‘Everybody is profiting’: Trump dismisses questions about over $1bn in crypto earnings – live

Trump’s Cryptocurrency Profits and Political Statements Spark Debate

Everybody is profiting - As Donald Trump prepared to embark on a trip to North Dakota today, he addressed questions about his recent cryptocurrency earnings during a press briefing. According to his latest financial disclosure, the former president reported over $1.2 billion in income from crypto-related ventures. Despite the figure, Trump seemed unbothered by scrutiny, stating that his financial arrangements were well-managed by institutions. “We have funds that run my money very efficiently,” he said, adding that he had already amassed significant wealth before entering the White House.

“I’ve made a lot of money before I became president,” Trump remarked. “They’re big institutions, and they run it … I think it’s called a ‘blind account’, but they basically take it, and I purposely never speak to any of the people that run the money.”

Trump emphasized that his success in the crypto market was part of a broader trend, claiming that “everybody is profiting” from the presidency due to the stock market’s upward trajectory. He further noted that his personal financial resources allowed him to invest in institutions, which in turn contributed to his overall gains. “So we’re all profiting. I’m profiting because I have a lot of money and a lot of cash, and I give it to institutions,” he said, underscoring his belief in the interconnectedness of economic growth and political influence.

USMCA and the Shift in Trade Policy

During the same event, Trump also discussed the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was set to expire in 2036. The agreement, initially celebrated as a cornerstone of his administration, now faces a different fate. With the deadline for joint decisions arriving on Wednesday, the US trade representative’s office confirmed that Washington would not extend the pact under its original terms. Instead, Trump opted for a more flexible approach, proposing periodic reviews rather than a long-term commitment.

This decision reflects growing concerns over persistent trade deficits with Mexico and Canada, which Trump cited as a rationale for keeping the agreement under closer watch. By shortening the timeline for renewal, he aims to maintain oversight while allowing adjustments based on evolving economic conditions. The move has been seen as a departure from his previous stance, signaling a shift toward more pragmatic handling of international trade deals.

New Air Force One and Symbolic Gestures

As Trump traveled to North Dakota, he took his first flight aboard the newly acquired Air Force One, a Boeing 747 donated by the Qatari government last year. The aircraft, valued at $400 million, has been described as a modern marvel with distinctive design elements. Its fuselage features a white upper section, a blue lower portion, and a red stripe running across the middle, accented by an American flag on the tail.

“Maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built,” Trump remarked as he boarded the jet.

The choice of this aircraft underscores the symbolic importance of Trump’s image as a leader of innovation and global partnerships. While the donation from Qatar highlights the role of foreign allies in supporting US military infrastructure, the cost of the plane has also sparked discussions about the allocation of taxpayer funds. The administration defends the investment as essential for maintaining presidential mobility and projecting strength on the world stage.

Birthright Citizenship and Immigration Policies

On Wednesday, the acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, announced a new focus on combating “birth tourism”—a practice where individuals, often undocumented, travel to the US to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 ruling upholding birthright citizenship, which has been a central point of contention in debates over immigration reform. While the court affirmed the constitutional right, Blanche argued that additional measures are needed to address the practice’s impact on the nation’s immigration system.

Blanche highlighted the federal government’s ability to streamline the visa process and limit opportunities for individuals to exploit the birthright citizenship provision. He noted that despite the Supreme Court’s decision, the focus on birth tourism reflects a broader effort to ensure that immigration policies align with national interests. Critics, however, point out that the practice is relatively rare, as documented in limited studies, and argue that targeting it may divert attention from more pressing issues like border security and refugee admissions.

Democratic Wins and Political Realignment

In a separate development, Colorado’s primary elections revealed a significant shift in political dynamics. Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated long-standing representative Diana DeGette, marking a notable victory for the party’s progressive wing. This outcome aligns with a wave of similar wins across the country, driven by growing support for left-leaning candidates who challenge traditional party norms.

Anti-Washington sentiment permeated the primaries, with voters favoring candidates who pledged to disrupt the status quo. State attorney general Phil Weiser narrowly edged out US Senator Michael Bennet, a veteran of the Senate since 2009. Weiser’s campaign focused on critiquing Bennet’s approach to immigration, accusing him of not being tough enough on Trump’s cabinet nominees. Meanwhile, in a tightly contested House district, progressive state representative Manny Rutinel defeated a more centrist Democrat, further illustrating the momentum behind the party’s grassroots movement.

These electoral results highlight the deepening divide within the Democratic Party, as well as the broader political realignment in favor of progressive policies. The rise of candidates like Kiros and Rutinel signals a potential transformation in how the party engages with issues like trade, immigration, and economic inequality. For Trump, the events of the day reinforce his narrative of economic success and strategic governance, even as they underscore the challenges facing his administration and the evolving political landscape. As the nation watches these developments unfold, the interplay between personal wealth, policy decisions, and public perception remains a key theme in the ongoing story of American leadership.