news BBC News

Trump made more than $1bn from crypto in first year back in office

The president earned millions more from real estate, Trump-themed Bibles, watches and other items.

Published by on
Trump made more than $1bn from crypto in first year back in office
Source: BBC News

Trump’s Financial Disclosures Reveal $1 Billion Crypto Windfall and Millions in Branded Merchandise Sales

WASHINGTON — According to newly released federal financial disclosure documents, President Donald Trump generated more than $1 billion in revenue from cryptocurrency ventures during his first year back in office. The filings paint a picture of an unprecedented commercial presidency, revealing that alongside his massive digital asset earnings, Trump secured millions of dollars in additional income through a combination of traditional real estate holdings and highly publicized consumer merchandise, including high-end watches and branded Bibles.

The billion-dollar cryptocurrency windfall marks a significant evolution for Trump, who during his first term in office had publicly dismissed digital currencies as highly volatile and "based on thin air." Industry analysts attribute the massive financial gains to his active promotion of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, successful non-fungible token (NFT) licensing deals, and his administration's policy pivot toward fostering a highly permissive regulatory environment for digital assets. By positioning himself as a champion of the Web3 sector, Trump successfully leveraged his personal brand to tap into a booming digital economy.

Beyond the blockchain, the president's more traditional business engines continued to yield substantial returns. While his luxury real estate portfolio and golf courses remained highly profitable, it was his unorthodox consumer merchandising campaigns that drew the most attention. According to the disclosures, Trump accumulated millions of dollars from sales of:

  • Trump-Branded Bibles: Partnering with country singer Lee Greenwood to promote the "God Bless the USA" Bible, priced at $59.99.
  • Luxury Timepieces: A line of limited-edition, gold-plated watches retailing for up to $100,000.
  • Memorabilia & Apparel: Various lines of footwear, digital trading cards, and campaign-related collectibles.

This dual role of chief executive and active corporate brand-builder has reignited intense debate among government ethics watchdogs. Critics argue that marketing commercial products from the White House creates unprecedented conflicts of interest, potentially allowing domestic interest groups and foreign governments to influence the administration through targeted commercial purchases. Conversely, supporters of the president maintain that the transactions are fully transparent, legally compliant with federal disclosure laws, and simply represent a continuation of his established career as a private entrepreneur.