Okay, let's be real. So when I heard for the first time that Trump was getting further into crypto, I was skeptical. So needless to say, the concept of a “Monopoly-style” game intrigued me! This is the same dude who recently called Bitcoin the “synthetic currency” a “scam against the dollar.” After having had time to digest it, I’m starting to see the possibilities. This is potentially a pretty great outcome for the whole crypto industry! Hear me out.

New Users Flood Crypto Space

Think about it. Trump has a massive following. No matter how you feel about his politics, you can’t deny his influence. Just imagine how many millions of new users to crypto a bigly Trump-branded game would bring! Even if it’s a simple reskin of Monopoly GO! (and let’s face it, it probably is), it’s still awesome.

These aren't necessarily the hardcore DeFi degens we're used to. These are ordinary Americans, some perhaps tempted by the Trump magic, others simply seeking a helluva fun ride. First of all, by playing, they are actively engaging with crypto. They learn about wallets—hopefully non-custodial secure wallets—and get direct exposure to the underlying technology. This is huge for mainstream adoption.

It’s sort of like what happened when Starbucks began accepting mobile payments. Since when did everybody become a payment processing wizard? No. As we’ve discussed, it acclimated millions of people to the digital transaction. This laid the groundwork for newer and faster payment arteries such as contactless payment systems. In many ways, Trump’s game might be the crypto onboarding Starbucks.

Web3 Gaming Needs A Jolt

Let’s be real, Web3 gaming is currently experiencing a winter. With daily active users apparently tanking, and the gold rush of investment or tech funding drying up by the day… We’re witnessing the effects of this complex macroeconomic environment—from trade wars to growing patterns of geopolitical resentments. As an industry, it arguably needs a shot in the arm, something to grab attention and inject some much needed excitement.

Whether you love him or hate him, the thing with Trump is attention. Having him aboard reopens the question—his involvement could very well be the spark that gets people excited about the space again. It's like Elon Musk tweeting about Dogecoin. I know it can be a little wild, but it really exposes people and gets them talking and gets them invested.

Yes, this could be a short-term pump and dump. If the game experience is genuine and delivers value in assets other than just owning a Trump-branded virtual asset it can be a very strong ecosystem. This, in turn, would get quality developers and investors to bite. Consider it a weird, winner-take-all ad blitz for the whole Web3 gaming industry.

Underdog Narrative Resonates Deeply

Here’s where the truly surprising linkage comes in. The crypto community would be deeply inconsistent with its roots by supporting the existing, more restrictive financial system. It’s all about the decentralization, removing the power from the bankers and giving it back to the people.

That’s why, despite his billion-dollar fortune, Trump has been able to paint himself as the ultimate outsider, as the candidate fighting against the “establishment.” Yet that narrative found a lot of willing believers, including some crypto true believers on the inside.

By taking up crypto, Trump is—paradoxically—positioning himself with the original spirit of the movement. It's a brilliant, if unexpected, strategic move. Consider him the populist, the unexpected hero, taking on all the establishment forces to upend the old financial order and create a new paradigm.

I know it seems insane, but hear me out. He’s riding the same anti-establishment wave that started the ascent of Bitcoin in the first place. It's a powerful combination.

Small risk of conflicts of interest There is the somewhat smaller risk of conflicts of interest. Absolutely. Should we be cautious and skeptical? Of course. Or is this just a nefarious grab for some bucks by jumping on a trend? Possibly.

I'm choosing to be optimistic. As for the motivations, I suspect they are purely self-serving for Trump. His foray into crypto might very well serve to help the entire ecosystem in the long run. It could bring in new users, revitalize the Web3 gaming sector, and reinforce the underlying message of decentralization and financial empowerment.

So, what should you do? Keep a close eye on this project. Again, don’t make any irresponsible investments, but don’t dismiss big ideas without consideration. Explore the potential of crypto. Approach Tier I of Trump’s new endeavor with a constructive attitude. We hope you’re as excited for this adventure as we are! This journey could be the one that takes crypto to the moon.