President Donald Trump generated more than $2bn in revenue last year from a range of business ventures, including cryptocurrency, branded bibles, watches and other merchandise, according to a report by the Guardian's Aisha Down.
Crypto and meme coins drive massive revenue
As the US races to become the self-declared 'crypto capital of the world', Trump and his family have turned digital tokens and meme coins into an unprecedented revenue stream. The president personally promoted several crypto projects, including a series of non-fungible tokens and a new meme coin, which together contributed hundreds of millions to his earnings.
Down reports that the Trump family's involvement in the crypto space has raised ethical concerns, as the president's official actions could directly affect the value of these digital assets. Critics argue that the line between public service and private profit has become dangerously blurred.
Branded merchandise: bibles, watches and more
Beyond crypto, Trump's business empire also cashed in on sales of branded bibles, luxury watches, and other collectibles. The $60 'God Bless the USA' bible, endorsed by Trump, sold hundreds of thousands of copies, while limited-edition watches priced at up to $100,000 each added millions more to the total.
According to Down, the total haul of over $2bn makes Trump one of the wealthiest sitting presidents in US history, raising questions about conflicts of interest and the ethics of a president profiting from office.
Impact on ethics and governance
The scale of Trump's business earnings while in office has prompted calls for stronger ethics rules. Watchdog groups have pointed out that foreign governments and individuals could influence the president by purchasing his products or investing in his crypto ventures.
Down notes that Trump has not placed his assets in a blind trust, unlike many previous presidents. Instead, his family continues to manage and profit from his business interests, creating what experts describe as an unprecedented conflict of interest.
