A Washington Post analysis shows Trump administration officials and nominees hold at least $193 million in crypto and blockchain assets. The figure spans nearly 70 people, with holdings from small sums to at least $120 million for one appointee.
President Donald Trump reported a personal stake of at least $51 million in digital assets. Vice President JD Vance listed up to $500,000 in Bitcoin. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disclosed between $1 million and $5 million. Ken Howery, ambassador to Denmark, topped the list with at least $122 million.
Trump's financial ties run deep. World Liberty Financial, a DeFi venture owned by his family, is a top income source. The TRUMP meme token briefly hit $8.7 billion before crashing. A token tied to World Liberty Financial fell over 82%.
Since taking office, Trump signed an executive order banning a central bank digital currency and established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve consolidating over 328,000 BTC. He directed the SEC to drop lawsuits against crypto firms, reversing Biden-era policies.
Several officials now regulate the industry they invest in. Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, disclosed $1-2 million in digital currencies and directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to count crypto as assets for mortgages. Multiple Justice Department officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, reported crypto holdings as prosecutors pull back on enforcement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and DNI Tulsi Gabbard said they divested holdings before or shortly after taking office.