President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has coincided with a sharp rise in his personal wealth and a rapid expansion of his family’s business interests, according to fresh reporting, reviving concerns over conflicts of interest at the highest level of power.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Trump defended his economic agenda, claiming his tariff and trade policies were making the United States “great and rich again” and had drawn investments worth ₹16.48 lakh crore. But a January 20 investigation by The New York Times presents a contrasting account, noting that while tariff battles have pushed up costs for American consumers, Trump’s own fortune has grown significantly during his return to office.

Wealth Rises Sharply Since Return to Office

According to the report, Trump’s personal wealth has increased by at least ₹12,810 crore in the year since he returned to the presidency in January 2025. The actual figure could be higher, as many financial details related to overseas deals and licensing agreements are not publicly disclosed.

The investigation alleges that Trump has used the power and visibility of the presidency to advance the interests of his family business, the Trump Organization, through deals with foreign governments and companies that have generated substantial financial benefits.

Overseas Projects Drive Trump Income

Much of Trump’s income continues to come from international real estate and licensing deals. The Trump Organization operates more than 20 projects outside the United States, earning billions by licensing the Trump name to luxury hotels, residential towers, and golf courses.

India has emerged as a key market. According to The Wall Street Journal, at least eight Trump-branded projects are underway or planned across the country, including residential and commercial developments. The Trump World Center in Pune, the first Trump-branded commercial project in India, is estimated to generate over $289 million in revenue. Additional residential and hotel projects are listed in Gurgaon, despite Trump having recently described India as a “dead economy.”

Tariffs and Business Deals Abroad

The report highlights cases where trade policy and business interests appear to intersect. In Vietnam, the US imposed tariffs of up to 46 percent last year. Following negotiations, the Trump Organization reportedly received approval for a $1.5 billion golf project in Hanoi, after which tariffs were reduced to 20 percent. Local media reports suggest regulatory norms were eased to facilitate the project.

In Indonesia, a viral video from October 2025 showed President Prabowo Subianto referencing meetings with Trump’s son Eric Trump, who manages the family business. A Trump-branded golf club opened there in March, with additional projects and a Bali resort listed on the company’s website.

Crypto Emerges as Major Revenue Source

Cryptocurrency has reportedly become the Trump family’s largest single source of earnings. The NYT estimates that at least $867 million was generated last year through family-linked crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial and a meme coin project.

Trump and his sons are said to hold stakes worth more than $5 billion in World Liberty Financial. A UAE firm reportedly invested $2 billion in the company in 2025. Weeks later, the Trump administration approved the sale of advanced semiconductor chips to the UAE. Separate reports also point to a major crypto-related deal with Pakistan valued at approximately ₹17,000 crore.

Media, Lawsuits, and Donations

The Trump family has also earned income through media and legal settlements. Amazon reportedly paid $28 million for the rights to a documentary on First Lady Melania Trump, titled Melania, set for release on January 30, 2026. Tech and media companies including X, Meta, YouTube, and Paramount paid a combined $90.5 million to settle lawsuits linked to Trump.

Fundraising has surged as well. A separate NYT investigation found that Trump and his associates raised nearly $2 billion in donations after the election, surpassing funds raised for his campaign. At least 346 donors gave $250,000 or more, many of whom or whose businesses later benefited from administration decisions.

Scrutiny Amid Rising Costs for Americans

The report notes that Trump has also received luxury gifts during his term, including a $400 million aircraft from Qatar, which he plans to use as Air Force One and retain after leaving office. The gift followed the Trump Organization securing a luxury golf resort deal in Doha.

As inflation and grocery prices strain American households, Trump’s expanding wealth has drawn scrutiny. The NYT notes that the average US household earns about $83,000 annually, while Trump’s yearly income is estimated to be more than 16,000 times higher.

While the investigations stop short of proving direct quid pro quo arrangements, they conclude that the close alignment between political power, private deals, and personal enrichment has intensified concerns that Trump’s second presidency has blurred the line between public office and private business.