More than $2 billion in 2025 income on his own disclosure, about $1.4 billion of it from crypto; Forbes puts his fortune at $7 billion, up $2.7 billion since his 2024 win
The President's June 2026 financial disclosure reported more than $2 billion in 2025 income, including about $1.4 billion from the family's crypto ventures, $80 million from media companies settling his lawsuits and $77 million from Mar-a-Lago. His first disclosure as President, in June 2025, had listed $57.4 million from World Liberty Financial. Forbes' 2026 estimate puts his net worth at $7 billion. The family's World Liberty terms pay a Trump company 75% of net token revenue.
Response: White House spokesperson Anna Kelly: "Neither the President nor his family has ever engaged, or will ever engage, in conflicts of interest." The White House says his assets are in a trust managed by his children; Trump has said his money is invested by others.
Holding office, or a family name, is not a crime. This page says only what the sources say, and carries the response where one was given. Every story we have filed that names Donald Trump: Donald Trump in the news.
In the timeline
Every entry that names Donald Trump
55 dated entries from the Grift Files timeline, oldest first, each with its source.
House records: Trump company billed Secret Service at least $1.4 million, up to $1,185 a night
$1.4MThe President
Documents released by the House Oversight Committee showed the Trump Organization charged the Secret Service at least $1.4 million for rooms at Trump properties from 2017 through September 2021, with rates above government-approved levels at least 40 times. One charge was $1,185 a night at the Trump hotel in Washington for a 2017 stay by Donald Trump Jr., more than five times the approved rate. The committee said the true total was likely higher because records were incomplete.
The response: Eric Trump said the services were provided at the government's request 'at cost, heavily discounted or for free,' and that the Trump family is likely the first in American history not to profit from the U.S. government (AP via PBS, Oct. 17, 2022).
Trump guitars join the catalog: watches up to $100,000, sneakers, Bibles, fragrances
$100,000The President
Weeks after winning the election, Trump began promoting 'Trump Guitars' at $1,250 to $1,500, with a $10,000 signed 'Signature Edition.' The guitars followed an 'Official Trump Watch Collection' with one model priced at $100,000, plus Trump-branded sneakers and the 'God Bless the USA' Bible. The watches are sold under a paid license through CIC Ventures LLC, a Trump company; the guitar site carried no licensing disclaimer, so Trump's exact cut was not clear.
ABC pays $15 million to settle Trump's defamation suit, routed to his future library
$15 million ABC settlementThe President
ABC News agreed on December 13, 2024 to pay $15 million to settle Trump's defamation suit over remarks by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The settlement described the money as a charitable contribution to a future Trump presidential foundation and museum. A nonprofit, the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Fund Inc., was created in Florida that same month to receive it. It became the template for later media settlements.
Trump moves 114.75 million Trump Media shares, worth about $4 billion, into a trust run by Don Jr.
$4BThe President
SEC filings showed Trump transferred all 114,750,000 of his shares in Trump Media & Technology Group, parent of Truth Social, into the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust. Donald Trump Jr. is sole trustee with voting power, but Trump remains the beneficiary and indirect owner. The stake was nearly 53 percent of the company and worth about $4 billion at the time. Because he is the beneficiary, any rise in the stock still benefits Trump personally.
Trump launches the $TRUMP meme coin three days before taking office
The President
On the Friday night before his inauguration, Trump announced the 'Official Trump' meme coin on the Solana blockchain. Two companies ran the project, Fight Fight Fight LLC and CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of the Trump Organization; 200 million coins were issued and the companies planned to release 800 million more over three years, keeping 80% of the supply. The price rose roughly 650% to about $75 by Saturday and the market value reached several billion dollars. Neither Trump nor Fight Fight Fight disclosed how much he made.
The response: Trump released a voluntary ethics document intended to limit private financial interests shaping policy (NBC News). Fight Fight Fight did not disclose his earnings.
Trump fires 17 inspectors general in one night, without the notice the law requires
The President
Four days into the term, the White House dismissed 17 inspectors general, the independent auditors who police waste and fraud at agencies including Defense, HHS and Labor. Federal law requires 30 days' notice to Congress and a written reason; neither was given. Two of the fired watchdogs, Christi Grimm (HHS) and Robert Storch (Defense), warned on PBS that oversight of $1.7 trillion a year in Medicare and Medicaid spending, and of contracts with Elon Musk's companies, would suffer. On Sept. 24, 2025, Judge Ana Reyes found the firings violated the Inspector General Act but declined to reinstate the eight who sued.
The response: The White House said the inspectors general were terminated because of "changing priorities."
Executive order pauses enforcement of the U.S. foreign-bribery law
The President
President Trump ordered the Justice Department to stop opening new Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases for 180 days (extendable by another 180), to review every existing FCPA case, and to write new guidelines that put presidential foreign-policy authority and American "economic competitiveness" first. The FCPA is the 1977 law that makes it a crime for companies to bribe foreign officials. The order also told the Attorney General to consider "remedial measures" for past FCPA cases.
