Before returning to the White House as the 47th President, Donald Trump was openly critical of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In 2019, he called BTC “not money” and “highly volatile,” warning against Facebook’s digital currency plans. He repeatedly emphasized the dominance of the U.S. dollar, dismissing crypto as “thin air” and a potential scam.

Even during the 2021 Bitcoin bull run, Trump reinforced his skepticism, describing Bitcoin as a “scam” and advocating for the dollar’s supremacy in global finance.

Entering the NFT and Crypto World

Trump’s perspective on digital assets began shifting after his post-presidential ventures into NFTs. His wife Melania initially announced a Solana-based NFT collection, though Trump himself remained wary. By 2022, however, he launched his own NFT series on Ethereum’s Polygon network, which sold out quickly and generated millions in revenue.

This success, according to Trump, changed his view on cryptocurrencies, especially as collectors paid in digital assets rather than fiat, revealing the real-world utility of crypto.

Meme Coins and DeFi Projects

Ahead of his 2025 inauguration, Trump introduced the TRUMP token on the Solana network, which briefly reached a $14 billion market cap before settling at $1.5 billion. The token demonstrated the growing appetite for celebrity-backed digital assets.

Trump also unveiled the DeFi platform World Liberty Financial, aimed at offering borrowing and lending services for crypto users. Despite a slow initial token sale, the project later sold out and launched its own stablecoin on Ethereum and Binance’s BNB Chain.

Strategic Bitcoin Initiatives

Trump further solidified his crypto credentials by announcing a strategic Bitcoin stockpile for the U.S., marking a historic first for any sitting or former president. In addition, Trump Media & Technology Group successfully raised $2.4 billion for its Bitcoin treasury, combining stock offerings and secure notes, with institutional investors participating heavily.

The president also took steps to integrate Bitcoin and other digital assets into mainstream platforms, collaborating with Crypto.com for ETFs and treasury projects, signaling a broader institutional embrace of crypto under his administration.

Pro-Crypto Team and Policy Moves

Trump’s crypto-friendly team includes notable figures such as Bitcoin bull Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, now holding key government positions. Policy-wise, the administration has repealed previous crypto restrictions, including the IRS DeFi broker rule, and prohibited debanking of crypto-related companies.

His pro-crypto stance extends beyond legislation: he has hosted exclusive events for NFT and meme coin holders, reinforcing his commitment to fostering community engagement within the digital asset space.

Public Reception and Crypto Culture

Trump’s embrace of digital assets has sparked both support and criticism. Silicon Valley investors praise his pro-innovation stance, while critics argue his ventures may pose conflicts of interest. Symbolic gestures, like the golden Trump Bitcoin statue in Washington D.C., highlight his deep integration with the crypto culture.

From purchasing burgers with Bitcoin to launching multiple NFT collections and meme coins, Trump’s journey from skeptic to crypto-first president reflects the growing legitimacy of digital assets in U.S. politics.

Looking Ahead

With a clear pro-crypto agenda, Trump aims to make the U.S. a leading hub for digital assets, integrating Bitcoin, stablecoins, NFTs, and DeFi projects into national policy. His administration may influence global crypto adoption trends, shaping the landscape for investors, regulators, and blockchain innovators alike.

Trump’s transformation—from dismissing Bitcoin as a scam to becoming the first crypto-forward U.S. president—underscores the accelerating acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance and governance.