For decades, Donald Trump was the face of luxury real estate. From iconic skyscrapers like Trump Tower in New York to a portfolio packed with hotels, golf courses, and high-end properties, his fortune was all about brick-and-mortar investments. But times have changed, and so have Trump’s income streams.

These days, a huge chunk of his wealth doesn’t come from real estate anymore. Instead, it’s all about the digital world. His company, World Liberty Financial, has become a big player in the cryptocurrency game. This shift has put Trump at the forefront of the booming adoption of digital assets worldwide.

This move also shows how Trump knows how to adapt. With the real estate market slowing down and facing challenges, he’s jumped on the crypto wave to diversify his income. Even his social network, Truth Social, is dabbling in crypto by exploring digital payment integrations on its platform.

The Conflict of Interests: Leader or Beneficiary?

Trump’s rise as a key figure in the crypto world brings up a lot of questions about potential conflicts of interest during his presidency. As President of the United States, he had direct influence over regulations affecting the crypto space. But he’s also a big investor in this market, which makes people wonder if his government’s decisions were for the public good or his personal gain.

For instance, appointing Paul Atkins as head of the SEC a guy known for being pro-crypto perfectly aligns with Trump’s business interests. Under Atkins, the SEC took a hands-off approach, letting companies like World Liberty Financial thrive without much regulatory interference.

On top of that, Trump owns a significant stash of cryptocurrencies. So, any policy that promotes crypto adoption or boosts the value of these assets directly increases his personal wealth. This dual role as regulator and market player has sparked criticism from analysts and opponents who question whether his policies were really unbiased.

The Transparency Issue

Despite all the concerns, Trump defends his actions by saying he’s focused on strengthening America’s leadership in tech and finance. But the lack of clear boundaries between his personal interests and presidential duties has only fueled criticism. It’s an ethical mess: Is the guy making laws for everyone’s benefit or just padding his own bank account?

What’s Next?

With Trump’s influence in the crypto market and his push for looser regulations, the U.S. is likely to see more explosive growth in the sector. But this boom could come with risks for investors and make the market more vulnerable to shady practices. Meanwhile, Trump, the former real estate mogul, is cashing in on his new role as a crypto millionaire, solidifying his spot in one of the most exciting (and controversial) industries of the 21st century.