Investigations show that Donald Trump and his family amassed over $3 billion during his presidency, with earnings from merchandising, real estate, and crypto ventures.
Merchandising and Licensing
The New Yorker’s investigation found that Trump earned more than $3 billion during his presidency, a chunk coming from merchandising. Sales of hats, t‑shirts, and Trump‑branded tumblers generated over $28 million in the official online store. Gold‑plated sneakers, perfumes and watches added another $2.5 million. Licensed goods sold by other companies also raised funds that are claimed to be directed to the presidential library fund. While these transactions raise ethical questions and may breach campaign‑financing rules, supporters can still purchase a $500 watch that costs only $60 in China.
Real‑Estate Revenues and Direct Earnings
Trump’s direct income also stems from real‑estate holdings. His hotels and golf courses are rented to diplomats and businessmen who pay large sums directly to the president’s coffers. He earned $320 million from the Persian Gulf, and Saudi investors poured $100 million into his golf courses. Mar‑a‑Lago’s annual profits rose from $10 million in 2014 to $50 million in 2024.
Family Dynasty Profits
The Trump family also benefits financially. Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s husband, and the president’s son‑in‑law received billions for his investment firm Affinity Partners, yielding a few hundred million in profit. Donald’s sons Eric and Donald Jr. signed licensing agreements for Saudi real‑estate after their father’s electoral victory.
Crypto Activities and Corruption
The Trump empire pursues crypto through several fronts. A memecoin tied to Trump and Melania is sold to the public and follows a payment model that funnels revenues into the Trump family’s pockets. In 2025, World Liberty Financial—run by Trump’s sons and Stephen Witkoff—sold the USD1 and WLFI tokens, earning almost $600 million for the family. Emirati funds invested $2 billion in Binance under the USD1 umbrella, facilitating a tax‑efficient channel for overseas money into U.S. political coffers.
Library Funding Schemes
Shifts to support the presidential library remain a key method of channeling money to Trump. ABC paid $15 million in a settlement with Trump, despite the likelihood of him winning the case. Paramount contributed $16 million for a settlement and later licensed a merger that the Trump family eventually approved. Meta’s $22 million settlement likewise pushed funds toward the library. Because the law governing presidential libraries is very broad, checks and balances are limited, making such settlements an attractive bypass for anti‑corruption measures.
Political Influence & Global Deals
Trump’s political dealings reflect a transactional approach. He publicly accepts gilded gifts from business elites, demands trade‑deals, and sends business partners and family to represent U.S. interests abroad. The Indonesian president invited Trump’s son Eric to meet at a Gaza peace summit, and the Emirate of Qatar facilitated a military aircraft and investments in the Trump family funds. While opinion polls show voters believe Trump earned less than $100 million during his presidency, a third assert that he made no profit at all.
