Something is wrong with our government leaders, the people who were supposed to replace the bureaucrats we were told were harming us.

While not ever possible to fully achieve, when did we stop expecting, let alone demanding integrity, honesty, dedication to duty, decency, morality from the people who we hire to lead us?

This is not the first time our leaders have failed us and it won’t be the last, but at this point the extent of corruption is unique in our lifetime.

It seems to be a toxic mix of self-serving and blind obedience to the leader even while requiring sacrificing one’s integrity.

There’s a tendency to talk of Noem, Patel and their perk-minded compatriots as grifters. The appellation certainly fits. It’s tempting to focus on the inadequate experience and kooky beliefs of flamboyant strivers — from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, to Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence — whom Trump has elevated to the top tiers of government.

But that obscures and gives short shrift to their fundamental sloppiness, selfishness, disregard for proper procedure, evasion of accountability. They simply don’t do their jobs — or at least don’t do them earnestly, maturely or competently.

Frank Bruni, New York Times

We Are Being Governed by Unserious People

Opinion on the unprofessional behavior of Trump appointees

March 9, 2026

👁️👁️Corruption generally means abuse of power or position for personal gain. The word can also mean moral decay or dishonesty in institutions or systems, not just illegal acts.