The response: The order's own text says the goal is to further "American economic and national security" and curb "overexpansive" enforcement.
Government ethics chief and whistleblower chief fired; a cabinet secretary runs both
The President
The Office of Government Ethics announced that Trump had removed its director, David Huitema, who had been confirmed to a five-year term. Three days earlier, Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel that protects whistleblowers, got a one-sentence email ending his job, though the law allows removal only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance." Trump then named Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins acting head of both watchdog offices. OGE is the agency that reviews cabinet members' financial disclosures and conflicts of interest.
The response: No reason was given in the removal notice; Dellinger sued and was briefly reinstated by a judge before dropping his case.
Trump announces a $5 million 'gold card' residency visa for wealthy foreigners
$5MThe President
In the Oval Office, Trump said wealthy foreigners would be able to buy permanent residency for $5 million, calling it "a route to citizenship." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick named it the "Trump Gold Card" and said it would effectively replace the EB-5 investor visa. The card carries the sitting President's name and is marketed by his administration.
The response: Trump said the proceeds could help pay down the deficit; Lutnick said EB-5 was "full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud" and gold card applicants would be vetted (NPR).
Executive Order 14233 creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve the government may not sell
The President
Trump signed Executive Order 14233 establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve of bitcoin forfeited to the government, which 'shall not be sold,' plus a separate Digital Asset Stockpile. It told the Treasury and Commerce secretaries to find 'budget neutral' ways to buy more bitcoin. The order was signed while the President and his family held large crypto positions through the $TRUMP coin and World Liberty Financial.
Trump Media registers the trust's 115 million shares for possible sale; stock hits six-month low
$2.2BThe President
Trump Media filed with the SEC to register nearly 115 million shares owned by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust for sale, a holding worth about $2.2 billion at that day's price of roughly $19. The filing covered the trust's entire stake and more than half the company's market value. Shares fell as much as 7 percent to a six-month low on the news. The company did not comment.
The response: Trump Media and the Trump-Vance team did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
$TRUMP offers top 220 holders dinner with the President; coin jumps 50%
$350MThe President
The $TRUMP website announced that the top 220 holders would be invited to a May 22 dinner with the President at his golf club near Washington, with the top 25 getting a private reception and a VIP tour. The coin rose more than 50% that day. Chainalysis said the project's main wallet had already collected more than $350 million in fees by acting as market maker and taking a cut of every trade. Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren asked the Office of Government Ethics to investigate what they called possible 'pay to play' corruption.
The response: The White House did not respond to CNBC's request for comment; the Office of Government Ethics declined to comment.
Trump defends taking a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from Qatar: only 'stupid' people refuse gifts
$400MThe President
Leaving for the Middle East, Trump called Qatar's offer of a luxury Boeing 747-8, valued at about $400 million, "a great gesture" and said only a "stupid" person would turn it down. He said the plane would go to the Defense Department, not to him, and that after military use it would be turned over to his presidential library. Democrats and watchdogs said the gift would violate the Constitution's ban on presents from foreign states; Qatari officials said the arrangement was not finalized.
The response: Trump: "I think it's a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much." He told an ABC reporter, "You should be embarrassed asking that question," and said the plane goes to the Defense Department, not to him (New York Times via Boston Globe).
Gulf trip ends with trillions in pledges from countries where the Trump family does business
The President
Trump's first major foreign trip went to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE from May 13 to 16, 2025. Governments announced $600 billion (Saudi Arabia) and $1.2 trillion (Qatar) in investment pledges plus arms, AI-chip and data-center deals; observers said the real figures may be far lower. In the weeks before the trip the Trump Organization had announced a Qatar golf club and a Dubai tower, and the family's World Liberty Financial had taken a $2 billion stablecoin deal from an Abu Dhabi state fund.
The response: A White House spokesperson told CNBC in 2026 that "the only special interest guiding" Trump's decisions is "the best interest of the American people," pointing to more than $2 trillion in commitments from the trip.
Meme-coin buyers spend $140 million-plus to dine with Trump at his Virginia golf club
$140MThe President
Analytics firm Inca Digital calculated that buyers spent more than $140 million on $TRUMP to chase an invitation to the May 22 dinner at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington. Individual qualifying holders spent between about $53,500 and $16.4 million; the top account was named 'Sun VIP.' Many purchases ran through exchanges that do not accept U.S. customers, suggesting foreign buyers. CIC Digital, a Trump Organization affiliate, and Fight Fight Fight receive the trading revenue. The dinner went ahead at the club, with reporters noting some buyers openly sought influence with the President.
The response: Neither the White House nor the Trump Organization responded to CBS News' request for comment. In November 2025 press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'Neither the president nor his family have ever engaged or will ever engage in conflicts of interest.'
