Donald Trump's wealth has surged since returning to the White House, fueled by family-linked cryptocurrency projects that have generated hundreds of millions in revenue. Critics argue these ventures create unprecedented conflicts of interest, blending business with presidential duties. Supporters maintain the activities are legal and managed by his children.
Nine months after Donald Trump returned to the presidency, his family's involvement in cryptocurrency has drawn sharp criticism for potentially violating ethical norms. At a black-tie gala at Trump's Virginia golf club, top investors in the $TRUMP meme coin—holding about $US150 million worth collectively—gathered to dine with the president. The coin launched three days before his inauguration, and the Trump family earns from its trading fees, which reached $US320 million within four months, with the bulk going to them.
Trump's shift to crypto began during his 2024 campaign. In May, he met Bitcoin advocate David Bailey; in July, he pledged a crypto-friendly administration at their conference. In September, Trump and his sons launched World Liberty Financial with Steve Witkoff, where 75 percent of token sale profits go to the family. By March 2025, it sold $US550 million in tokens, yielding an estimated $US390 million for the Trumps.
The White House states Trump's assets are in a trust managed by his sons, Don Jr. and Eric, insulating his decisions. Yet, examples raise concerns: Chinese billionaire Justin Sun invested $US75 million in World Liberty Financial, netting the Trumps nearly $US50 million; soon after, the SEC paused its fraud case against him. Sun, holding $US22 million in $TRUMP, attended the gala.
A New York Times investigation highlights a $US2 billion UAE investment in Binance via World Liberty Financial, potentially earning the Trumps tens of millions—the largest crypto transaction ever. Two weeks later, Trump approved UAE access to advanced Nvidia AI chips, denied under Biden. No direct link is proven, but journalist Eric Lipton notes the timing involves the same officials and families benefiting.
Forbes estimates Trump's net worth at $US7.3 billion, up from $US3.9 billion a year ago. Trump dismissed questions, saying his children run the businesses and most deals predated his re-election. Supporter Bryan Lanza called it legal, with no constitutional bar on family earnings. Critics like Norm Eisen label it corruption: "exploitation of public office for private gain." Ethics lawyer Virginia Canter questioned the UAE deal's influence, warning it normalizes impropriety. Republican Doug Heye acknowledged the Trumps' success but noted Trump's unique ability to exploit the rules.