WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak next Monday about cryptocurrency and the launch of World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency platform run by the Republican candidate’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric.
Trump’s speech comes 50 days before Election Day, making it unusual for him to use the remaining days of the election to promote a personal business. The former Republican president has long mixed his political and business interests, touting sneakers, photo books and a Trump-branded Bible during his 2024 campaign.
“We are embracing the future of cryptocurrency and leaving behind slow, outdated big banks,” Trump said Thursday in a video posted to the social media site X, where he is also scheduled to deliver a speech on the subject at 8 p.m. EDT on Monday.
As part of his presidential campaign, President Trump pledged to make the United States the “cryptocurrency capital of the planet,” raising concerns that he may use the federal government to support businesses with ties to his family.
Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital money that can be traded over the internet without relying on the global banking system. Trading cryptocurrencies often relies on online marketplaces, which charge transaction fees, allowing users to exchange cryptocurrencies for US dollars or other currencies.
Trump has warmed to the sector after opposing cryptocurrencies during his presidency, proposing that the government set up a strategic Bitcoin reserve and vowing to block the creation of a Federal Reserve-controlled central bank digital currency.