Trump claims a personal 'golden share' veto over U.S. Steel
The President
Announcing approval of Nippon Steel's $55-a-share takeover of U.S. Steel, Trump said the U.S. government would hold a "golden share" giving a president "total control." NPR's Planet Money later reported the agreement names Trump personally: no plant can close and no pay can be cut without the President's approval, and Nippon cannot change the company's name. Political economist Sarah Bauerle Danzman said the government holds no equity, only "extra special governance rights," and called the personal-consent clause "not normal."
The response: The White House framed the arrangement as safeguarding U.S. national and economic security.
Trump's first disclosure as President lists $57.4 million from World Liberty Financial
$57.4MThe President
Trump's 234-page OGE financial disclosure, filed June 13, 2025 and covering calendar 2024, reported $57,355,532 received from his ownership stake in World Liberty Financial. It also listed millions in royalties from Trump-branded watches, sneakers, bibles and guitars. The $TRUMP coin, launched in January 2025, fell outside the form's coverage period.
Sitting president launches 'Victory 45-47' perfume and cologne at $249 a bottle
$2.5MThe President
Trump announced on Truth Social a fragrance line called 'Victory 45-47,' priced at $249 and described as 'all about Winning, Strength, and Success.' It joined a December 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' fragrance at $199, the $69.99 'God Bless the USA' Bible, $299 'Trump Landslide' boots, sneakers, guitars, coins and watches. A disclosure released in June 2025 showed Trump earned $2.5 million in 2024 from sneakers and fragrances alone; his business assets sit in a trust controlled by Donald Trump Jr.
The response: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in May 2025 that Trump abides by all applicable conflict-of-interest laws and called the idea that he is profiting off the presidency 'absurd' (ABC News).
Paramount pays $16 million to settle '60 Minutes' suit while its merger awaits FCC approval
$16MThe President
Paramount, owner of CBS, agreed to pay $16 million to end Trump's lawsuit over the editing of a '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris, a suit legal scholars had called meritless. The money goes to Trump's future presidential library and legal fees; there was no apology. The deal came while Paramount's $8.4 billion merger with Skydance needed approval from Trump's FCC. Senators Sanders, Warren and Wyden had warned Paramount's chair that a settlement could amount to bribery; '60 Minutes' chief Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon had already quit over the pressure.
The response: Paramount said the lawsuit was 'completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process.' FCC Chair Brendan Carr said his merger review was separate from the lawsuit (CNN, July 1, 2025).
Hegseth signs memo calling the jet an 'unconditional donation' to the Pentagon
$400 million jetThe President
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatar's defense minister signed a memorandum of understanding on July 7, 2025 describing the plane as a "bona fide gift" and "unconditional donation" to the Defense Department, with the U.S. paying Qatar nothing. The memo states the gift is "not connected or otherwise related to any governmental decision." Air Force officials had initially expected a sale, not a donation; Hegseth confirmed at a June Senate hearing that ownership will pass to Trump's presidential library foundation after he leaves office.
The response: The MOU itself: "Nothing in this MoU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice" (CNN).
Trump signs the GENIUS Act, the first federal stablecoin law, as his family sells one
The President
Trump signed the GENIUS Act (Public Law 119-27) in the East Room on July 18, 2025, creating the first federal framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins such as World Liberty's USD1. Democrats had tried and failed to add language barring the President and his family from stablecoin businesses; Senator Warren said the bill would 'facilitate Trump's crypto corruption' if left unchanged. At the time crypto made up nearly 40% of Trump's net worth, about $2.9 billion, by one estimate cited by CBS News.
The response: White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the President's assets are in a trust managed by his children and 'there are no conflicts of interest,' and that stablecoin legislation should pass on a bipartisan basis.
Justice Department refuses to release Bondi memo blessing the jet; press group sues
$934MThe President
The Freedom of the Press Foundation sued the Justice Department after it refused to release a May 2025 memo, reportedly signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, concluding the jet gift was "legally permissible." DOJ said the document would not be available until January 25, 2027 because of a 620-day average processing time. Bondi had previously lobbied for the Qatari government. On August 8, Democracy Defenders Fund asked the Pentagon inspector general and GAO to examine the acceptance and the reported shift of $934 million from a missile program to pay for the retrofit.
The response: A Justice Department spokesperson blamed the delay on a "historic increase" in FOIA requests and said the agency is working "as quickly and efficiently as possible" (Courthouse News). The Pentagon inspector general declined to comment (CBS).
Trump announces the 2026 G20 summit will be held at his own Doral golf resort
The President
From the Oval Office, Trump said the December 14-15, 2026 Group of 20 leaders' summit would be held at Trump National Doral Miami, calling it 'the best location' and saying it would 'bring in millions and millions of dollars.' In 2019 he dropped a plan to host the G7 at the same resort after bipartisan criticism that it would enrich him. Critics said hosting foreign governments at a family business could violate the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause.
