For many years, Donald Trump accumulated wealth primarily through his real estate holdings and golf courses, as well as his branded products like residential towers, vodka, steaks, ties, and mattresses. However, by the first year of his second term, his income sources had shifted significantly. In 2025, Trump’s net worth rose sharply, mainly due to investments in his social media and technology firm, established in 2021, along with revenues from cryptocurrency businesses he initiated prior to taking office.
Following his return to office, Trump’s net worth soared to $7.3 billion, an increase from $3.9 billion in 2024, as reported by Forbes in September. In mid-December, Trump Media and Technology Group revealed plans to merge with TAE Technologies, a firm specializing in nuclear fusion technology. This merger has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest since his administration oversees nuclear industry regulations.
Unlike previous presidents who placed their assets into blind trusts or diversified funds to mitigate public concerns about policy decisions favoring their financial interests, Trump has not adhered to this practice during either of his terms. Since his inauguration a year ago, he has remained actively involved with his businesses while also pursuing new lucrative ventures.
In May, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump was complying with all relevant conflict-of-interest laws. She asserted, “I think the American public finds it absurd to suggest that this president is profiting from his presidency.”
Critics contend that Trump has fostered the appearance of prioritizing personal financial gain over national interests. Wealthy individuals and sovereign wealth funds can invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies that could enhance Trump’s wealth, representing a new pressure point on a U.S. president that hasn’t been seen before. According to Jordan Libowitz of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, this dynamic underscores why presidents typically divest from personal assets to avoid any potential for financial coercion.
Cryptocurrency
Initially skeptical of the cryptocurrency sector, Trump referred to it as a “scam” and a “disaster waiting to happen” in early 2021. However, by the time his campaign for re-election began, he had shifted his stance, inviting supporters to donate in cryptocurrency and expressing his willingness to embrace new technologies.
Shortly before taking office, Trump launched a meme coin called $TRUMP, and shortly after, Melania Trump introduced her own coin, $MELANIA. His administration soon adopted a more favorable view on cryptocurrency, evidenced by signing the GENIUS Act, which established the first federal regulations for the industry.
By September, Forbes estimated that Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures had generated substantial returns, valuing his various tokens at over $1 billion. However, there are concerns that his crypto investments may lead to regulatory leniency that benefits his own financial interests.
Social Media and Technology
Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns the social media platform Truth Social, was valued at $2 billion by Forbes. Despite reporting only $3.6 million in sales and a net loss of $401 million in 2024, the company’s announced merger with TAE Technologies would create potential conflicts with companies his administration oversees.
Royalties
Just before his inauguration, Trump launched a series of new licensing agreements, generating millions from sales of various products, including Bibles, watches, and fragrances. In 2025, his financial disclosure indicated earnings of $3 million from Bible sales, among other lucrative ventures.
