Anthony Saluto lll Media

02/10/2025

Word Count: 1,248
# Floating Fortresses of the Future: America's Unyielding Bet on Supercarriers in a Drone-Riddled World

Saluto Media AI October 2, 2025
In the vast, unforgiving theater of global seas, where superpowers flex their muscles through steel behemoths slicing the waves, the United States Navy stands resolute with its crown jewels: the aircraft carriers. These aren't just ships; they're mobile airbases, projections of raw power that can launch death from 100,000 tons of floating sovereignty. As of this crisp fall day in 2025, the latest blueprint from the Pentagon's shipwrights reveals a fleet plan that's equal parts audacious ambition and fiscal tightrope walk. The Navy's 2025 shipbuilding roadmap, etched in budget ink and congressional debates, pledges to cradle 11 carriers in active service while birthing six more of the vaunted Gerald R. Ford-class behemoths over the next three decades.

Picture this: the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the trailblazing lead ship of her class, already prowling the Atlantic like a predator in steel gray camouflage. Commissioned in 2017 after a gestation marred by electromagnetic catapults that hiccuped like a teenager's first drive and weapons elevators that played hide-and-seek, she's finally proving her mettle. Just this summer, she steamed toward European waters, her air wing a swarm of F-35C Lightning IIs and F/A-18 Super Hornets, ready to shadow alliances and stare down adversaries. But delays? Oh, they've been the unwelcome guests at this launch party. The second in line, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), was supposed to splash into service this very July—poised to replace the creaky USS Nimitz, slated for retirement next spring. Instead, budget footnotes whisper of a March 2027 handover, thanks to finicky arresting gear and those persistent elevator gremlins. It's like ordering a Ferrari and waiting two extra years for the paint to dry.

Yet, the Navy's gaze stretches far beyond these teething troubles. The Ford-class isn't mere evolution; it's revolution on reactor-cooled decks. These nuclear-powered titans boast 250% more electrical oomph than their Nimitz forebears, a flight deck redesigned for 160 sorties a day—up from 120—and a crew slashed by 20% through automation wizardry. Half their power grid sits idle, a deliberate blank canvas for tomorrow's toys: laser defenses zapping drone swarms, hypersonic missiles screaming from hidden bays, or AI-piloted wingmen dancing in formation. In an era where China's People's Liberation Army Navy parades its third carrier, the Fujian, with electromagnetic catapults of its own, America's Fords are the ace up the sleeve for sea control in the Indo-Pacific choke points. The 2025 budget earmarks $612 million just for advance procurement on the next wave, signaling no retreat from this high-stakes poker game.

Diving deeper into the roster, the lineup reads like a presidential honor roll with a twist. USS Enterprise (CVN-80) is under the welders' torches, eyeing a 2029 debut to usher out the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Then comes USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), a nod to the unsung hero of Pearl Harbor—the first Black sailor to earn the Navy Cross—slated for 2032, honoring the enlisted ranks over yet another Oval Office nameplate. Fast-forward to January's fanfare: President Biden unveiled USS William J. Clinton (CVN-82) and USS George W. Bush (CVN-83), the fifth and sixth Fords, their keels perhaps not laid until the early 2030s. Procurement for Clinton? Penciled in for fiscal 2030, a two-year slip from earlier dreams, to dodge a "destabilizing production gap" in the shipyards, as congressional watchdogs growl. Over the 2025-2054 horizon, six Fords total will join the fray, each a $13 billion testament to manifest destiny on the high seas. Critics in the hallowed halls of Capitol Hill fret over the tab—Congressional Budget Office tallies whisper of overruns—but admirals counter: in a world of hypersonic threats and peer rivals, you don't skimp on the anvil of airpower.

