Trump Media and Crypto.com Plan a New Crypto ETF Initiative
In a move that could significantly shape the intersection of finance, cryptocurrency, and politics, Trump Media has reached a preliminary agreement with the cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to launch a new series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. This agreement, though still non-binding, signals an ambitious effort to merge traditional securities with digital assets in a regulated investment format.
At the heart of this initiative is Trump Technology Group Corp (TMTG), the organization behind the social media platform Truth Social and the fintech brand Truth.Fi. According to a statement released by Trump Media on March 24, the proposal is still subject to regulatory approval, but if greenlit, it could pave the way for a unique mix of digital and traditional finance.
The Vision for Crypto-Powered ETFs
The plan is to introduce these ETFs later this year through Crypto.com’s broker-dealer, Foris Capital US LLC. Designed with a “Made in America” focus, these ETFs are expected to contain a curated selection of digital assets and securities. Crypto.com, a major player in the cryptocurrency space, will be responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure and custody services to facilitate the digital asset component.
While the exact composition of the ETFs remains undecided, they are likely to include a variety of popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cronos (CRO). This selection could provide investors with broad exposure to both established and emerging digital assets alongside traditional financial instruments.
Global Accessibility and Platform Integration
One of the most notable aspects of the proposed ETFs is their planned international availability. Investors across the United States, Europe, and Asia will be able to access these financial instruments through existing brokerage platforms. With Crypto.com playing a key role in facilitating the launch, the integration is expected to extend to its in-house trading platform.
Crypto.com’s co-founder and CEO, Kris Marszalek, emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Once launched, these ETFs will be available on the Crypto.com App for our more than 140 million users around the world.” This suggests that, beyond institutional investors, retail traders using Crypto.com’s ecosystem will also have the opportunity to participate in the ETF offerings.
Trump Media’s Expanding Crypto Ambitions
This ETF initiative is expected to launch in conjunction with a set of Truth.Fi Separately Managed Accounts (SMA), representing another avenue through which TMTG seeks to expand its financial services. Trump Media has also disclosed that it intends to invest a portion of its cash reserves into these managed accounts, potentially signaling deeper involvement in digital asset markets.
This move is just the latest in a series of crypto-related initiatives linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Previous endeavors have drawn scrutiny, particularly among Democratic lawmakers who argue that conflicts of interest have emerged due to his presidential responsibilities coinciding with business interests.
Political and Ethical Concerns
Critics have pointed out that Trump-affiliated businesses, including the ownership of the crypto platform World Liberty Financial and the launch of the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin, have already raised ethical concerns. The TRUMP token, notably introduced just three days before Trump’s inauguration, sparked significant backlash and skepticism from political figures.
House Representative Gerald Connolly did not mince words when discussing the TRUMP token, describing it as a “money grab” that has benefited Trump-linked entities to the tune of over $100 million in trading fees. Likewise, prominent Democrat Maxine Waters voiced her disapproval on January 20, likening the memecoin to a “rug pull” and declaring it an example of “the worst of crypto.”
The Road Ahead
As Trump Media and Crypto.com navigate regulatory hurdles and logistical challenges, the success of these ETFs remains uncertain. While the collaboration could open new pathways for crypto adoption in traditional finance, lingering ethical and political concerns may present barriers to widespread acceptance.
Nonetheless, should the ETFs gain approval and successfully launch, they have the potential to reshape how digital assets are incorporated into investment strategies—not just in the U.S., but globally.