The response: Trump said his family business 'will not make any money on it.' The White House said Trump Doral would host 'at-cost, and will receive no profit from either the State Department or a foreign government' (CBS News).
YouTube pays $24.5 million, with $22 million earmarked for Trump's White House ballroom
$24.5MThe President
Google's YouTube agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle Trump's lawsuit over the suspension of his channel after January 6, 2021. Court papers say $22 million goes, at Trump's direction, to the Trust for the National Mall to build the White House ballroom, and $2.5 million to co-plaintiffs. It was the last of three Big Tech settlements: Meta paid $25 million and X (Twitter) $10 million earlier in 2025. Trump's YouTube account had been restored since 2023, and YouTube admitted no wrongdoing.
The response: Google confirmed the settlement but declined to comment further; the filing says it is not an admission of liability. Trump called it a 'MASSIVE victory' on Truth Social.
East Wing of the White House demolished for a ballroom Trump said would not touch the building
$400MThe President
Demolition crews began tearing down the East Wing on October 20, 2025 for a planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, then priced at $250 million. In July 2025 Trump had said the ballroom 'won't interfere with the current building' and would be 'near it but not touching it.' By April 2026 the estimate had reached $400 million, and the President's FY2027 budget listed $377 million for White House repairs this year plus $174 million more next year, an 866% jump from the $39 million spent in FY2025.
The response: Trump: the project comes 'with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!' An OMB official told Fortune 'the money mostly comes from donors'; a White House spokesman told FactCheck.org 'The Ballroom will still be paid for with the private funds raised.'
Trump seeks about $230 million from his own Justice Department; his ex-lawyers would decide
$230MThe President
The New York Times reported, and CBS confirmed, that Trump had filed two administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act seeking roughly $230 million: one over the FBI's Russia investigation, one over the 2022 Mar-a-Lago search. Under Justice Department rules the deputy or associate attorney general approves such settlements; Deputy AG Todd Blanche was Trump's lead criminal defense lawyer and Associate AG Stanley Woodward represented his co-defendant. Any payment would come from the Treasury and need not be announced publicly. House Democrats Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia opened an inquiry.
The response: Trump said 'It could be' when asked about the figure, that the government 'probably owe[s] me a lot of money,' that 'I don't even talk to them about it,' and that he would give any money to charity or 'to the White House while we restore the White House.' A DOJ spokesperson said 'all officials at the Department of Justice follow the guidance of career ethics officials.'
More watchdogs removed after the court ruling: Export-Import Bank IG fired
The President
Weeks after a federal judge ruled the January firings illegal, Trump fired Export-Import Bank Inspector General Parisa Salehi, again without the notice to Congress the law requires, the Partnership for Public Service reported. Public Citizen counted 21 inspectors general fired by March 2026, more than all other presidents combined, and reported that on March 2, 2026 the DHS inspector general told Congress his own department had "systematically obstructed" his office by cutting off access to at least eight databases.
East Wing of the White House demolished for a ballroom whose price rose from $200 million to $300 million
$300MThe President
AP photos showed the entire two-story East Wing reduced to rubble four days after demolition began on October 20, 2025, to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Announced in July at $200 million, the price rose to $250 million and then, on October 22, to about $300 million. The administration had not obtained approval from the National Capital Planning Commission or Commission of Fine Arts, both closed during the government shutdown; preservationists asked for a halt.
The response: Trump said he and 'some friends of mine' would pay for the ballroom so taxpayers bear no cost. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said demolition did not require approval, attributed cost increases to normal construction changes and urged the public to 'just trust the process.'
'Trump Gold Card' visa goes on sale at Trumpcard.gov for $1 million plus a $15,000 fee
$1MThe President
The administration launched the Trump Gold Card at Trumpcard.gov. Applicants pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, and after vetting a $1 million "gift" to the U.S. government; companies can pay $2 million per employee. The site also takes a waiting list for a $5 million "Trump Platinum Card." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said about 10,000 people had pre-registered.
The response: Trump: "Basically it's a Green Card, but much better." Lutnick predicted thousands of cards and billions of dollars for the Treasury (Reuters).
Trump-appointed board votes to rename the Kennedy Center the 'Trump-Kennedy Center'
The President
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Kennedy Center board, which Trump had replaced with his own appointees, voted to rename the national arts center after the sitting president. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg said microphones were muted and the vote was not unanimous. Democrats questioned whether the change is legal, since Congress named the center for Kennedy by statute in 1964. Trump supporters cited fundraising tied to his name as justification.
The response: Leavitt credited Trump with saving the building, overseeing its reconstruction and strengthening its finances and reputation.