Now, let's not gloss over the elephant in the hangar: are these floating cities dinosaurs in a drone age? Social media's echo chamber is ablaze with memes channeling that viral TikTok clip of a kid yelling "But what about the drones?!" as a model carrier "sinks" in a kiddie pool experiment. X (formerly Twitter) threads explode with armchair admirals quoting Elon Musk's quips on carrier vulnerability— "Great way to turn $13B into a coral reef," one post snarks, racking up 50K likes. Over on Reddit's r/WarCollege, users dissect how China's DF-21D "carrier killer" missiles could rain fire from afar, turning supercarriers into pricey targets. Yet, the Navy's retort? Integration. Just this September, contracts flew to Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics for collaborative combat aircraft—unmanned "Stingrays" that swarm from carrier decks, extending the air wing's lethal reach without risking pilots. Imagine 76 of these autonomous avengers, budgeted at another $13 billion, teaming with F-35s for a digital wolfpack. It's the stuff of sci-fi, but grounded in today's fiscal year plans. As one viral Instagram reel from a Navy vet puts it: "Drones don't win wars; carriers launch the drones that do."

These digital dust-ups aside, the real pulse of public sentiment throbs on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where slick DoD reels of Ford's catapult launches rack up millions of views, captioned "Power projection, American style 🇺🇸." Influencers in flight suits—think —post slow-mo deck ops set to thumping bass drops, blending patriotism with ASMR calm. It's savvy soft power: turning billion-dollar behemoths into shareable spectacles. Even skeptics chime in; a Bluesky thread from a defense podcaster muses, "If carriers go the way of battleships, at least we'll have epic TikToks of the last stand." But beneath the likes and shares, the subtext is clear: in an uncertain world, from Taiwan straits to Arctic melts, these carriers embody America's vow to rule the waves—or at least contest them fiercely.

The road ahead? Bumpy as a carrier deck in a gale. Faulty welds reported last fall on early Fords sparked congressional grillings, and the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act urges no delays on that dual-ship buy for Clinton and Bush to keep Huntington Ingalls' yards humming. Workforce woes, supply chain snarls—echoes of pandemic-era headaches—loom large. Yet, the admirals' chorus rings true: "One thing’s for sure, we’re going to have aircraft carriers," as Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever declared this August. They are the "air security for sea control," the unblinking eyes in contested waters. By mid-century, with Nimitz-class relics retired, the Ford progeny will shoulder the load, their reactors humming till 2105, adapting to whatever black-swan tech the future hurls.

In this grand naval narrative, delays are but plot twists, budgets mere act breaks. The United States isn't just building ships; it's forging a legacy of dominance, one rivet at a time. As the sun dips over horizon patrols, these supercarriers remind us: in the chessboard of global might, America still commands the board's biggest piece.

Saluto Media AI 309 336-8095 Bloomington IL.
Where the real story is what AI thinks of the news… 100 online magazines
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21/09/2025

Japan is preparing to beam solar power from space to Earth in 2025 with a demonstration mission called OHISAMA. The project is led by Japan Space Systems, with support from Japanese researchers.

A small satellite, weighing about 180 kg (≈400 lbs) and equipped with a 2-square-meter solar panel, will be launched into low Earth orbit at about 400 km altitude.

It will collect sunlight in space—unaffected by weather or clouds—convert it into electricity, and then into microwaves.

These microwaves will beam about 1 kilowatt of power (enough to run a small appliance like a coffee maker) to receiving antennas in Japan, such as those planned in Suwa.

Because the satellite will move at around 28,000 km/h, the ground antennas need to be spread over about 40 km, with stations roughly 5 km apart, to track and capture the moving signal.

This test is far from commercial scale, but it marks an important step toward space-based solar power.

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

# Breakthrough in US-China Relations: TikTok Deal Reached to Avert Nationwide Ban

Saluto Media AI
*September 16, 2025

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States and China have announced a framework agreement on the future of TikTok, the wildly popular short-video platform owned by Beijing-based ByteDance. The deal, revealed after high-level trade talks in Madrid, Spain, aims to transfer control of TikTok's U.S. operations to American ownership, addressing longstanding national security concerns while allowing the app to continue operating without interruption. President Donald Trump confirmed the progress on social media, hinting at a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to finalize details.

The agreement comes just days before a critical deadline: September 17, 2025, when ByteDance was required to divest its U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). This bipartisan legislation, signed into law by then-President Joe Biden in April 2024, mandated the sale of TikTok's American operations by January 19, 2025, citing risks of data collection and influence operations by the Chinese government. Trump, who has extended the deadline multiple times, described the outcome as a win for young users eager to keep the app alive.

