Trump’s company plans Bitcoin ETF, first US president linked to ETF launch

Trump's company TMTG plans to launch the Bitcoin Plus ETF, making him the first U.S. president linked to an ETF, expanding into financial services.

According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, Donald Trump is preparing to introduce the Bitcoin Plus ETF, making him the First U.S. president associated with an ETF launch. Balchunas shared the news on social media, pointing out that while Trump himself won’t directly issue the fund, his company is leading the initiative.

Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (TMTG) has announced an expansion into financial services, unveiling a lineup of investment products, including a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). TMTG, where Trump is the largest shareholder, has filed trademarks under the Truth.Fi brand to cover various ETFs and separately managed accounts (SMAs). Among these products is the Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, designed to provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin.

TMTG has teamed up with Yorkville Advisors, which will act as the registered investment advisor, overseeing regulatory procedures and structuring the investment products. The company has also committed up to $250 million toward its financial services expansion, with Charles Schwab as the custodian. This investment accounts for over 35% of TMTG’s reported $700 million cash reserves.

Other investment offerings under the Truth.Fi brand include the Made in America ETF, the U.S. Energy Independence ETF, and separately managed accounts focusing on Bitcoin and U.S. industries.

Bloomberg’s Balchunas emphasized that this is the first time a former U.S. president is associated with an ETF launch, though neither Trump nor the government will be directly issuing the funds.

TMTG Chairman and CEO Devin Nunes described the company’s new financial products as an alternative to mainstream asset management firms. He highlighted a focus on Bitcoin, saying the goal is to provide investment options in American energy, manufacturing, and other industries as a response to traditional funds that, according to him, promote “woke” policies and financial restrictions.

The launch of Bitcoin ETFs comes as the crypto industry experiences growing institutional interest following last year’s approval of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. Data from Farside Investors reveals that U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs have accumulated nearly $40.7 billion in net inflows within just over a year.

Despite the buzz, analysts believe that Trump’s ETF will likely be smaller compared to BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC, which dominate the market. However, experts agree that its launch further solidifies Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance.

ETF Store President Nate Geraci also commented on the move, noting the increasing intersection between ETFs and the crypto sector.