House Oversight Democrats: foreign money now flows to Trump through crypto, not hotel rooms
The President
On the first anniversary of the inauguration, Democratic staff of the House Oversight Committee released a 30-page interim report, "Professionalized Corruption," arguing that in the first term foreign governments paid Trump through hotel stays and condos, and in the second term the family's digital-currency ventures let foreign interests pay in the billions with no practical limit. It builds on the committee's 2024 finding of at least $7.8 million in foreign-government payments to Trump businesses during the first term.
CREW projects Trump's second-term foreign property income will top $400 million
$400MThe President
Analyzing Trump's financial disclosures from 2015 to 2025, CREW found his 2024 foreign income was at least $101 million, more than double 2023, with over $26 million in licensing fees from Dar Global's Dubai and Muscat projects and a new $10 million fee from an unannounced Mumbai project. CREW counted 10 open overseas developments and at least 22 more in development, and estimated second-term foreign property income of more than $400 million if 2024 levels hold.
Library fund that received up to $63 million in settlements was dissolved; Democrats ask where the money went
$63MThe President
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Melanie Stansbury wrote to the CEOs of ABC, Meta, X and Paramount, whose settlements could have sent up to $63 million to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Fund Inc. Florida administratively dissolved the fund in September 2025 for failing to file an annual report, and its incorporator filed dissolution papers on December 29, 2025. The lawmakers said the disposition of the money was never disclosed and asked for the settlement terms by March 23, 2026.
Taxpayer tab for Trump's golf passes $100 million, on pace for $300 million
$101.2MThe President
HuffPost, applying the per-trip costs in a 2019 GAO audit (about $3.4 million per Mar-a-Lago trip, $1.1 million per Bedminster trip, $9.7 million for the 2025 Scotland course-opening trip), counted at least $101.2 million in travel and security spending on golf since the inauguration, with 110 days at his own courses, and projected $300 million by the end of the term. GAO's audit covered aircraft, boats and per-diem costs and excluded salaries.
The response: The White House now lists golf outings as 'executive time'; asked about it, an unsigned statement said 'Executive time refers to executive time.'
Trump says his settlement-funded 'library' in Miami is 'most likely going to be a hotel'
$67MThe President
After posting renderings of his planned Miami presidential library, Trump told reporters the building 'could be [an] office' but 'it's most likely going to be a hotel,' with a 747 in the lobby. The 2.6-acre downtown site, valued at $67 million, was given up by Miami Dade College and transferred by the State of Florida to Trump's library foundation for $10; the deed requires a 'presidential center' of some sort within five years. The media settlements were the library's seed money.
The response: NPR said it had asked the White House about the status of the settlement funds; no answer was reported.
Trump hosts 297 top $TRUMP holders at Mar-a-Lago as the coin sits 95% below its peak
$336MThe President
Trump gave the keynote at what he called the 'most exclusive' crypto and business conference in the world, held at his Mar-a-Lago club for 297 of the largest registered $TRUMP holders, with the top 29 attending a VIP reception. Rankings were based on token holdings and purchases of Trump merchandise between March 12 and April 14. The coin traded near $2.53 that day, down more than 95% from its $75 peak; the winners held about $29 million of $TRUMP, compared with $148 million held by the May 2025 dinner guests. A Reuters examination found the family had taken in more than $1 billion from crypto asset sales, including at least $336 million tied to meme-coin sales in the first half of 2025.
The response: White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the President's assets are in a trust managed by his children and 'There are no conflicts of interest.' Trump said he felt an 'obligation' to support the crypto industry.
Gold card reality check: 338 applications and one approval, against promises of trillions
The President
A court filing by Trump officials showed 338 people had applied for the $1 million Trump Gold Card and 59 had advanced to Homeland Security vetting. Lutnick said the prior week that only one person had been approved, with "hundreds in the queue." Before the price was cut from $5 million, Lutnick had projected 200,000 cards could raise $1 trillion for the Treasury.
The response: Trump: "I happen to think it's going to sell like crazy. It's a bargain" (The Telegraph).
DOJ settles Trump's $10 billion IRS suit with a $1.776 billion taxpayer fund; Trump drops the $230 million claims
$1.78BThe President
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former defense lawyer, announced a settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Trump, his sons and the Trump Organization get a formal apology and no cash, and withdraw the two $230 million administrative claims. In exchange the government creates a $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' drawn from the Treasury's Judgment Fund, run by five commissioners appointed by the attorney general, to pay people who say they were victims of 'lawfare.' Vice President Vance and Blanche declined to rule out payments to January 6 rioters.
The response: Blanche said the fund gives 'a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress.' Trump said compensation would depend on a committee and that he 'didn't do this deal.' CREW's Donald Sherman called it 'the most brazen act of self-dealing in the history of the presidency'; 93 House Democrats sought to block it in court.
