Trump Family Deals Raise Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest

The Trump family's real estate and cryptocurrency ventures have expanded rapidly during the president's second term, sparking questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:06pm

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A fractured, overlapping geometric painting depicting the silhouette of a businessman against a backdrop of skyscrapers, representing the blurred lines between private business interests and public policy decisions.The Trump family's global business expansion during the former president's second term has raised ethical concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the compromising of public policy.Washington Today

The Trump family's real estate and cryptocurrency businesses have undergone a major expansion during President Trump's second term, with deals in countries like Qatar, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia. These deals have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as the Trump family's business interests could shape the administration's policies on issues like tariffs, military aid, and access to advanced technology. The Trump Organization denies any ethical problems, but government ethics experts argue the conflicts are unprecedented and dangerous to democracy.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of the Trump family's business ventures during the president's second term raises serious questions about whether the administration's policies are being influenced by the family's financial interests. This could undermine public trust in the government and set a dangerous precedent for future presidents to profit from their time in office.

The details

The Trump Organization has struck eight deals in foreign countries since the start of Trump's second term, including a golf club and villa project in Qatar, a resort in Vietnam, and a planned 'Trump Plaza' in Saudi Arabia. While the company claims it is not doing business directly with foreign governments, experts argue that in authoritarian states, the government often takes an active role in such deals. The Trump family has also expanded into the cryptocurrency market, with ventures that have brought in billions of dollars but raised questions about potential preferential treatment for big investors. Additionally, the Trumps have taken stakes in companies that do business with the federal government, including an armed drone maker and a rocket motor manufacturer.

  • In Trump's first term, the Trump Organization did zero deals in foreign countries.
  • In a little over a year into his second term, the Trump Organization has done eight deals in foreign countries.
  • Days before the inauguration, the Trump family sold nearly half of its World Liberty Financial crypto business to a UAE government-linked company for $500 million.
  • Shortly after, the Trump administration reversed a Biden-era restriction and granted the UAE access to advanced US chips.
  • In January 2027, Trump told The New York Times that when it comes to potential conflicts of interest, 'I found out that nobody cared, and I'm allowed to.'

The players

Eric Trump

One of the leaders of the Trump family's real estate business, which has undergone a major expansion during his father's second term.

Donald Trump Jr.

The other leader of the Trump family's real estate business, who has also invested in companies that do business with the federal government.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whose family's business ventures have raised concerns about conflicts of interest during his second term in office.

Changpeng Zhao

The founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who received a pardon from President Trump despite pleading guilty to failing to stop criminals from using his platform.

Justin Sun

A cryptocurrency billionaire who invested $75 million in Trump-related cryptocurrency tokens, which would be banned under US law from making political donations to US politicians.

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What they’re saying

“'I don't think there's any line right now between policy decisions and political calculations and the interest of the Trump family.'”

— Julian Zelizer, Presidential historian at Princeton University

“'Whatever constraints there were in the first term appear to have completely disappeared. Do you want future presidents to be open to the highest bidder?'”

— Timothy Naftali, Historian at Columbia University

“'The implication that politics has enriched the Trump family is unfounded.'”

— Anna Kelly, Spokesperson for the White House

What’s next

The Trump administration's policies on issues like tariffs, military aid, and access to advanced technology will continue to be scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest with the Trump family's business dealings. Government ethics experts and historians warn that the precedent set by the Trump family could have lasting consequences for future presidents.

The takeaway

The rapid expansion of the Trump family's business ventures during the president's second term has raised unprecedented concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for a sitting president to profit from their time in office. This case highlights the need for stronger ethical guidelines and oversight to prevent future presidents from using their position to enrich themselves and their families.