Trump Expands Crypto Empire With New Stablecoin Launch \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump’s crypto empire expands with a new dollar-backed stablecoin and upcoming crypto investment funds. His ventures, including USD1 from World Liberty Financial, aim to capitalize on stablecoins’ popularity. Critics question the ethics of Trump’s direct financial involvement while in office.
Trump’s Growing Crypto Empire Quick Looks
- Trump expands crypto ventures with dollar-backed stablecoin USD1.
- World Liberty Financial plans stablecoin for secure cross-border transactions.
- USD1 pegged 1-to-1 with the U.S. dollar.
- Trump entitled to receive 75% of net protocol revenues from the venture.
- Trump Media & Technology Group partners with Crypto.com for crypto ETFs.
- ETFs will feature cryptocurrency baskets and “Made in America” securities.
- TMTG stock surged after the ETF announcement.
- Trump previously launched a meme coin before taking office.
- Trump’s meme coin promotion caused a price spike on Truth Social.
- Critics question ethics of promoting personal crypto ventures as president.
- Trump pledges to make the U.S. a global crypto hub.
- Family ethics agreement limits day-to-day business involvement, but not promotion.
- Trump-backed products include high-end “Crypto President” watches selling for $100,000.
- Congress and White House push stablecoin-friendly legislation.
- Crypto industry spending played a major role in Trump’s election support.
Deep Look
President Donald Trump is rapidly expanding his footprint in the cryptocurrency world, with major announcements signaling that his crypto empire is becoming a centerpiece of his business interests — and potentially his presidency.
On Tuesday, World Liberty Financial, a digital asset venture co-founded by Trump alongside Steve Witkoff and his son Zach Witkoff, announced the upcoming launch of USD1, a dollar-pegged stablecoin designed to serve institutional and sovereign investors. The stablecoin will maintain a 1:1 ratio with the U.S. dollar, offering what the company describes as a “seamless, secure solution for cross-border transactions.”
“We’re offering a digital dollar stablecoin that sovereign investors and major institutions can confidently integrate into their strategies,” Zach Witkoff said in a statement Tuesday.
The move comes as Congress, with strong backing from the White House, advances legislation aimed at making stablecoin operations more manageable and regulated within the U.S., providing fertile ground for Trump’s ventures.
Trump’s Financial Stake in the Stablecoin Venture
World Liberty Financial’s website outlines that a Trump-owned company is entitled to 75% of net protocol revenues from the stablecoin project after expenses, representing a significant financial windfall for the president. The stablecoin could generate large profits as institutional adoption of digital dollar-backed coins accelerates worldwide.
Expansion Into Crypto ETFs
Trump’s crypto ambitions don’t stop with stablecoins. On Monday, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), parent company of the social platform Truth Social, announced a partnership with Crypto.com to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These ETFs will feature a unique basket of cryptocurrencies and “Made in America” securities spanning industries like energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The announcement sent TMTG’s stock price soaring, a testament to investor enthusiasm around Trump’s growing crypto presence. Though Trump holds no day-to-day decision-making role in TMTG, he remains the majority stakeholder and largest shareholder in the company.
From Crypto Skeptic to Crypto Champion
Trump’s relationship with cryptocurrency has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once skeptical of digital currencies, Trump has now embraced crypto fully, even vowing to make the U.S. the “world capital” for cryptocurrency innovation and investment. His administration has taken early steps to support the industry, which has become an increasingly potent political player and heavily supported his campaign.
Ethical Concerns Surround Trump’s Involvement
While Trump’s family ethics agreement prevents him from direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of his businesses and limits financial reporting shared with him, it does not prevent him from publicly promoting crypto-related products. And he has done so with gusto.
On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to hype his personal meme coin, exclaiming: “I LOVE $TRUMP — SO COOL!!! The Greatest of them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” His post caused an immediate price spike in the speculative asset. Meme coins are notoriously volatile and often begin as joke assets with no inherent value. Trump’s coin saw an initial price surge followed by a steep decline — a pattern common among meme coins.
Merchandise and Crypto Branding
Beyond coins and stablecoins, Trump’s business empire has expanded into luxury merchandise linked to cryptocurrency. He has endorsed online watch and sneaker retailers that now offer crypto-branded Trump merchandise, including the eye-catching “Crypto President” timepiece, retailing for $100,000.
Legislative and Political Backing
Trump’s expanding crypto business aligns with congressional efforts to regulate and promote stablecoin adoption, efforts strongly supported by the Trump administration. The crypto sector, emboldened by Trump’s advocacy, has emerged as a powerful political force, contributing heavily to Trump’s 2024 election victory and shaping policy priorities.
Criticism and Legal Scrutiny
Despite these successes, critics warn that Trump’s deep financial entanglement in crypto projects while in public office poses serious ethical questions. Organizations advocating for government transparency and financial oversight have voiced concerns that personal enrichment through these ventures could undermine public trust and blur the lines between personal business and national policy.
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen before: a sitting president profiting in real-time from speculative digital assets that his administration is actively shaping the regulatory landscape for,” said one watchdog group in a statement.
What’s Next for Trump’s Crypto Empire?
Trump’s crypto empire is only expected to grow, with USD1 stablecoin’s launch anticipated later this year and ETF funds becoming available to investors shortly after. Supporters argue that Trump’s embrace of digital assets will position the U.S. as a global leader in the cryptocurrency market, while critics caution that unprecedented conflicts of interest are on the horizon.
As both a political leader and business mogul, Trump’s crypto endeavors may continue to test the boundaries between private financial gain and public service — and could define how cryptocurrency evolves within the political sphere for years to come.
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