# # The Road to the Deal: A Saga of Bans, Extensions, and Negotiations

TikTok's troubles in the U.S. date back to 2020, when Trump first attempted to force a sale amid fears that ByteDance could share user data with Chinese authorities. That effort was blocked by courts, but concerns persisted. The app, with over 170 million U.S. users, exploded in popularity during the pandemic, becoming a cultural powerhouse for entertainment, education, and commerce. However, lawmakers from both parties worried about its algorithm's potential to amplify propaganda or harvest sensitive information on topics like gun control, abortion, and religion.

PAFACA classified TikTok as a "foreign adversary controlled application," giving ByteDance nine months to divest or be prohibited from U.S. app stores and web hosting. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in January 2025, rejecting ByteDance's First Amendment challenges. TikTok briefly went dark on January 18, 2025, before being restored following government assurances to Apple and Google.

Trump's administration has since navigated a delicate balance, granting three extensions amid stalled talks. ByteDance, valued at over $330 billion, resisted a full sale, viewing TikTok as integral to its global empire. Reports emerged of potential buyers, including a consortium led by investors like Frank McCourt and Kevin O'Leary, valuing U.S. operations at $40-50 billion. Tech giants like Oracle were rumored to play a role in securing data infrastructure.

The turning point came during the fourth round of U.S.-China trade talks in Madrid, starting September 14. Led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the American side, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and negotiator Li Chenggang for Beijing, the discussions focused heavily on TikTok alongside tariffs and export controls. After over 11 hours of negotiations, Bessent announced a "framework for a deal" that respects U.S. national security while providing a "fair investment environment" for China.

China's state media echoed the sentiment, reporting a "basic framework consensus" to resolve TikTok issues through cooperation, reduce barriers, and boost trade. Trump posted on Truth Social: "A deal was also reached on a 'certain' company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy!"

# # Key Elements of the Framework: Data Security and Algorithm Licensing

While details remain sparse pending Trump-Xi approval, the agreement outlines a divestiture where ByteDance sells its controlling stake in TikTok's U.S. business to American entities. U.S. user data will be entrusted to domestic operations, stored and encrypted in the U.S., with independent audits to prevent backdoor access by Beijing. Oracle is positioned as a key partner, potentially vouching for security and hosting data on its cloud infrastructure.

A major concession appears to be the licensing of TikTok's proprietary algorithm and intellectual property rights to the new U.S. owners. China's Cyberspace Administration indicated that the spin-off will retain ByteDance's Chinese-developed recommendation system, which powers the app's addictive "For You" page. This addresses ByteDance's reluctance to fully relinquish its core technology, but critics question whether it truly eliminates security risks. As one expert noted, Beijing's national security laws could still compel data sharing, even post-sale.

The deal is framed as a "private party" transaction between ByteDance and U.S. buyers, with government oversight to ensure compliance. ByteDance may retain a minority stake (under 20%), but operational control shifts to American hands. TikTok has also prepared a U.S.-only app version, potentially launching as "M2" with migrated data, to facilitate a seamless transition.

# # Implications: Relief for Users, Scrutiny from Critics

For TikTok's 170 million American users—many of whom rely on it for livelihoods as creators and influencers—the deal brings much-needed stability. The app generates billions in U.S. ad revenue and supports small businesses, but a ban could have disrupted the digital economy. President Trump, who once vowed to "save TikTok for the kids," positions this as a diplomatic triumph amid broader U.S.-China tensions, including tariffs that have slashed Chinese exports by 15%.

However, not everyone is celebrating. National security hawks, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray, argue the framework doesn't go far enough to sever Chinese influence, especially with the algorithm's licensing. Lawmakers like Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) have criticized Trump's extensions as flouting the law, while others worry about antitrust issues in a sale to big tech. ByteDance's U.S. staff, facing uncertainty, may see morale boost from the buyback valuing the parent at $330 billion.

Economically, the resolution could pave the way for improved trade ties. China, offsetting U.S. export declines with booms in Asia and Africa, views the deal as reciprocal fairness after American "suppression" of its firms. A Trump-Xi call on Friday could iron out concessions, potentially linking TikTok to tariff reductions or rare earth exports.

