Even before returning to the White House, Donald J. Trump had already begun carving out a powerful presence in the cryptocurrency world. His 2024 financial disclosures, released on Friday, reveal that crypto ventures have become one of the Trump family’s most lucrative income sources generating tens of millions in revenue and laying the groundwork for a crypto empire that is now expanding rapidly under his presidency.

The disclosures cover the period up to December 31, 2024, but the true scale of Trump’s crypto involvement has grown significantly since then. As the newly re-elected President of the United States, Trump now occupies a uniquely controversial position, both as a major crypto entrepreneur and the leading government official influencing crypto regulation.

Massive Earnings from World Liberty and NFTs

At the centre of Trump’s crypto success is World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company launched during his 2024 presidential campaign. Trump’s stake in the firm yielded a staggering $57 million last year alone. Adding to this, a related NFT licensing deal brought in another $1.2 million. Even former First Lady Melania Trump joined the digital gold rush, receiving $217,000 from token-related licensing.

The early success of World Liberty set the tone for what would become a sprawling digital asset portfolio. In 2025, the company reported over $500 million in coin sales, with the Trump family entitled to a substantial share. While specific figures for the current year are not yet part of public disclosures, the direction is clear: Trump’s crypto earnings are accelerating and fast.

The Rise of $TRUMP: A Memecoin with Real Power

One of the boldest moves came shortly before Trump’s inauguration in early 2025, with the launch of $TRUMP, a personal memecoin tied to his political persona. Although memecoins typically lack utility, $TRUMP has become a magnet for investors hoping to align with the President’s brand and profit from his influence.

The coin has already generated at least $320 million in fees, shared between the Trump family and their business partners, according to blockchain data firm Chainalysis. With the coin trading largely on speculative hype and political loyalty, its true financial impact could grow far beyond paper value, especially as Trump continues to champion the industry from the Oval Office.

At a private gala hosted at the Trump National Golf Club in suburban Washington, the President reassured crypto investors of his commitment to supporting the sector. “There is a lot of sense in crypto, a lot of common sense in crypto,” Trump reportedly said, pledging to roll back regulations imposed under the Biden administration.

Unprecedented Conflict of Interest

Trump’s simultaneous role as a crypto entrepreneur and national policymaker has sparked serious concerns over conflicts of interest. As President, Trump now oversees key regulatory agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and Treasury Department, all of which are central to crypto oversight.

Yet Trump is also one of the biggest private beneficiaries of a booming digital asset market, one he has the power to deregulate. Critics argue this dual role presents an unprecedented ethical dilemma, as Trump’s personal fortune grows in tandem with his political decisions.

Moreover, his licensing deals with nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, all key foreign policy stakeholders raise fresh concerns about how business interests may intersect with international diplomacy.

A Glimpse into Trump’s Financial Universe

While crypto is now a major pillar of the Trump empire, it is not the only revenue stream highlighted in his 2024 disclosure. The report lists employment-related assets worth a minimum of $1.4 billion, and annual revenue of at least $622 million. However, many asset valuations are presented in ranges without maximums, obscuring the full picture of Trump’s wealth.

Among the top earners:

• Trump Media & Technology Group, his social media firm, is valued at around $2 billion, likely his largest single holding.
• Mar-a-Lago, his private Florida club, generated $50 million in revenue.
• Trump Tower in Manhattan brought in over $5 million from commercial space.
• Real estate licensing projects in the Middle East delivered millions more, including $5 million from Dubai and $1 million from Oman.

In addition to property and crypto, Trump earned millions from branded products including books, Bibles, watches, sneakers, fragrances, and even a Trump-branded guitar, which earned over $1 million in royalties.

Crypto’s Central Role in Trump’s Future

Despite the diversity of his business interests, the new data confirms what many have suspected: crypto is now core to Donald Trump’s financial strategy. With the launch of $TRUMP, the success of World Liberty Financial, and rising public support for digital assets among conservative voters, Trump is aligning his personal brand with the future of decentralised finance.

However, as his financial and political interests become increasingly intertwined, scrutiny from watchdogs, regulators, and the public is likely to intensify. For now, Trump remains both the most powerful man in Washington and its most prominent crypto czar, a title that may define his second term as much as any policy he enacts.

Donald Trump’s crypto journey is more than just a profitable venture, it’s a symbol of how digital finance is merging with political power in the 21st century. Whether this convergence ushers in innovation or sparks ethical controversy will depend on how the coming years unfold. What’s clear is that Trump isn’t just betting on crypto, he’s building an empire around it.