Trump’s Crypto Empire Expands: Bitcoin Plus ETF Set to Shake Up the Market

Former President Donald Trump is making a bold move into the financial technology sector with the upcoming launch of the “Bitcoin Plus ETF” under his fintech venture, Truth.Fi. This new investment vehicle is set to expand beyond Bitcoin, offering exposure to multiple cryptocurrencies—something that current U.S. exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have yet to fully embrace.

A Strategic Expansion into Crypto

Building on previous announcements, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) confirmed on Thursday that Truth.Fi will roll out this ETF alongside five other investment products. These additional offerings will focus on companies in the energy and manufacturing sectors, aligning with Trump’s broader economic vision.

A major player in this endeavor is brokerage giant Charles Schwab, which has partnered with Truth.Fi to manage “separately managed accounts” for investors. According to Devin Nunes, CEO of TMTG, the goal is to provide alternatives to traditional investment funds, many of which, in his view, are compromised by “woke” corporate interests and issues like debanking.

Beyond Bitcoin: A New Crypto Investment Landscape?

The introduction of Bitcoin Plus ETF signals an expansion into a wider range of digital assets, potentially including Ethereum and other top-tier cryptocurrencies. This move comes as Bitcoin ETFs continue to see record-breaking inflows, ending 2024 with over $107 billion in assets under management—holding nearly 6% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

BitGalactic analysts point out that while Bitcoin ETFs have been a massive success, the addition of multi-crypto ETFs could fuel another wave of institutional adoption. However, this also raises questions about regulatory scrutiny, as Trump’s involvement in the crypto sector coincides with his push for more favorable policies.

Memecoins, NFTs, and Bitcoin-Branded Sneakers

Trump’s crypto empire doesn’t stop at ETFs. His $16 billion digital asset portfolio includes memecoins, a decentralized finance (DeFi) application, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and even Bitcoin-branded sneakers. His financial firm, World Liberty Financial, currently holds around $380 million and is run by his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.

However, not all of Trump’s crypto moves have been well-received. His controversial memecoin, which once soared to a $15 billion market valuation before plummeting, sparked backlash from the crypto community. Critics labeled it a “cash grab” that could further damage the industry’s reputation.

Regulatory Tailwinds and Market Optimism

Since Trump’s return to the political stage, crypto prices have surged 38%—a reaction driven by expectations that his administration would roll back regulatory crackdowns spearheaded by former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. With new legislation on the horizon, many believe Trump and his family stand to benefit significantly from the policies they are advocating.

BitGalactic notes that while Trump’s involvement could bring fresh capital into the crypto space, it also adds complexity to the regulatory discussion. Whether this is a visionary step for digital finance or a calculated business maneuver remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Trump’s crypto ambitions are far from over.