Trump Earns $390M From World Liberty Financial Project

President Donald Trump and his associates have netted approximately $390 million from the World Liberty Financial project, an Ethereum-based decentralized finance initiative. This significant revenue was generated through the promotion of the project, with the second round of token sales concluding recently. The project has raised a total of $550 million from two rounds of sales of its native governance token, WLFI.

Trump, despite not being an active participant in the project, is entitled to a substantial portion of the revenues. According to World Liberty's documentation, Trump and his business partners are set to receive 75% of the net revenues earned by the project, after accounting for operating costs. This includes revenues from WLFI token sales. Out of the total amount raised, $30 million has been allocated to cover company expenses, indemnities, and obligations. Trump and his partners in DT Marks DEFI LLC then receive 75% of the remaining amount, which totals $390 million. This payment is in exchange for Trump's promotion of the project and the use of his name and likeness.

The project initially struggled to attract investors, with less than $15 million worth of WLFI tokens sold by the eve of the 2024 election. However, following Trump's return to the White House, there was a notable surge in interest. For instance, the founder of a prominent blockchain, purchased tens of millions of dollars worth of WLFI and subsequently joined the project as an advisor. This influx of interest and investment has significantly boosted the project's success.

Since resuming his presidency, Trump has faced scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning his personal investments in various crypto ventures. These investments come at a critical time when his administration is poised to shape crypto regulation. One notable project is the TRUMP meme coin, which launched on the eve of the president's inauguration and could potentially entitle his companies to hold over $9 billion worth of the token at current prices.

In response to these concerns, the president's AI and crypto advisor has dismissed the president's crypto projects as "irrelevant" to industry regulation. This statement aims to alleviate worries about potential biases in regulatory decisions. However, the substantial financial gains from the World Liberty Financial project underscore the complex interplay between Trump's personal interests and his role in shaping crypto policy. The project's success highlights the potential for significant financial returns in the decentralized finance sector, particularly when backed by high-profile figures. The influx of investment following Trump's return to office also demonstrates the influence of political figures on the crypto market, raising questions about the potential for conflicts of interest in regulatory decisions.