Is Donald Trump really going to make the White House a huge, pixelated casino? It certainly feels that way. The former president is apparently releasing a Trump-themed, crypto-infused real estate video game—Monopoly Go! with MAGA bustedness. This news, which ought to send shivers down the spines of anyone worried about ethical governance, is especially alarming given the prospect of him returning to office.
Crypto Czar or Crypto Crony?
Let's be blunt: Trump's embrace of crypto isn't about technological innovation or empowering the little guy. It's about profit, pure and simple. And the reality that he’s even thinking about appointing an “AI & Crypto Czar” is enough to raise concern that abuse is highly likely. Are we really expected to believe that this Czar will be objective? After all, the very man who appointed him is still out there pushing crypto projects.
The unexpected connection here is clear: this isn't just about a former president cashing in. It's about the very real possibility of a sitting president manipulating markets and policy to benefit his own financial interests. You might think that's hyperbole, but consider this: what's stopping a President Trump from pushing legislation that artificially inflates the value of the tokens used in his game? What’s preventing him from just using his platform to pump the price, safe in the knowledge that his legion of loyal followers will all buy in without question?
Family First, Nation Second?
It's not just Trump himself. It’s no surprise because the entire Trump family appears to be crypto crazy. Eric and Don Jr. are jumping into Bitcoin mining firms and lots of other new industries. This has led to a dangerous blurring of lines between the Trump Organization and the crypto world. This has resulted in a web of conflicts so interwoven it’s woven into almost mythical knots.
Asking the tough questions If Trump does win the presidency again, how will he be able to make impartial decisions regarding crypto regulation? His own sons have a direct financial stake in the industry, which further complicates things. Would he have the gall to crack down on scams and market manipulation if it were hurting his family’s bottom line? Or, when push came to shove, would he serve their interests—as demonstrated by his family’s wealth—above those of the American people? The anxiety this creates is palpable. We’re not talking about using power for enrichment, personally or politically—corruption on that level is not even unusual.
SEC Sleeping While Rome Burns?
The SEC’s current approach to regulatory enforcement for crypto, though flawed, at least tries to bring some level of transparency and protection. What happens under a Trump presidency? The alternative is that the SEC will be neutered, its resources drained, its mandate hollowed out. Or will Gary Gensler be replaced by someone who is more sympathetic to Trump’s crypto ambitions?
We have to ask the tough questions. Would a future Trump administration be able to effectively waive enforcement action against crypto projects connected to the Trump family order? Might they seek to actively cover up fraud or market manipulation in the cash market? This issue is more than the ongoing price consolidation of Bitcoin under $84,000 — it’s a matter of the integrity of our financial system.
Bill Zanker, the mastermind behind the Trump meme coin and NFT grants program, is tooting this video game successor. Might this be an indication that Trump is trying to use this same network to supercharge his own crypto endeavors? We definitely think it’s a possibility!
Now, hold on just a second — I’m not saying that Trump’s crypto shenanigans are a sure sign that he’s planning to leverage the presidency to fill his coffers. The power that exists in it is profoundly dangerous. These are the kind of questions we need to be asking, requiring transparency and accountability from our elected officials. Otherwise, we may see the White House turn into a really well-funded toy for the ultra-rich. In that world, the actual rules wouldn’t really matter, and corruption and conflicts of interest might simply be a fact of life. This is no longer just a political consideration, it is a question of protecting our economic future and that of our children and grandchildren. And don’t let your awe over Trump’s position blind you to the fact that this is prime territory for corruption.
