Economist warns Trump family's $5B crypto empire could trigger ‘grifter bailout’

On Sep. 1, World Liberty Financial, the crypto project backed by President Donald Trump and his family, made its native token, WLFI, available for trading.

And the Trump family pocketed billions of dollars.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the family amassed as much as $5 billion on paper on WLFI's public debut. They control approximately 22.5 billion WLFI tokens, with Trump himself holding nearly 15.75 billion tokens.

In fact, the value of the Trump family's crypto portfolio now surpasses that of their real estate empire.

Related: What is Crypto? Cryptocurrency explained

Crypto industry trying to manufacture 'suckers'

MSNBC news presenter Ari Melber remarked on his Sep. 4 show that though Trump had claimed his wealth would put him above the "usual pressures" on politicians, his actions are exactly opposite. He is exploiting his elected power to mandate policy that benefits his family in a "conflict of interest," he added.

Justin Wolfers, economics professor at the University of Michigan and host of "Think Like an Economist" podcast, joined the show and said it's not good for the taxpayers and the general public.

These are the most prominent crypto projects that make up the Trump family's crypto empire, he underlined:

• WLFI
• USD1 stablecoin
• Trump and Melania meme coins

Wolfers said Trump is "putting a thumb on the scale" for the crypto industry.

"It's very important because this is an industry which is trying to manufacture suckers."

'Privatize the gains and socialize the losses'

Though the industry is trying to offer its investments to working- and middle-class Americans, it might turn out to be a "bubble" when things so south, Wolfers warned. Though those making these "outrageous gambles" are expected to suffer the losses in such a scenario, he thinks the oldest trick in the playbook might be deployed:

"You privatize the gains and socialize the losses."

With a personal stake of $5 billion, Trump has an incentive to offer a "pure grifter bailout" to protect very few American families invested in crypto, he added.

US President Donald Trump (C), flanked by his sons Eric Trump (R) and Donald Trump Jr. (L) cuts the ribbon on the first tee to officially open the Trump International Golf Links course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, north east Scotland on July 29, 2025. Though we haven't yet reached there, people are already investing in crypto based on the understanding that Trump would do everything to keep this "grift" going, the professor said.

More News:

• Massive liquidations hit Trump family’s WLFI token on Labor Day launch
• Inside Trump’s World Liberty Financial USD1 stablecoin plans
• Binance founder applies for presidential pardon

Wolfers questions Binance's ties to Trump

Though Trump earlier used to refer to crypto as a "scam," his views have taken a 180° turn since coming to power.

Story ContinuesWolfers took the viewers back to when Trump was among the few celebrities who cashed out a 13-cent check sent by the Spy magazine several decades back.

"If he'll take half an hour out of his day for $0.13, imagine what he's going to do for $5 billion."

The crypto exchange Binance's association with the World Liberty Financial's USD1 stablecoin was also highlighted by the professor as he pointed out that the exchange's former CEO Changpeng Zhao "CZ" is seeking the presidential pardon. However, Wolfers made an incorrect claim that CZ was still behind the bar.

Elizabeth Warren slams Trump's crypto 'corruption'

When the latest WSJ report came out, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called it **"**corruption, plain and simple."

Warren has consistently criticized Trump's crypto ventures for "conflict of interest."

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Sep 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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