Janice R. Andrews
Donald Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) is making waves in the financial world with its latest venture: a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The company, majority-owned by the former U.S. president, announced plans to launch the “Bitcoin Plus ETF” under its new Truth.Fi brand, alongside other ETFs like the “Made in America ETF” and “U.S. Energy Independence ETF.” This move signals Trump Media’s ambition to capitalize on the growing interest in cryptocurrencies while aligning with Trump’s economic priorities.
The announcement comes as part of Trump Media’s broader strategy to offer investors exposure to sectors that reflect the former president’s vision for the U.S. economy. “We aim to give investors a means to invest in American energy, manufacturing, and other firms that provide a competitive alternative to the woke funds and debanking problems that you find throughout the market,” said Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes in a press release.
Trump’s involvement in the crypto space is not new. During his 2024 campaign, he pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” His team also launched official meme coins, TRUMP and MELANIA, on the Solana blockchain, with Trump-affiliated entities owning 80% of the TRUMP coin’s supply. Additionally, Trump and his sons have backed World Liberty Financial, a crypto project promoted on social media.
The push for a Bitcoin ETF aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to foster favorable regulations for the crypto industry. In his first week in office, Trump signed an executive order to establish a presidential working group focused on creating clear regulations for digital assets. The group, chaired by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, includes top financial regulators like the Treasury Secretary and SEC Chair.
Trump reiterated his support for the industry during a virtual speech at the World Economic Forum, vowing to position the U.S. as the global leader in artificial intelligence and crypto. His administration’s efforts to streamline crypto regulations could bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset world.
Trump Media’s Truth.Fi brand is central to this strategy. The company plans to allocate up to $250 million of Truth.Fi’s cash into cryptocurrencies and other investments, with Charles Schwab serving as the custodian of these funds. The newly announced ETFs will be managed by Yorkville Advisors, a registered investment adviser, and will undergo a registration process requiring approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
However, the SEC’s leadership remains in flux. Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, Paul Atkins, has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. In the meantime, Commissioner Mark Uyeda is serving as acting chair. The SEC has also formed a “crypto task force” led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, who recently celebrated the removal of SAB 121, an accounting guideline that hindered U.S. banks from holding crypto.
Trump Media’s foray into Bitcoin ETFs reflects the growing intersection of politics, finance, and technology. By offering investors exposure to Bitcoin and other sectors tied to Trump’s economic agenda, the company aims to carve out a unique niche in the competitive ETF market. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, Trump’s influence could play a pivotal role in shaping its future in the U.S. and beyond.
With the potential to attract both crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors, Trump Media’s Bitcoin ETF could mark a significant milestone in the mainstream adoption of digital assets. As the regulatory landscape takes shape, all eyes will be on how this bold move impacts the broader financial ecosystem.