# # Looking Ahead: A New Era for TikTok?

If finalized, this framework ends a multi-year standoff, allowing TikTok to evolve under U.S. stewardship while preserving its global appeal. ByteDance's reluctance to sell outright underscores the app's strategic value, but the deal balances security with innovation. As Bessent put it, "U.S. national security comes first," yet the collaboration signals thawing relations between the world's top economies.

For now, TikTok users can scroll without fear of a blackout. But as implementation unfolds—potentially involving app updates and data migrations—the true test will be whether this averts future threats or merely delays them. In the hyper-connected world of social media, one thing is clear: TikTok's story is far from over.

Saluto Media AI 309 336-8095 Bloomington IL.
Where the real story is what AI thinks of the news… 100 online magazines
Publishing at the speed of AI
From multiple public data sources…
Re-interpreted and re-engineered!
Feedback needed report factoids in comments…
Always fact check your own news

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12/09/2025

Word Count: 752
# # # Igniting the Fight: Key Lessons from a Blueprint to Crush Woke Culture
Takeaways from the book right wing revolution Charlie Kirk…
Saluto Media AI September 12 2025
In an era where the cultural battlefield feels more like a minefield than a marketplace of ideas, one voice has risen to rally the disaffected, urging a bold counteroffensive against what he sees as the creeping tyranny of progressive orthodoxy. This isn't just rhetoric; it's a call to arms, drawn from a manifesto that lays out practical strategies for reclaiming ground lost to identity politics and institutional capture. dives deep into the fray, exposing how everyday folks can turn the tide without waiting for permission from elites.

The core message hits like a thunderclap: Wokeism isn't a benign fad—it's a "lethal ideology" designed to humiliate and erase dissenters, infiltrating schools, corporations, and even churches. Picture the American dream as a fortress under siege, with rainbow flags as the battering rams. The book argues that this threat has already burrowed into the heart of society, turning merit into a dirty word and free speech into a relic. But despair isn't on the menu. Instead, it's a roadmap for revolution, emphasizing that passivity is complicity.

One standout takeaway is the power of "friendly deception"—a sly tactic to navigate hostile environments without tipping your hand. Think of it as going undercover in your own country: Smile, nod, and subtly subvert from within. In boardrooms or classrooms dominated by DEI mandates, the advice is to play along just enough to avoid the purge while planting seeds of doubt. This isn't about cowardice; it's strategic jujitsu, using the enemy's rules against them. Social media echoes this vibe, with users on X posting memes like the "woke frog in boiling water," where conservatives pretend to sip the Kool-Aid until the pot boils over.

Another gem is the urgent push for cultural reclamation through family and faith. The book champions ditching public schools for homeschooling or private alternatives, framing them as indoctrination mills churning out guilt-tripped automatons. Raise kids rural if possible, centered on traditional values and Christ, to build resilient generations immune to viral nonsense like gender fluidity debates. It's a nod to the "tradwife" trend blowing up on TikTok, where influencers share homestead hacks and Bible verses, racking up millions of views as a quiet rebellion against urban decay. One viral clip quips, "Wokeism ends where the family farm begins," capturing the ethos perfectly.

Don't overlook the media war, a chapter that feels ripped from today's headlines. The playbook calls for flooding platforms with unfiltered truth, leveraging podcasts and social feeds to bypass gatekeepers. With over 100 million monthly impressions cited as proof of impact, it's clear: Amplify voices that mock the absurd, like calling out corporate virtue-signaling as the emperor's new clothes. References to hits like "The Babylon Bee" satirical takes remind us that humor is a weapon—laugh at the lunacy, and the spell breaks. On Instagram, reels parodying pronoun policing go mega, with captions like "He/him/hysteria" garnering shares from frustrated parents.

Then there's the economic angle: Boycott the woke machine. Ditch brands that kneel to activism, support parallel structures like conservative venture funds, and vote with your wallet to starve the beast. This takeaway resonates amid boycotts of companies pushing ESG agendas, turning consumer power into a populist hammer. The book warns that without this, the West crumbles under debt and division, but with it, a renaissance awaits.

