Planet Money Trump's crypto interests (Two Indicators)
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Jun 4, 2025 
Yiming Ma, an associate professor at Columbia Business School specializing in stablecoins and crypto, dives into the intriguing world of Trump's cryptocurrency ventures. The discussion unveils the launch of the $TRUMP coin, its rapid financial success, and the legal gray areas it navigates. Ma explores stablecoins, explaining their mechanics, advantages, and potential pitfalls. With a humorous twist, they also touch on the ethical implications of political figures engaging in crypto and the captivating challenges of regulation in this fast-evolving sector.
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Trump Coin's Massive Early Success
- The Trump coin sold 200 million coins before Trump's second inauguration, raising over $300 million quickly.
- There are still 800 million coins reserved, potentially worth over $10 billion if sold at once.
Tracing Top Trump Coin Buyers
- Crypto analyst Nikolai Sunogor traced some top Trump coin buyers through their blockchain wallet activity and public mentions.
- He identified notable buyers like crypto billionaire Justin Sun and Mexican CEO Javier Salgas.
Legal Risks of Trump Meme Coin
- Trump's meme coin might violate the Constitution's emoluments clause and federal election laws.
- The coin allows foreigners to contribute large sums circumventing campaign finance limits, raising corruption concerns.