Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) experienced an 11% decline in value from approximately $101,000 at the onset of Donald Trump’s presidency in January 2025 to below $90,000 after one year in office. This downturn occurred despite Trump’s public commitment to positioning the United States as the "crypto capital of the world," which included appointing regulators favorable to the cryptocurrency industry and withdrawing legal actions against crypto firms.
In contrast, during Joe Biden's initial year as president, Bitcoin appreciated 16%, rising from around $36,000 to nearly $41,700. This occurred even as the Biden administration pursued legal action against crypto companies and introduced robust enforcement-driven regulations. The divergence in Bitcoin’s price performance under these two administrations illustrates a complex relationship between political rhetoric and market realities.
While Bitcoin itself depreciated under Trump’s term, the Trump family managed to augment their holdings substantially through direct participation in cryptocurrency ventures. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, their overall net worth remained steady at $6.8 billion over the past year, but cryptocurrency assets grew to constitute roughly one-fifth of this wealth.
The family's $1.4 billion increase in crypto-related assets was fueled by three primary ventures:
- World Liberty Financial (CRYPTO: WLFI): Co-founded by Donald Trump alongside his sons, World Liberty Financial sold $550 million worth of tokens by March, generating approximately $390 million in revenue for the Trump family. Additionally, a collaboration concluded in August with Alt5 Sigma Corp (OTC:ALTE) injected another $500 million into the venture. World Liberty Financial also launched USD1, a stablecoin that has expanded circulation to $3 billion.
- The Trump Meme Coin (CRYPTO: TRUMP): Introduced days before Trump’s inauguration, this meme token amassed $280 million in proceeds for the family, although its market value has since plummeted. The family was able to realize significant profits by liquidating their holdings early.
- American Bitcoin Corp. (NASDAQ:ABTC): In partnership with Hut 8 Corp., the family acquired a mining operation stake, currently valued at $114 million. Despite an 82% collapse in the stock’s price from its high point, this investment continues to represent substantial value.
While cryptocurrency assets expanded within the Trump family portfolio, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:DJT) experienced a contrasting trajectory. The company’s stock value diminished by 66%, offsetting some crypto gains. Notably, Trump Media & Technology Group diversified into fields such as prediction markets and nuclear fusion during this period but remained unprofitable. Donald Trump retains the largest ownership stake through a trust controlled by his son, Donald Trump Jr.
Despite delivering on his agenda for crypto-friendly policy measures—including appointing favorable regulators, enacting legislation supportive of market structure modifications, and establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve—Bitcoin's own price did not respond positively. This suggests that factors beyond regulatory frameworks, such as macroeconomic conditions like interest rates and dollar strength, exert more influence on Bitcoin’s valuation.
The contrast between regulatory support and Bitcoin's price trajectory indicates that political endorsement alone may not significantly sway market sentiment or prices within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
From an investment perspective, this scenario underscores that the Trump family's financial gains stemmed primarily from launching and managing cryptocurrency platforms and token sales rather than from holding Bitcoin itself. Their stake in crypto-related assets, which was nonexistent when Trump left office in 2021, now comprises a significant portion of their overall wealth.
Investors should note the difference in outcomes, as those who held Bitcoin anticipating benefits from pro-crypto political policies faced losses, whereas the Trump family profited handsomely through active crypto infrastructure ventures.