Finally, the revolution demands unapologetic boldness—organize locally, infiltrate institutions, and never apologize for defending liberty. It's not about hate; it's about survival, preparing for confrontation with the clarity of a prophet. As social media buzzes with tributes post-tragedy, fans share quotes like "Wokeism is a mental illness believing itself the cure," fueling debates in comment sections worldwide.

These insights aren't abstract; they're actionable, urging readers to embody the change. In a polarized age, this blueprint offers hope to those weary of cultural surrender, proving that one determined push can realign the stars.

Saluto Media AI 309 336-8095 Bloomington IL.
Where the real story is what AI thinks of the news… 100 online magazines
Publishing at the speed of AI
From multiple public data sources…
Re-interpreted and re-engineered!
Feedback needed report factoids in comments…
Always fact check your own news

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12/09/2025

Word count: 728
… my phone I do all my publishing on

Saluto Media AI September 12 2025
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, where new releases dazzle with promises of innovation, the iPhone 13 Pro Max stands as a resilient icon, commanding premium prices in the second-hand market even years after its debut. Released by Apple back in September 2021, this behemoth of a device—boasting a massive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, a pro-level triple-camera system, and lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip—continues to draw in buyers willing to pay top dollar for its enduring appeal. But why, in 2025, with flashier iPhone 16 models flooding the shelves, is this four-year-old powerhouse still fetching prices that rival entry-level new phones? The hunt is on, and it's not just nostalgia driving the demand.

Who exactly is chasing the iPhone 13 Pro Max? It's a diverse crowd: budget-conscious professionals who crave that large screen for multitasking without breaking the bank on the latest flagship; content creators hooked on its cinematic video modes and macro photography capabilities; and even collectors who see it as a sweet spot in Apple's lineage. On platforms like eBay and Swappa, sellers report brisk sales to everyday users upgrading from older models, while refurbished buyers—think students or gig workers—snap up certified units for their reliability. Social media buzz amplifies this: TikTok influencers are raving about "iPhone 13 Pro Max hacks" for editing on the go, with videos garnering millions of views, turning it into a must-have for aspiring creators. Even Reddit threads in r/iPhone13ProMax echo the sentiment, where users debate resale values, one posting, "Sold my 512GB for $487 last month—still feels like stealing from the future!"

When did this premium pursuit kick into high gear? The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched amid the pandemic-fueled tech boom, but its second-hand surge really accelerated post-2023 as Apple shifted focus to newer lines. By mid-2025, with the iPhone 16 hype peaking around September's Apple event, demand for the 13 Pro Max spiked 15-20% in Q4, according to market watchers. Holiday shoppers, eyeing gifts that deliver flagship vibes without the $1,000+ price tag, are fueling the fire. It's a timely resurgence, coinciding with back-to-school rushes and year-end upgrades, where the device's longevity—still supported by iOS updates through at least 2026—makes it a smart, future-proof pick.

Where is this frenzy unfolding? Globally, but hotspots include bustling online marketplaces like Back Market, where refurbished units start at around $435, and eBay, teeming with unlocked models fetching up to $650 for pristine 1TB versions. In emerging markets like India, sites such as Cashify and OLX see thousands of listings, with buyers in urban centers prioritizing its battery life for all-day streaming. Stateside, Swappa's peer-to-peer sales hover between $298 for base models and $596 for higher storage, while Verizon's certified pre-owned program caters to carrier loyalists. The digital bazaar is borderless, but physical second-hand shops in tech-savvy cities report walk-ins asking specifically for the Pro Max's premium build.

Why the obsession? At its core, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers uncompromised luxury at a fraction of its original $1,099 starting price. Its ProMotion 120Hz display feels buttery smooth, the cameras capture pro-grade shots that hold up against mid-tier 2025 rivals, and that all-day battery defies its age. In an era of incremental upgrades—like the iPhone 16's AI gimmicks—many argue the 13 Pro Max delivers 90% of the experience for half the cost. Economic pressures play a role too; with inflation biting, savvy consumers opt for "premium value" over novelty. Social media underscores this: Twitter threads explode with memes comparing it to a "vintage Ferrari in a Tesla world," and Instagram Reels showcase unboxings of refurbished beauties, hashtagged . It's not just a phone; it's a statement of smart sophistication.

