Donald Trump has earned more than $1bn from his cryptocurrency businesses since returning to the White House, according to recent financial disclosures. The revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with over 400 Guardian readers expressing feelings of disgust, despair, and concern over conflicts of interest.
Financial Disclosures Reveal Vast Wealth
A 927-page document released by the US Office of Government Ethics shows Trump made over $2.2bn last year, benefiting from a global network of investments including real estate, golf courses, and Trump-branded products. In his second term, Trump and his family have heavily invested in digital money, with Trump aiming to make the US the 'crypto capital of the world.' He received about $1.1bn from World Liberty Financial and CIC Digital LLC, which sell 'governance tokens' and 'memecoins' stamped with his face.
Critics Allege Grift and Corruption
Gregg Savajian, a 72-year-old veteran in Washington state, called it 'an insult to working-class Americans, obviously a grift.' He added he was 'terrified of our future.' Kathe Rhoades, a retired technical writer in Massachusetts, said: 'Trump cares about two things: himself and money. Why the US apparently has no laws against the president raking in millions through questionable dealings is beyond me.'
White House Defends President
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated: 'Neither the president nor his family has ever engaged – or will ever engage – in conflicts of interest.' Trump told CNBC: 'I've always made money. I'm a business person.' He said his son Eric handles business matters and he does not discuss such topics with him.
Everyday Americans Feel Squeeze
Daniel Oberhauser, a 47-year-old government worker in Minnesota, described Trump's fortune as 'depressing and exhausting,' saying he counts pennies while the president earns billions. Elise, a 21-year-old medicine student in Nebraska, noted high gas and grocery prices and cuts to rural healthcare, adding: 'He doesn't care about us.' Mark Boettcher, a pediatrician in Wisconsin, found the contrast between Trump's wealth and Americans' healthcare struggles 'obscene.'
Concerns for Democracy
Linda Stuart, a retired science educator in Texas, worried about democracy's survival amid the growing divide. Laurie Rivera, a librarian in New Mexico, feared her children would inherit a compromised democracy. Andrea Jacoby Brandy described Trump as 'greedy and cruel' for profiting while cutting healthcare.
