14 Jan 2026
30m

How much money President Trump and his family have made

Podcast cover

Planet Money

The podcast examines how Donald Trump and his family have profited during his second term as president, estimating their gains at nearly $4 billion. This sum includes earnings from foreign hotel deals, merchandise, and crypto ventures, all seemingly boosted by Trump's presidential status. A key point is the shift from Trump's first term when foreign deals were avoided, to the second term where they are embraced. Examples include a Trump hotel in Vietnam receiving expedited treatment and lucrative deals in the Persian Gulf. The discussion also covers how Trump has used campaign money for legal defense and the profits from Truth Social. Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, provides historical context, arguing that Trump's level of profit-making while in office is unprecedented in U.S. history, likening it to practices seen in dictatorships.

Outlines

Part 1: Context, Methodology, and Scale

Part 2: Revenue Streams and Global Ventures

Part 3: Crypto Assets and Digital Profits

Part 4: Ethics, Policy, and Outlook

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