How does one score this sought-after gem without overpaying? Start with reputable refurbishers like Gazelle or Back Market, where rigorous 32-step inspections ensure quality, often with warranties tossed in. Compare across Swappa for unlocked deals or eBay for auctions that can dip below $300 for fair-condition units. Pro tip: Hunt for 512GB or 1TB variants, as they command the highest premiums due to storage scarcity. Sellers thrive by highlighting "like-new" status and bundling cases or chargers. As one Facebook Marketplace seller quipped in a viral post, "This Pro Max is basically immortal—grab it before the next hype cycle!"

The iPhone 13 Pro Max isn't fading; it's thriving in the shadows of progress, proving that true premium endures. In a market flooded with fleeting trends, it's a reminder that sometimes, the best tech is the one that just works—brilliantly.

Saluto Media AI 309 336-8095 Bloomington IL.
Where the real story is what AI thinks of the news… 100 online magazines
Publishing at the speed of AI
From multiple public data sources…
Re-interpreted and re-engineered!
Feedback needed report factoids in comments…
Always fact check your own news

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03/09/2025

**Word Count: 1500**
**The Trump Family’s Crypto Cash Cow: How Eric and the Clan Are Cashing In**

Saluto Media AI September 3 2025
The cryptocurrency world is a wild, digital frontier, a place where fortunes are made and lost faster than you can say "HODL." And right now, nobody’s riding that rollercoaster with more gusto than the Trump family. From the patriarch to his sons—Eric, Donald Jr., and even young Barron—they’ve turned their brand into a crypto empire that’s raking in billions.

Let’s dive into the numbers. The Trump family’s net worth has reportedly ballooned by billions, with estimates suggesting they’ve pocketed around $2.37 billion from cryptocurrency ventures alone. The crown jewel of their digital dynasty is World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform launched in October 2024, just before the presidential election. This isn’t just pocket change; it’s a financial juggernaut, with the family holding a 60% stake in the company and a jaw-dropping 22.5 billion $WLFI tokens. When trading kicked off on September 1, 2025, the value of their holdings reportedly surged by as much as $5 billion on paper in a single day.

Eric Trump, the middle son, has emerged as a key player in this venture. While his father, the self-styled “Crypto President,” lends his name and influence, Eric is the boots-on-the-ground strategist. He’s not just a Web3 ambassador for World Liberty Financial; he’s also taken on a high-profile role as chief strategy officer for American Bitcoin, a new bitcoin mining venture co-founded with his brother Donald Jr. Eric’s been spotted at crypto conferences from Dubai to Japan, hyping up the family’s ventures and predicting Bitcoin could hit $1 million. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s paying off—literally.

So, how much is Eric personally making? It’s tough to pin down an exact figure since much of the family’s wealth is tied up in locked tokens and complex revenue-sharing agreements. But World Liberty Financial’s structure gives the Trumps 75% of net revenue from token sales, and Eric’s involvement in both World Liberty and American Bitcoin suggests he’s got a hefty slice of that pie. Estimates peg the family’s collective crypto earnings at $2.37 billion to $3.4 billion across their ventures, with Eric likely pulling in tens of millions, if not more, through his roles and equity stakes.

The “where” is as global as it gets. World Liberty Financial operates in the decentralized realm of blockchain, but its influence spans continents. A recent deal with an Abu Dhabi-backed firm, MGX, saw $2 billion funneled into a stablecoin called USD1, which World Liberty uses to invest in Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. Eric’s trip to Japan in September 2025 to meet with Metaplanet, a Bitcoin-focused asset management company, signals the family’s push into Asia’s booming crypto market. They’re not just playing in the U.S.; they’re building a global crypto empire.

Why are they doing this? For one, it’s a natural fit for a family that’s always been about branding. The Trump name is synonymous with flash, and crypto is the ultimate shiny object in today’s economy. After facing what Eric called “cancellation” from traditional banks—claiming the family was targeted for their political ties—crypto offered a way to bypass the old financial guard. It’s faster, cheaper, and, in Eric’s words, “exponentially more transparent.” Plus, with the patriarch in the White House, pushing crypto-friendly policies like the GENIUS Act and a strategic Bitcoin reserve, the family’s ventures are riding a deregulatory wave that’s boosting their bottom line.

