our judgment against the Seven Articles, not a legal disqualification or an allegation of any crime. Ratings terms · Challenge this review
1Open Bookscritical
38%☆ not yet
“…the property of the people.” — Cicero, De Re Publica
Moved Cantor Fitzgerald into trusts run by his sons, leaving conflict concerns that required a White House waiver and drew scrutiny over a rare-earth deal.
60
2Free & Fair Electionscritical
82%★ earned
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” — Abraham Lincoln
No election-denial or incitement on the record; peaceful-handoff standard untouched.
60
3The Dignity of the Opponent
41%☆ not yet
“Treat humanity … always as an end and never as a means only.” — Kant
His public tone is combative and dismissive, saying "They suck" of Canada.
60
4Fear Is Not Fuel
42%☆ not yet
“…the better angels of our nature.” — Lincoln, First Inaugural
A tariff vision delivered in a "recession worth it" register.
60
5Truth & a Kept Word
55%☆ not yet
“…living within the truth.” A representative owes “his judgment.” — Havel · Burke
Dismissive of critics across the spectrum. No documented broken commitment, though even right-wing allies call the tenure a "disaster."
60
6Against the Spirit of Party
41%☆ not yet
“The baneful effects of the spirit of party.” — Washington, Farewell Address
Even allies on the right call it combative.
60
7Morality
62%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Combative and dismissive toward trading partners and critics, but the record shows no criminal conduct or abuse.
60
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Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Open Books or Free & Fair Elections and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →