Trump Family Expands Crypto Ventures

CRYPTO
Trump Family Expands Crypto Ventures

Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, recently described himself as a “Bitcoin maxi” and shared insights into his growing involvement in crypto. In an interview with Fortune, he revealed that MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor once encouraged him to mortgage Mar-a-Lago to buy Bitcoin—an idea Eric turned down in favor of launching American Bitcoin, a mining venture started with his brother Don Jr. Partnered with Hut 8, which supplies the infrastructure in exchange for 80% ownership, the firm aims to go public via a reverse merger by Q3.

Eric sees American Bitcoin as a way for investors to gain exposure to BTC, mirroring Saylor’s approach. At the Consensus conference in Toronto, he promoted the venture and dismissed concerns about growing competition. Meanwhile, the Trump family is also exploring crypto ETFs, NFTs, and DeFi. Critics have raised conflict-of-interest questions, but Eric insists his crypto efforts are separate from his father’s priorities.

TECH
Apple’s India Move Faces Pressure

Apple’s expansion in India has grown from a slow start into a critical part of its global strategy. After India eased rules on foreign companies in 2016, Apple launched its online store in 2020 and opened its first physical outlets in 2023. Today, India not only represents a growing consumer base—with 12 million iPhones sold last year—but also a key manufacturing hub, helping Apple diversify away from China.

However, this progress faces pressure from Donald Trump, who recently criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for shifting production to India instead of the U.S., threatening tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. Cook countered by ramping up Indian production to mitigate tariff risks. While Apple uses partners like Foxconn and Tata Group in India, higher costs remain a challenge. Despite Trump’s rhetoric, analysts believe shifting U.S. production isn’t practical, suggesting diplomacy may smooth tensions without derailing Apple’s long-term India strategy.

FINANCE
Trump Pressures Walmart on Tariffs

President Donald Trump criticized Walmart over rising prices, demanding the retail giant absorb costs from his tariffs instead of passing them to consumers. Trump claimed Walmart, which earned billions last year, should “eat the tariffs” and support his broader economic agenda aimed at reshoring U.S. manufacturing. Walmart, however, has warned that the new tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—could significantly raise prices on goods like car seats and groceries.

CFO John David Rainey cited a 29% cost increase on some items, saying there's only so much retailers can absorb. Economists and retailers alike warn the tariffs could worsen inflation, which is already denting consumer confidence, as seen in the University of Michigan’s sentiment drop. Trump’s tariff strategy has strained relations with major trade partners and introduced uncertainty into financial markets. Meanwhile, he continues to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, despite inflation risks and policy caution from Chair Jerome Powell.

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.