December 24, 2025


Record-Breaking Greed: How 2025 Shattered Historical Excesses

Elon Musk's Unprecedented Wealth

In an astonishing leap of personal fortune, Elon Musk's net worth skyrocketed to over $700 billion by December 2025, setting a new record for individual wealth. Barely days apart, Musk first hit the $600 billion mark and swiftly surpassed $700 billion, a financial milestone unprecedented in history. His trajectory suggests he could be the first to reach a trillion, sparking debates about wealth accumulation and its implications.

Donald Trump's Profiteering Presidency

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has turned the post-presidency into an era of unprecedented financial gain, leveraging his influence in ways previously unseen. Since his 2024 re-election, Trump, along with his family, has profited immensely, amassing over $1.8 billion from various ventures, including controversial familial cryptocurrency schemes. Critics argue this monetization of the presidency could set troubling precedents for future office holders.

Russia's Costly Land Ambitions

Beyond personal greed, national greed has also marked 2025 as a year of grim milestones. Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine remains the largest European war since World War II, driven by a desire to annex more territory despite already being the world's largest country. This year, the war has likely resulted in over a million casualties, highlighting the extreme costs of territorial greed.

The Broader Picture of 2025's Greed

These examples represent just a fraction of the greed seen in 2025. From corporate scandals to environmental exploitation, the year has been rife with instances of greed outpacing both ethical standards and historical precedents. The unchecked accumulation of wealth and power has sparked a global debate on the sustainability and morality of such trends.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, there is little to suggest a shift away from these trends. Without significant changes in global attitudes towards wealth, power, and ethical governance, we may continue to see the rich get richer at the expense of broader societal needs. The question remains: will there be a point at which the scales tip towards a demand for greater equity and accountability? Only time will tell, but 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as a year where greed knew few bounds.