# Donald Trump's Unexpected Foray into the Crypto Realm
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Chapter 1: The Unforeseen Shift
Recently, Donald Trump's new venture into the cryptocurrency space sent ripples throughout the industry, especially given his previous disdain for digital currencies.
Trump is known for his unapologetic boldness. He has always been a figure of significant division, with fervent supporters and detractors alike. His fans often view him as a transformative leader, while his critics express their disdain in stark terms. His charisma and marketing prowess are undeniable, and he’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
Despite his history of dismissing cryptocurrencies, I was taken aback when he announced his entry into this market. His initial public remarks were critical, labeling cryptocurrencies as “based on thin air” and a potential disaster.
“I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behaviour, including drug trade and other illegal activity. We have only one real currency in the USA, which is stronger than ever, dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the world and will always stay that way. It is called the United States Dollar!”
Given his prior stance, it was unexpected when he unveiled his NFT project featuring digital trading cards of himself, a nod to being the 45th president. This project includes 45,000 digital collectible cards, a significantly larger supply than most NFT launches, which typically cap around 10,000 tokens.
The success of this venture hinged on creating substantial demand, especially amid a bear market. As soon as the project was announced, his supporters rushed to purchase the digital collectibles, while his critics hoped for its failure.
I was skeptical about its potential success. After two years in the NFT space, I knew the odds were not in his favor, given the oversupply and the current market conditions. Many media outlets echoed this sentiment, even ridiculing the promotional commercial he released.
Chapter 2: A Mixed Reception
The initial response to Trump’s commercial was disbelief and laughter. News anchors pointed out the absurdity of the timing and questioned the effectiveness of such a campaign in a declining NFT market.
In 2021, NFTs experienced a significant boom, captivating a range of creators from artists to musicians. These digital assets, representing ownership or authenticity, gained popularity due to their unique, non-fungible nature. NFTs can encompass anything from digital art to tweets, allowing owners to showcase their support for creators.
Trump's NFT project stands out as a unique collectible. Regardless of political beliefs, it has exceeded expectations, achieving a trading volume of 11,780 Ethereum, equating to approximately $19.5 million. On launch day alone, 44,000 NFTs were sold, with only 5% currently listed for resale, illustrating high demand and engagement.
Final Thoughts
Coming from the UK, I observe American politics from a distance, but it’s clear that Trump has executed a clever strategy. By launching 45,000 tokens and fostering a community around this NFT project, he has created a narrative that could support a presidential campaign.
Each token acts as a contract, offering holders unique experiences, including chances to meet him or receive signed memorabilia. This blend of digital collectibles and personal engagement resonates with his supporters.
While some may view this as a cash grab, considering Trump’s previous skepticism towards digital currencies, I believe it represents a strategic pivot. He embraced the crypto world at a pivotal time, possibly positioning himself for future success.
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