U.S. President Donald Trump earned more than $1 billion (about 1.6 trillion won) from cryptocurrency investments last year, according to a financial disclosure. Combined with income from royalties, real estate, and legal settlements, it marked an unprecedented surge in earnings. The revelations have fueled criticism that the Trump family accumulated wealth by abusing presidential power.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the findings Monday after analyzing the financial disclosure released by Trump. The report said Trump and his family invested heavily in cryptocurrency businesses during the first year of his second term, generating actual profits.
According to data released by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), last year's income included $635 million (about 990 billion won) in royalties from an entity related to the Trump meme coin. The meme coin was launched days before his inauguration. The figure also included $500 million (about 780 billion won) in token sales revenue from World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's flagship cryptocurrency business.
Trump received at least $86.5 million (about 135 billion won) in settlements from lawsuits against several major corporations. That included $24.5 million (about 38 billion won) from Meta and $16 million (about 25 billion won) each from Paramount and Disney. He was also active in stock investments. His major holdings included large-cap blue chips such as Amazon, Meta, Nvidia, and Tesla.
Supporters Take Losses While Trump Reaps Windfall: Golf, Resorts, and Coins Spark Controversy
The Trump family runs a vast business empire spanning hotels, golf resorts, brand licensing, and even a drone company. It has focused particularly on cryptocurrency. The president has also pursued policies to ease regulations on the emerging industry.
Income from golf clubs in the U.S. and elsewhere also surged. Fees were raised, and the venues became hubs for donors and those seeking favors. Income from the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida reached $77 million (about 120 billion won), up from $50 million (about 78 billion won) a year earlier. An entity related to the Trump National Doral in Miami earned $122 million (about 190 billion won) last year, up from $110 million (about 170 billion won) the previous year.
Trump rapidly expanded his cryptocurrency assets through businesses that drew considerable controversy. World Liberty, co-founded by Trump and his sons, launched both tokens and a dollar-pegged stablecoin. The Trump meme coin, aimed at loyal supporters, offered top holders a chance to dine with the president.
However, unlike the large profits cryptocurrency brought the president, many traders and political supporters who invested in Trump brand businesses suffered losses. The market capitalization of the president's meme coin approached $15 billion (about 23 trillion won) shortly after launch before plunging within days, recently falling below $400 million (about 623 billion won). World Liberty's World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token also plunged along with it.
Government ethics watchdogs criticized Trump for expanding his businesses while in office. Kedric Payne, senior director of ethics at the watchdog group Campaign Legal Center, said the president's conflicts of interest related to the cryptocurrency industry are unprecedented. "There has never been a case where a president had such a direct conflict of interest between his own financial assets and the policies he supports," he said, stressing that it is "another example of why broad ethics reform is needed."
'Impossible-to-Get' Super Bowl Tickets Poured In Free for Trump
Trump was found to have received dozens of hard-to-get tickets to major sporting events as gifts, including the World Cup final, the Super Bowl, and the Ryder Cup. Based on face value alone, they exceeded $120,000 (about 190 million won).
Last year's gifts were provided by Trump's influential acquaintances and political allies. They included companies such as Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Rolex, a sponsor of the U.S. Open. The FIFA president, NFL team owners, and the PGA also handed over tickets.
Trump personally attended the Super Bowl held in New Orleans last year. It was the first time a sitting U.S. president watched the Super Bowl in person. The 10 seats he received for Super Bowl LIX were valued at $50,000 (about 78 million won) on the disclosure.
Trump also received 10 tickets to the FIFA Club World Cup final. The disclosure listed FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the provider, with a value of $15,000 (about 23.4 million won). Trump attended the match and presented the trophy to the winning team, Chelsea.
Trump has been a regular presence at major sporting events. He recently watched an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in New York. An avid golfer, he also attended the 2025 Ryder Cup, cheering on the U.S. team as it faced the European team on Long Island, New York. Owners of sports teams and stadiums were also listed among the ticket providers. Notable examples included Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, and Hal Steinbrenner, who has owned the New York Yankees since 1973.
The data released that day excluded businesses related to Trump's eldest sons, who currently lead the Trump Organization. They have invested in drone manufacturers and bitcoin mining companies since the re-election. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump has made the U.S. the "crypto capital of the world." "The president and his family have never engaged in conflicts of interest, nor will they in the future," Kelly said. "Every action taken by President Trump and his administration is in the best interest of the American people."
