$57 million. At least, that’s the amount of money the Donald managed to pocket from his share of World Liberty Financial. A new cryptocurrency undertaking that’s going to change the whole game, run by a former chief executive and his three sons. Realized American Dream, or warning sign of a broken economy? Let's dive in.

Freedom to Innovate or Exploitation?

Capitalism, at its core, champions freedom. The freedom to innovate, to build, and indeed, to prosper. Trump’s supporters will surely set his crypto windfall to music. To them, it will stand as a memorial to his genius for capitalism—and maybe, just maybe—to the greatness of the free market itself. They’ll claim that he’s just mastering the art of the game and beating them. That sort of innovation, even in the crypto Wild West, is impressive and should be incentivized.

What about the potential pitfalls? As stated in their mission, World Liberty Financial originally wanted to democratize financial products. Its WLFI token only reached a fraction of its funding target and was restricted to “accredited investors.” Is this true democratization, or just a different version of the millionaires’ club?

Further, the nature of cryptocurrency itself presents issues. THE SPECULATIVE MARKET PLACE When the bubble does burst, it is the most vulnerable investors that are left holding the bag. Is it morally acceptable to cash in on this volatility, especially for an individual who at one time held the highest office in the land? Think about the retirees, the everyday folks who might gamble their savings on the next big crypto craze, lured by promises of quick riches. Are we really going to accept a system where a former president gets rich but the average American faces bankruptcy?

Remember the 2008 financial crisis? We saved the banks, but millions of Americans lost their homes and livelihoods in the process. Have we doomed ourselves to repeat the same fate with the crypto market’s wild west expansion?

Serving the Public or Serving Oneself?

This isn't just about Trump's personal wealth. It's about the optics. It's about the message it sends. When a former public servant amasses such a fortune in a relatively short period, it raises legitimate questions about priorities. Had these decisions made during his presidency been shaped by the promise of financial profit further down the road? Did his political position provide him some unfair advantage on the global stage?

Senate Democrats continue to look into the multi-billion-dollar World Liberty Financial deal with foreign nationals. This kind of inquiry is critical for holding the financial sector accountable to the American people. We want to know more about where this money is coming from, and if any conflicts of interest are involved. This ain’t partisan politics, this is protecting transparency and guarding the integrity of our institutions.

A teacher dedicates their life to educating children, often struggling to make ends meet. A nurse who worked during the pandemic, saving lives and often succumbing to burnout and understaffing, is a hero. And then there’s a former president, making bank hand over fist from a digital currency corporation. Does this seem like an equitable and just system?

The sheer size of Trump's financial disclosure – 234 pages compared to Biden's 11 – underscores the complexity and scale of his financial dealings. Is this a new push for transparency, or just a futile effort to bury in a tidal wave of documents possible red flags?

Redefining Freedom Needs Ethical Investing

The argument weighing in favor of Trump’s crypto fortune reveals a deeper conflict between the promise of individual freedom and the demands of society. We must expand the definition of freedom to make ethics — and the absence thereof — part of the equation. True freedom isn't just about the right to accumulate wealth; it's about the responsibility to use that wealth in a way that benefits society as a whole.

It's not about demonizing success, but about ensuring that success doesn't come at the expense of others. We’re very much interested in making sure there’s a level playing field. After all, everyone should get a fair shot at success and not just those who are already rich and connected.

It's whether he should, and whether the system that allows it is truly serving the best interests of all Americans. We have to fundamentally recalibrate what we value. Let’s double down to privilege the freedom of those who seek to thrive in a more just and equitable society. Avoid the lure of efficient money—an easy way to pay for it all. And always remember to honor the ethical obligations that come with great wealth and power.

  • Contact your representatives: Demand greater transparency and accountability from public figures regarding their financial dealings.
  • Support organizations that promote financial literacy: Help educate others about the risks and rewards of cryptocurrency investing.
  • Consider ethical investing: Choose investments that align with your values and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
  • Engage in civil discourse: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the ethical implications of wealth accumulation and the role of government in regulating the financial sector.

The question isn't simply whether Trump can make millions from crypto. It's whether he should, and whether the system that allows it is truly serving the best interests of all Americans. The answer, I believe, requires a serious re-evaluation of our values and a commitment to building a more just and equitable society. Let's not let the allure of quick riches blind us to the ethical responsibilities that come with wealth and power.