Trump Wealth Doubles to $5.4B, Is He Profiting from the Presidency?

Donald Trump’s bank account is booming, but the same can’t be said for everyday Americans. While the U.S. faces rising prices and job losses, the former president’s wealth has more than doubled in 2024, jumping from $2.5 billion to $5.4 billion. How is Trump cashing in while the country grapples with recession fears?

Truth Social: A Billion-Dollar Name Game

The biggest chunk of Trump’s fortune comes from Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social. His controlling stake is valued at $2.9 billion, over half his total wealth. But here’s the catch: Truth Social isn’t exactly a money-making machine. It lost $400 million last year and $31 million last quarter. So why the massive valuation? Experts point to the “Trump effect”—his name alone drives the stock price, not the app’s performance.

“Truth Social’s value isn’t in its profits—it’s in Trump’s brand,” says financial analyst Sarah Miller.

Crypto Moves and Meme Coin Madness

Trump’s not stopping at social media. He’s diving deep into cryptocurrency, a move that aligns with his push to make America a “crypto capital.” Truth Social’s parent company is raising $2.5 billion to build a Bitcoin treasury. Meanwhile, Trump launched World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture promoted by his sons and the sons of his adviser Steve Witkoff. The company even inked a deal in Pakistan, raising questions about political influence.

Then there’s the meme coin saga. In January 2024, Trump and his wife launched meme coins, holding 80% of the supply. Their value soared to $15 billion, netting the Trumps $300 million in transaction fees. When the hype faded by April, Trump announced a private dinner for coin buyers, sparking another rally. The White House kept the guest list under wraps, but reports suggest foreign billionaires attended.

“This is a clear case of corruption,” tweeted ethics expert Robert Weissman. “Trump’s policies boost his own crypto investments.”

Real Estate Deals Raise Red Flags

Trump’s also cashing in on his name abroad. In 2024, new projects like Trump International Oman, Trump Tower Jeddah, and Trump Hotel Dubai were announced during his campaign. These deals followed Trump’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE as president. Coincidence? Critics don’t think so.

“Trump’s foreign deals scream conflict of interest,” said transparency advocate Laura Bennett. “Presidents shouldn’t profit from countries they visit.”

Why the Silence?

Despite these concerns, Trump’s financial moves get little attention. The U.S. media seems more focused on his trade policies or Ukraine stance. Some argue there’s a bias—corruption stories about foreign leaders get more play than Trump’s. Plus, Trump’s assets are in a “blind trust” run by his son, Donald Trump Jr., which critics call a sham. Unlike most candidates, Trump hasn’t released his tax returns, fueling suspicion.

“The American public deserves transparency, not a farce,” tweeted Senator Elizabeth Warren.

As Trump’s wealth grows, ordinary Americans face economic uncertainty. His business empire thrives, but questions about ethics and transparency linger. Will these deals impact his presidency? Only time will tell.