Donald Trump promoted his family's commercial ventures at least 110 times during the first 16 months of his second term, according to an investigation by Popular Information, a pattern that coincided with the removal of key federal watchdogs and a broader reshaping of ethics oversight within the executive branch.
The analysis reviewed Trump's Truth Social activity, public remarks and official appearances since his January 20, 2025 inauguration, identifying repeated instances where presidential visibility intersected with privately owned business interests. The report counted 59 promotions on social media, 30 delivered during on-camera statements, and 21 tied to government events held at Trump-owned properties.
Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush, said in a December 2025 statement: "Every other president since the Civil War has divested from business interests that would conflict with official duties. President Trump has done the opposite."
Examples cited in the investigation range from direct endorsements to the use of official settings that carry commercial implications. During a joint appearance with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Trump praised his Doonbeg golf resort, describing it as "one of the best in the world" and noting it had been "chosen for the Irish Open, which is a big deal."
Other events blended policy initiatives with venue selection. The administration launched the "Shield of the Americas" initiative at Trump National Doral in Miami, placing a diplomatic announcement within a commercial property owned by the president.
The White House has consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in May 2025 that "the president is abiding by all conflict-of-interest laws that are applicable to the president." The Trump Organization similarly stated it is "fully compliant with all applicable ethics and conflicts of interest laws," while Trump told The New York Times: "I found out that nobody cared, and I'm allowed to."
Financial disclosures and independent estimates suggest substantial gains for Trump family members during the period. According to PBS NewsHour citing Forbes valuations:
- Eric Trump's estimated net worth rose from $40-50 million to $400 million
- Donald Trump Jr.'s estimated net worth rose from $40-50 million to $300 million
A focal point of scrutiny has been the $TRUMP memecoin, launched days before Trump's inauguration. Entities linked to the Trump family control roughly 80% of remaining tokens. A promotional campaign offering top investors access to a gala dinner with the president drove the token's price up more than 60%, while blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis estimated over $320 million in trading fees generated.
Lawmakers have raised concerns about potential conflicts tied to foreign investment. A congressional letter cited a Bloomberg analysis indicating that 19 of the top 25 token holders were likely foreign nationals. Among them was cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, who had faced a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit that was later paused after investing $30 million in a Trump-linked venture.
The commercial activity has unfolded alongside structural changes to oversight bodies. Within days of taking office, Trump dismissed 17 inspectors general without the 30-day notice required by law. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes later wrote it was "obvious" that the administration had violated federal statute, though she did not order reinstatement.
Inspector general offices subsequently saw staffing reductions of 16.6% between early 2025 and 2026, compared with a 12% decline across the broader civil service. The administration also removed David Huitema, director of the Office of Government Ethics, a position designed to operate independently across administrations.
Huitema told CNN: "My sense is that the president doesn't want OGE or really anyone with an independent voice to address concerns that are raised." He was replaced by Doug Collins, a move criticized by watchdog groups including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
