How the Trump family turned crypto into their biggest revenue stream

Between January and June 2025, the Trump Organization generated approximately $802 million from crypto-related activities, compared to $62 million from real estate and golf clubs.

World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm launched in 2024, stands at the forefront of this financial shift. The company offers governance tokens ($WLFI) and a stablecoin, USD1. A Trump family-owned entity, DT Marks DEFI LLC, receives 75% of the revenue from token sales after expenses. In the first half of 2025, this arrangement yielded approximately $463 million for the Trump family.

The stablecoin USD1, backed by assets like U.S. Treasuries, has also contributed to the family's earnings. Notably, in May 2025, Abu Dhabi's MGX investment firm utilized USD1 to facilitate a $2 billion investment in Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange. This transaction accounted for a significant portion of USD1's circulation.

Meme coins

The Trump family further capitalized on the crypto market by launching meme coins, including $TRUMP. These tokens attracted substantial investments, with early sales raising nearly $300 million. Despite initial enthusiasm, the tokens experienced a decline in value upon becoming tradable. Nonetheless, the Trump Organization reportedly earned $336 million from $TRUMP token sales.

The Trump family's crypto ventures have attracted significant foreign investments. Notably, Justin Sun, a Hong Kong-based crypto entrepreneur, invested at least $75 million in World Liberty tokens. Additionally, the Aqua 1 Foundation, an entity based in the UAE, invested $100 million in World Liberty tokens, becoming the largest publicly known investor. The identities and backgrounds of Aqua 1's principals, remain largely undisclosed, raising transparency concerns.

Ethical and legal considerations

The Trump family's involvement in cryptocurrency ventures has sparked ethical debates and concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that the family's business activities in the crypto sector could influence regulatory decisions, especially as the Trump administration shapes digital asset legislation. While the White House maintains that the president's assets are managed in a trust by his children, the lack of detailed disclosure about the trust's structure and the family's financial interests continues to fuel scrutiny.

The Trump family's strategic entry into the cryptocurrency market has not only diversified their income streams but also positioned them as significant players in the digital finance landscape. However, the intertwining of business interests with political influence underscores the need for enhanced transparency and ethical oversight in the evolving crypto industry.