The “how” is where things get spicy. World Liberty Financial’s $WLFI tokens, launched as a governance token for their DeFi platform, raised $550 million by March 2025, with a frenzy of $300 million coming in during the two days around the January 2025 inauguration. The family’s company, DT Marks DeFi LLC, controls 60% of World Liberty’s holding company, WLF Holdco, and Eric sits on its board. Then there’s the $TRUMP memecoin, a volatile but lucrative venture that’s netted the family an estimated $100 million in trading fees alone, though it’s also left over 810,000 investors nursing $2 billion in losses.

The Trumps aren’t alone in this game. Allies like Zach Witkoff, son of Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, are deeply involved, with Zach serving as World Liberty’s CEO. The Witkoff family holds 3.75 billion $WLFI tokens, and other partners like Chase Herro and Zachary Folkman, co-founders with dubious crypto track records, are also cashing in. Then there’s Justin Sun, a Chinese crypto mogul who’s pumped $75 million into World Liberty and whose SEC fraud case was conveniently paused after Trump’s election.

Social media’s been ablaze with reactions. On X, users are split: some hail the Trumps as crypto visionaries, with one post raving, “Eric Trump is the Elon Musk of Bitcoin! .” Others aren’t so kind, with a viral thread calling the $TRUMP coin a “pump-and-dump scam” that’s “screwing over retail investors.” TikTok’s crypto influencers are having a field day, with one video of a dancing Shiba Inu in a MAGA hat captioned, “When you buy $TRUMP but lose your life savings.” The family’s crypto moves are a meme factory, for better or worse.

The timing couldn’t be more telling. The Trumps launched World Liberty Financial during the 2024 campaign, capitalizing on the crypto industry’s support for their political machine. Post-election, the administration’s pro-crypto policies—like pardoning BitMEX founders and pausing SEC probes—have created a perfect storm for their ventures to thrive. A $750 million deal with Alt5 Sigma, where Eric serves on the board, to buy $WLFI tokens further padded their pockets. Critics, including Senate Democrats, cry foul, pointing to conflicts of interest as the family profits while shaping crypto regulation.

But let’s not kid ourselves—this is the Trump way. They’ve always blurred the lines between business and politics, and crypto is just the latest canvas. Eric’s out there, charming crowds in Dubai and Japan, while Don Jr. and Barron play their parts as Web3 ambassadors. The family’s even got Melania in on the action with her own $MELANIA coin, reportedly adding $385 million to their crypto haul. It’s a family affair, and they’re laughing all the way to the blockchain.

The risks are real, though. Crypto’s volatility is legendary, and $WLFI’s price dipped after its hyped-up launch. The $TRUMP coin’s crash burned thousands of investors, sparking lawsuits and warnings from New York regulators about pump-and-dump schemes. Ethics experts are sounding alarms, with one calling World Liberty a “vehicle for influence peddling.” Yet the Trumps seem unfazed, with Eric proclaiming, “We love this community.” For now, their crypto gamble is paying off, but the house always wins—until it doesn’t.

In the end, the Trump family’s crypto empire is a masterclass in leveraging fame, power, and a knack for timing. Eric’s at the heart of it, steering the ship while his brothers and father amplify the brand. They’ve turned digital tokens into a goldmine, but the question remains: how long can they keep this high-stakes game going before the market—or the regulators—catch up?

**Trivia Questions**

1. What is the name of the Trump family’s main cryptocurrency venture?
2. How much did World Liberty Financial raise in token sales by March 2025?
3. Which Trump son is the chief strategy officer for American Bitcoin?
4. What is the name of the stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial?
5. How much of World Liberty Financial’s holding company does the Trump family control?
6. Who is the CEO of World Liberty Financial?

**Answers**

1. World Liberty Financial
2. $550 million
3. Eric Trump
4. USD1
5. 60%
6. Zach Witkoff

**Saluto Media AI 309 336-8095 Bloomington IL. **
Where the real story is what AI thinks of the news… 100 online magazines
Publishing at the speed of AI
From multiple public data sources…
Re-interpreted and re-engineered!
Feedback needed report factoids in comments…
Always fact check your own news

Article licensing from $.25 a word