Donald Trump is no stranger to wealth—his name has been synonymous with garish skyscrapers, sprawling golf courses, and luxury resorts for decades. But recently, his financial portfolio has expanded in unexpected directions, embracing everything from cryptocurrency to Bible sales.

Yes, you read that right: Donald Trump, once a staunch critic of digital currencies, now holds millions in crypto assets, along with some other oddities. How did we get here? And what else is the former president dabbling in to maintain his empire? Let’s dive in.

Donald Trump: From Crypto Critic to Crypto King

Remember when Trump called Bitcoin Bitcoin While some may still be wondering what is Bitcoin, who created Bitcoin, or how does Bitcoin work, one thing is certain: Bitcoin has changed the world.No one can remain indifferent to this revolutionary, decentralized, digital asset nor to its blockchain technology.In fact, we’ve gone a long way ever since a Florida resident Laszlo Hanyecz made BTC’s first official commercial transaction with a real company by trading 10,000 Bitcoins for 2 pizzas at his local Papa John’s.One could now argue that While some may still be wondering what is Bitcoin, who created Bitcoin, or how does Bitcoin work, one thing is certain: Bitcoin has changed the world.No one can remain indifferent to this revolutionary, decentralized, digital asset nor to its blockchain technology.In fact, we’ve gone a long way ever since a Florida resident Laszlo Hanyecz made BTC’s first official commercial transaction with a real company by trading 10,000 Bitcoins for 2 pizzas at his local Papa John’s.One could now argue that Read this Term a “scam” back in 2019? Fast forward a few years, and the man now owns at least $1 million in cryptocurrency. According to his latest financial disclosures, Trump’s crypto portfolio includes substantial holdings in both Bitcoin and Ethereum. The irony is rich—almost as rich as Trump’s newfound digital assets.

I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019

A U-turn?

This pivot to crypto is interesting, especially given Trump’s history of outspoken skepticism. Once a vocal opponent, Trump is now clearly within the crypto sphere. This financial shift mirrors the broader adoption of digital currencies, which have gradually gained legitimacy among institutional investors and wealthy individuals. Even for someone as unpredictable as Trump, this move into crypto speaks to the changing tides of modern finance.

Trump’s NFT journey seems to have started when he launched a series of digital trading cards—that don’t seem to be doing too well—in late 2022. However, it was his wife, Melania, who jumped on the NFT bandwagon first. She launched her own NFT collection in 2021—the first piece was a watercolor inspired by her eyes—which garnered attention and sales, adding another stream of income to the Trump household.

Gold Bars and Bible Sales: Trump’s Old-School Hustles

While crypto might be the shiny new addition to Trump’s financial empire, he hasn’t abandoned traditional sources of wealth. Gold bars, for instance, remain a staple in his portfolio. Gold has long been a favorite among those wary of the fluctuating financial markets, and Trump is no exception. The exact amount of gold bars he owns remains undisclosed, but their inclusion in his wealth report is a nod to his old-school investment strategies.

And then there’s the Bible sales—arguably one of the strangest revenue streams for a man who’s more commonly associated with casinos than cathedrals. Trump’s ties to Bible sales are rooted in his famous (or infamous) photo-op during the 2020 protests, where he held up a Bible in front of St. John’s Church. This moment, criticized and memeified, inadvertently boosted Bible sales associated with his name. Who knew that waving a Bible around could be such a lucrative venture? Well, Trump claims to have made $300,000.

It’s worth noting that these Bible sales are not some elaborate merchandising scheme directly tied to Trump, but rather a quirky footnote in his vast and varied sources of income. The fact that this became a source of profit is a testament to Trump’s enduring, if controversial, public persona. Even in unexpected ways, his brand continues to generate revenue.

Donald Trump has submitted his annual financial disclosure, and after a year of lawsuits, legal cases, and grifts, the contents of the documents reflect the turmoil surrounding the former president.

Story: https://t.co/m7k57ScNA1 pic.twitter.com/xxqBt3wAUD

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 18, 2024

Trump’s Tech Foray: Truth Social and the Digital Frontier

Trump’s wealth isn’t just tied up in physical assets and cryptocurrency; he’s also made a significant leap into the tech world with his social media platform, Truth Social. Launched as an alternative to mainstream social media giants, Truth Social has been a polarizing project, with its share of both staunch supporters and vocal critics.

While the platform itself hasn’t reached the same heights as Facebook or Twitter—he valued it at between $5 and $25 million last year—it’s part of a broader digital strategy that includes NFTs and other blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Read this Term-related ventures. Trump’s digital footprint is growing, and so too is the revenue from these enterprises. Truth Social might not be the next Facebook, but it’s another piece of the puzzle in Trump’s sprawling, and increasingly digital, empire.

In fact, the creation of Truth Social can be seen as an extension of Trump’s brand—a blend of media, technology, and controversy. The platform may not be the financial juggernaut that some of his other ventures are, but it represents his continued influence in the digital age. Trump’s engagement with tech, whether through social media or the blockchain, signals a willingness to adapt and innovate, albeit in his own unique style.

The Bottom Line: Trump’s Wealth Knows No Bounds

Donald Trump’s financial disclosures paint a picture of a man who’s willing to invest in just about anything that could turn a profit—whether it’s traditional assets like gold and real estate or less conventional ventures like cryptocurrencies and Bible sales. His wealth is a testament to his adaptability and willingness to explore new opportunities, even those he once dismissed.

From gold bars to Bitcoin, Trump’s portfolio is certainly worth a look. The former president’s embrace of digital assets, despite his earlier skepticism, shows that in the world of wealth, Trump is always looking for the next big thing. Whether it’s Bibles, NFTs, or Ethereum, one thing’s for sure: Donald Trump is interested.

That unpredictability might just be his greatest asset. In a world where financial landscapes shift rapidly, Trump’s ability to pivot—from real estate mogul to reality TV star, from politician to crypto investor and Bible salesman—underscores his knack for staying relevant. Whatever you think of him, Trump’s ever-expanding portfolio makes sure that he’s covering all the bases… no matter how odd.

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