Trump Media pulls its Truth Social bitcoin ETFs; its bitcoin treasury sits on heavy losses
$557.1MThe President
Trump Media, in which a Trump trust holds about half the shares, withdrew its SEC registrations for the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF and Bitcoin & Ethereum ETF, saying it would 'not pursue the public offering at this time.' Its quarterly report for the period ending June 30, 2026 showed the company held 9,477 bitcoin bought for about $1.0 billion but worth $557 million, plus Cronos tokens worth $41 million against a $114 million cost; digital asset losses of $361 million drove a $644 million six-month net loss. The bitcoin was bought with about $2.36 billion raised in 2025 through convertible notes and a private stock placement.
The response: Fund sponsor Yorkville America said it would pursue a different ETF strategy under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Trump Media's 10-Q says it 'does not use derivatives for speculation.'
Blanche kills the $1.8 billion fund but keeps the Trump family's shield from IRS audits
$100MThe President
Days after a federal judge temporarily blocked the fund, Blanche told a House Appropriations panel 'We are not moving forward with the fund, period,' but refused to put it in writing. A May 19 addendum he personally approved still shields Trump, his family and related businesses from tax audits and enforcement on returns filed before the settlement, and bars prosecution based on undefined 'Lawfare and/or Weaponization.' Rep. Rosa DeLauro said that amounted to about $100 million in tax immunity, citing a New York Times estimate of a pending audit; she also noted a Trump PAC paid Blanche nearly $10 million in 2024. On August 2, 2026, under pressure from GOP senators, Blanche signed an order rescinding the fund and narrowing the audit immunity to claims open at settlement.
The response: Blanche called the $100 million figure 'Not true,' said dropping past audits is typical in IRS settlements and that the addendum is 'not a forward-looking document.' His August 2 order says no money was ever moved and no claims paid.
Trump unveils the Qatari 747 as the new Air Force One: 'the world's most luxurious plane'
$400MThe President
At Joint Base Andrews, Trump showed off the retrofitted Qatari Boeing 747-8 in a new red, white and navy paint scheme. The Air Force said the retrofit would cost "probably less than $400 million"; taxpayers also paid for a 747-8 lease, a used Lufthansa 747-8 for training and a full interior mock-up, with no figures released. The plane was to lead a July 4 flyover for the nation's 250th birthday.
The response: Trump: "This is considered the world's most luxurious plane." In 2025 he posted, "Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country" (CBS News).
Trump's 2026 disclosure reports about $1.4 billion in crypto income for 2025
$1.4BThe President
Trump's annual OGE disclosure covering 2025, his first year back in office, listed roughly $1.4 billion in crypto earnings. That included more than $635 million from a licensing agreement with 'Celebration Coins,' a meme-coin entity NBC News could find no digital footprint for; about $515 million from World Liberty token sales and $65 million from selling equity in World Liberty's holding company; and more than $290 million from crypto wallets associated with World Liberty. Disclosure forms report revenue, not profit after expenses.
The response: A White House representative said the President and his family have never engaged in conflicts of interest and credited Trump's executive actions and the GENIUS Act with making the U.S. a crypto leader.
Disclosure: Trump's businesses took in over $2 billion in 2025, including $80 million from media settlements
$2BThe President
Trump's 927-page financial disclosure for 2025, released by the Office of Government Ethics, shows more than $2 billion in income, over triple the prior year. It lists more than $80 million in income from settlements with ABC, CBS, Meta and Google/YouTube, paid to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation; revenue at his golf clubs and resorts up 15 percent to more than $500 million; Mar-a-Lago revenue of $77 million, up from $50 million in 2024; and about $52 million from licensing his name to overseas developers. Crypto was the largest source at over $1.4 billion (covered elsewhere). CREW counted at least $117 million in foreign revenue, a record.
The response: White House spokesperson Anna Kelly: 'Neither the President nor his family has ever engaged—or will ever engage—in conflicts of interest.' A Trump Organization spokesperson said the filing shows 'a strong financial position' and a level of transparency unmatched in presidential history.
Trump's first flight on the Qatari jet; he says it will go to his presidential library
$400MThe President
Trump flew the retrofitted Qatari 747 from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota, calling it "maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built." The Air Force said it spent less than $400 million on security upgrades and made little change to the plush cabin; the plane is a bridge until Boeing delivers new Air Force One jets around 2028. Trump repeated that the aircraft will eventually go to his presidential library, and declined to say what taxpayers paid.
The response: Trump: "This is a gift from a country that has treated us very well." "You can do two things: You can low-key it, or you can show it" (CNBC/NPR). The Air Force said the plane is "safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies" (NPR).
Trump's 2026 disclosure: nearly $60 million from foreign licensing, $77.5 million from Mar-a-Lago
$60MThe President
Trump's annual financial disclosure, released by the Office of Government Ethics, reported nearly $60 million in income from foreign real estate firms licensing the Trump name, $77.5 million from Mar-a-Lago (up more than 50% in a year) and $122 million from Doral. CNN reported Trump has used the Florida clubs to fete foreign dignitaries and host fundraisers since retaking office, and that Mar-a-Lago's initiation fee was raised to $1 million in 2024.
