Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) announced their partnership Monday with Crypto.com to launch a series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The collaboration aims to blend digital assets like Bitcoin with traditional securities, emphasising a “Made in America” theme. Scheduled for a late 2024 rollout, these ETFs will operate under Truth.Fi, TMTG’s financial tech subsidiary. Following this, DJT stock surged 9% after hours, signalling investor optimism.
This move marks Trump Media’s latest push into crypto, following NFT collections and a DeFi protocol linked to the president. Crypto.com, ranked sixth globally by trading volume, will handle backend technology and custody solutions.
Why Trump Media Is Betting Big on Crypto ETFs
Trump Media’s partnership aligns with its strategy to expand beyond social media and streaming. Truth Social, the platform favoured by Donald Trump, has faced revenue challenges, prompting diversification into finance. By tapping into Crypto.com’s 80-million user base, TMTG aims to attract crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors alike.
The “Made in America” theme resonates with Trump’s political brand, potentially appealing to his supporters. The ETFs will include energy sector securities and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Crypto.com’s Cronos (CRO). Analysts suggest this blend could hedge against market volatility while capitalising on crypto’s growth.
What types of ETFs are set to launch?
Three ETFs are in development: the Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, the Truth.Fi Made in America ETF, and the Truth.Fi Energy Independence ETF. Each fund combines digital assets with sector-specific stocks, targeting investors seeking diversified exposure. For example, the Energy Independence ETF may include oil companies alongside blockchain firms focused on sustainable energy.
Crypto.com’s brokerage arm, Foris Capital, will manage distribution. The Singapore-based exchange also plans to supply cryptocurrencies for the funds, ensuring liquidity. One thing to note is that this partnership follows Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek’s recent attendance at the White House Crypto Summit, hinting at regulatory coordination.
Market Reactions
Investors immediately rewarded Trump Media’s announcement. DJT shares jumped 13.5% premarket after a 3.75% gain Monday, closing at $21.01. Meanwhile, Crypto.com’s CRO token skyrocketed 24% to $0.1008, becoming the day’s second-top crypto gainer.
However, critics caution that DJT’s “value score” remains low, reflecting concerns about its fundamentals. Despite this, retail traders appear bullish, driven by Trump’s influence and Crypto.com’s $2 billion daily trading volume.
Trump’s Growing Crypto Empire
This ETF venture is Trump’s most ambitious crypto project yet. Since 2022, his family has released NFT trading cards, the MAGA memecoin, and the World Liberty Financial DeFi platform. While these efforts drew mixed reviews, they solidified Trump’s status as a crypto-friendly political figure.
Experts argue the ETFs could legitimise his crypto ventures, especially if regulated successfully. Still, skeptics question whether Trump Media, which reported $4 million in revenue last quarter, can manage such complex financial products.
Regulatory Hurdles and What’s Next
The partnership faces scrutiny from regulators, particularly the SEC, which has delayed several Bitcoin ETF proposals. Crypto.com’s compliance history, including a 2023 $4.3 million settlement with Singapore, adds complexity. Nevertheless, TMTG insists the ETFs will meet all legal standards.
If approved, the funds could debut with broader ETPs launching in 2025. For now, all eyes remain on DJT’s stock performance and whether Crypto.com can leverage Trump’s brand to challenge ETF giants like BlackRock.
A High-Stakes Gamble in Crypto Politics
Trump Media’s ETF plan blends finance, technology, and patriotism, a recipe designed to captivate both Wall Street and Main Street. While risks abound, the partnership underscores crypto’s rising influence in traditional markets. As the current president Trump pushes for more crypto-friendly policies, moves could further politicise digital assets, reshaping how Americans invest.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
