Donald Trump is back in the White House for a second term, and his vast network of business interests is sure to stir concerns. While Trump’s team insists that he removed himself from his real estate empire, questions about conflicts of interest are hard to ignore.
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, claims the president sacrificed his wealth for public service. He didn’t take a government salary and even lost net worth while in office. “Unlike most politicians, he’s not here for profit,” she said. But many still worry that his financial connections could shape his presidency in troubling ways.
Winning Team Publishing and royalties
One of Trump’s business ventures is Winning Team Publishing, co-run by his son, Donald Trump Jr., and adviser Sergio Gor. In 2021, the company began publishing Trump’s books, including Letters to Trump and Our Journey Together. These books have generated millions in royalties—$11.6 million over the last two years. Financial filings also reveal that Trump’s political committees paid the company over $242,000 for unspecified book services.
The company also publishes books by his allies like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. With all these ties, the question arises: will these relationships influence presidential decisions?
Licensing deals
Trump’s name is licensed for a vast range of products, from Bibles to diamond-encrusted watches. His controversial God Bless the USA Bible was printed in China—ironically, a country he’s often accused of unfair trade practices. As president, he could exempt religious texts from Chinese tariffs, raising eyebrows.
Trump also launched a line of guitars, but a “cease and desist” letter from Gibson Guitars suggests trouble with his branding efforts. The guitars reportedly infringe on Gibson’s trademarks.
Civil lawsuits and legal battles
Trump’s legal troubles continue. He faces over half a billion dollars in civil judgments. A New York judge ordered him to pay $450 million for manipulating financial statements. He also owes writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defamation, plus $5 million for sexual abuse. Trump has appealed these cases, but they still hang over him.
As president, Trump can’t pardon himself for these civil cases. Experts believe these ongoing legal battles will demand his attention, making it hard to ignore their impact on his presidency.
Golf resorts: profit and politics
Trump’s golf courses have made him millions. In 2024, they generated $267 million in revenue. The Doral golf club alone brought in $161 million from golf and hotel operations. During his first term, Trump was criticized for using his presidency to promote his resorts. He even tried to host a G7 summit at Doral but dropped the plan amid constitutional concerns.
Trump’s golf courses could also become hotspots for foreign officials and interest groups, raising more questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Mar-a-Lago: political playground and profits
Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Palm Beach resort, is another source of income. Membership fees soared to $1 million. But the price isn’t just steep for members. The U.S. Secret Service has been paying more than $800 per night for room rates when assigned to protect Trump at Mar-a-Lago and other properties.
While Trump makes money from the resort, questions about who he meets with there and what they discuss remain unanswered. A federal ruling in 2020 revealed that the Secret Service has no system to monitor presidential visitors.
Truth Social: Trump’s Media Venture
In 2022, Trump launched Truth Social, a social media platform that allows him to speak freely after being banned from Facebook and Twitter. The company hasn’t shared user numbers, so it’s unclear how far his reach extends.
Trump also has a majority stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, which began trading on NASDAQ in 2023. His shares are valued at around $3.5 billion, significantly boosting his net worth. The platform could prove lucrative if he pushes for favorable regulations.
Cryptocurrency: a new business frontier
Trump is also eyeing the cryptocurrency market. While he once dismissed crypto, he’s now a vocal supporter. He promised to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet” and has even begun accepting crypto donations for his campaign. His sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, are also involved in crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial.
If Trump pushes for crypto-friendly policies, it could significantly boost his business interests. Many of his cabinet picks, including Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, have substantial investments in cryptocurrency.
The bottom line
Trump’s vast business empire and financial connections will undoubtedly intersect with his presidential duties. From his golf courses to licensing deals and legal battles, his financial interests will remain in the spotlight. Whether this affects his decision-making or creates conflicts of interest is something the public and lawmakers will closely watch. His second term may be marked not only by political decisions but by the potential for profit, too.