The response: White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly: "neither the President nor his family has ever engaged - or will ever engage - in conflicts of interest." Trump: "You know why I'm profiting? Because the stock market's going up. Everybody's profiting... I never speak to any of the people that run the money" (CNN).
Trump's own filing: $1.2 billion in crypto income in 2025; Forbes puts net worth at $6 billion, up from $2.3 billion in 2024
$1.2BThe President
The President's 927-page annual financial disclosure to the Office of Government Ethics, obtained by the Associated Press, showed about $1.2 billion in 2025 income from crypto businesses: more than $500 million from World Liberty Financial and more than $600 million from CIC Digital's meme-coin sales. AP cited Forbes' estimate that his net worth had risen to $6 billion from $2.3 billion in 2024. Forbes' profile on November 1, 2026 lists $6.5 billion and calls this 'the most lucrative presidency in American history,' largely from crypto.
The response: The White House has said the President's businesses are run by his children and that he has lost money by serving (Leavitt to The Independent, Aug. 2025).
Democrats: up to $21.5 million of the media settlement money is missing or unexplained
$21.5MThe President
Comparing Trump's new disclosure with Florida charity filings, Warren, Blumenthal and Stansbury wrote to the treasurer of the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation that up to $21.5 million paid by ABC, Meta, Paramount and X is unaccounted for or spent without explanation. The disclosure shows $56.5 million from Meta, ABC and Paramount, but the foundation's Florida filing lists $50 million in revenue and nearly $7 million in expenses, including about $400,000 in officer pay despite a registration saying officers, including Eric Trump, are unpaid. X's roughly $8 million is not traced at all.
The response: Library foundation treasurer Madison Faupel later told MS NOW: 'There are no missing funds.' The White House and foundation did not respond to the July letter by publication.
CNBC: foreign licensing income hit $59.5 million in 2025, two-thirds from the Gulf
$59.5MThe President
CNBC's analysis of Trump's disclosure found foreign real estate licensing income of $59.5 million for 2025, up 71% from 2024 and nearly ten times 2023. Saudi-linked Dar Al Arkan and its Dar Global arm paid $25.8 million and Dubai's Damac $11.3 million, including $5 million fees for Abu Dhabi projects with no active development. Payments traced to state-linked partners include $5.25 million from the Qatari Diar golf project and nearly $1 million from Oman's Aida project with Omran, the Omani government's tourism arm.
The response: The Trump Organization said it operates "completely separate from the presidency" and uses an outside ethics adviser. Trump told the New York Times in January 2026: "I found out that nobody cared. I'm allowed to." CNBC said it found no evidence any payment influenced an administration decision.
Trump Media loses $238 million in a quarter on $1.7 million of revenue; Trump's trust still holds 115 million shares
$238.1MThe President
Trump Media & Technology Group, in which the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust holds about 115 million shares, reported a second-quarter 2026 net loss of about $238.1 million on revenue of about $1.7 million, after a $405.9 million loss in the first quarter. Most of the losses were paper losses on the company's $1.2 billion bitcoin hoard. The company has nearly $1 billion in convertible notes coming due and is pursuing an all-stock merger with fusion-energy startup TAE Technologies that it hopes to close by year-end 2026. By late October 2026 the stock was trading near $6, down more than half for the year.
The response: Management said the losses were largely non-cash and pointed to about $1.9 billion in gross financial assets and revenue growth from subscriptions and advertising.
After courts block the renaming, DOJ argues the Kennedy Center faces 'financial ruin' without Trump's name
The President
A federal court halted the plan to put 'Donald J. Trump' on the Kennedy Center facade in May 2026 after Rep. Joyce Beatty, a board member, sued under the statute that bars making the center a memorial to anyone but John F. Kennedy. In July an appeals panel said the board's fundraising claims lacked 'specific facts or evidence.' In August the board voted instead to add 'Renovated and Restored By President Donald J. Trump,' and Justice Department lawyers argued donations would 'dry up' without his name, calling the center 'a financially insolvent facility' in a 'crumbling building.'
The response: DOJ, defending the board, said removing Trump's name would sever a vital fundraising connection and could leave the building to be torn down.
Supreme Court, 5-4, lets the $400 million ballroom keep rising; Roberts says the work is 'likely unlawful'
$400MThe President
After U.S. District Judge Richard Leon halted above-ground construction in April because Congress never approved the project, and an appeals panel agreed the ballroom was 'not a matter for Executive self-help,' the Supreme Court paused Leon's order 5-4. The majority said the National Trust for Historic Preservation probably lacks standing; it did not rule the project legal. Chief Justice Roberts dissented with the three Democratic appointees. The administration says the 90,000-square-foot, $400 million ballroom is 65 percent complete, about $200 million in donations has been spent or committed, and it will be finished in summer 2028.
