Trump Profits Hundreds of Millions from Digital Coin While Most Investors Lose Billions

A new report by technology analysis firm Nansen reveals that nearly one million small investors lost a combined $3.81 billion on the digital commemorative coin 'TRUMP$,' launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump shortly before he took office. The coin initially surged to nearly $100 in market value but has since plummeted to just over one dollar, losing approximately 97 percent of its peak value. Meanwhile, Trump personally earned $636 million from the same venture, according to his annual financial disclosure.

Data shows that two-thirds of the roughly one million digital wallets holding the coin recorded losses by the end of June. Trump and his team structured the project to guarantee profits from every trade made by the public, regardless of whether the coin's value rose or fell. Trump actively promoted the coin to his social media followers, urging them to join his exclusive community and invest immediately, raising concerns about the intersection of his presidential role and business interests.

This digital coin is not the only Trump-related venture where investors suffered heavy losses while Trump profited. Another project launched with his sons generated $799 million for Trump last year, despite 85 percent of its investors losing money since trading began in September. The White House dismissed criticism, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating that Trump "proudly made the United States the global capital of digital currencies" and that all actions were for the American people's benefit.

Disappointed investors expressed frustration with Trump's financial conduct. Investor Nicholas Pinto, who lost half his investment, accused Trump of exploiting his presidential power to launch coins under the guise of credibility, calling it "almost a legal scam." Project managers attribute the coin's sharp decline to global market conditions rather than internal failures. David Waksman, spokesperson for World Liberty, defended the coin's growing utility in an expanding ecosystem.

Despite official warnings that the coin is not an investment vehicle, legal experts warn Trump could face future lawsuits. NYU law ethics professor Stephen Gillers suggested potential class-action suits from supporters who lost savings, noting Trump’s history of "playing on people’s fantasies" and encouraging supporters to invest with hopes of wealth while cashing out himself. Reduced government oversight leaves investors without regulatory protection.