The response: Solicitor General D. John Sauer called the lower-court halt 'extraordinary and unlawful' and said finishing the project is 'vitally required by national security.' The White House did not respond to AP's request for comment.
Third $TRUMP dinner set for Nov. 22; at least 52 of top 100 holders used offshore exchanges
$532MThe President
Fight Fight Fight's website announced a Nov. 22, 2026 gala at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington for the 185 largest $TRUMP holders, ranked by a time-weighted score, with the top 29 getting a VIP reception with the President. CBS News found at least 52 of the top 100 leaderboard accounts had moved funds through exchanges that bar U.S. customers, including Binance, holding nearly $6.8 million of the $15 million on the board. The coin's market value had fallen more than 95% from its January 2025 peak to about $532 million. CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight still own 80% of the supply.
The response: A White House official said the administration only acts in the 'best interest of the American people' and called the dinner 'a private event, not a government function.' The Trump Organization did not respond to CBS News.
Federal lawsuit says UAE crypto deals worth $2.5 billion are illegal foreign emoluments
$2.5BThe President
J. Benjamin Greenberg, a Circle shareholder and former employee, sued Trump, World Liberty Financial, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and four related LLCs in U.S. District Court in Washington. The 70-page complaint says the $500 million sale of 49% of World Liberty to a Tahnoon-backed entity days before the inauguration, and the $2 billion USD1 purchase by a Tahnoon-chaired Abu Dhabi fund, violate the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause; it asks the court to declare the profits unconstitutional, force disclosure of other foreign crypto payments and order the money returned. Circle says it did not initiate or join the suit.
The response: White House spokesperson Anna Kelly called it 'yet another frivolous lawsuit' and said 'There are no conflicts of interest.' World Liberty counsel Bill Burck: 'This sounds more like a partisan press release than a lawsuit.' World Liberty spokesperson David Wachsman: 'World Liberty Financial is compliant with all U.S. laws and regulations.'
First emoluments lawsuit of the second term: $2.5 billion in UAE crypto money
$2.5BThe President
A Circle Internet Group shareholder sued Trump, World Liberty Financial, envoy Steve Witkoff and four Trump LLCs in federal court in Washington (Case 1:26-cv-03686). The complaint says a UAE-linked entity bought 49% of World Liberty for $500 million days before the inauguration and an Abu Dhabi state fund bought $2 billion of the Trump stablecoin, both "illegal foreign emoluments" that flowed millions to Trump. It asks the court to declare the profits unconstitutional and order them returned.
The response: World Liberty counsel Bill Burck called the suit "more like a partisan press release than a lawsuit"; White House spokesperson Anna Kelly called it "yet another frivolous lawsuit" and said there are no conflicts of interest (CNBC).
On the eve of the midterms, Forbes puts Trump at $7 billion, up $2.7 billion since his 2024 win; questions go unanswered
$7BThe President
MS NOW's review found Trump and his family have mostly not answered judges, watchdogs or Democrats about business deals, stock trades, ballroom money and gifts. Forbes' 2026 list estimated Trump's net worth at $7 billion, up $2.7 billion since November 2024, and $10 billion including his children; Forbes' real-time page showed $6.5 billion on November 1, 2026. Trump's disclosures show more than 14,000 stock trades worth up to $1.06 billion in his first year back. Democrats have sent at least nine letters about the ballroom; one to chief of staff Susie Wiles went unanswered. In August 2025, the New Yorker's David Kirkpatrick estimated the family had made about $3.4 billion from the two presidencies.
The response: White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the stock portfolio is held in discretionary accounts tracking indexes and 'There are no conflicts of interest.' Trump said his money is invested by others and he does not talk to them. The Trump Organization called a Warren-Garcia letter a 'baseless political stunt.'
3 records you can open and read yourself: financial disclosures, securities filings, court dockets, budget-office estimates, Treasury figures and congressional reports. Every link goes to the official copy or the original report.
The President's own sworn disclosure. NBC News reports it lists $57,355,532 received from his World Liberty Financial stake, plus branded-product royalties; it predates the $TRUMP coin.
Complaint and briefs from the first emoluments suit, filed three days after the 2017 inauguration, with the case history: dismissed for standing in 2017, revived by the Second Circuit in 2019, dismissed as moot by the Supreme Court in 2021.
The president's own sworn report of 2025 income and assets: over $2 billion in revenue, $80 million-plus from media settlements, $77 million at Mar-a-Lago, licensing fees for watches, Bibles, fragrances and the Melania film. Large PDF (about 13 MB, 927 pages).
U.S. Office of Government Ethics · 927 pages, 13 MB
