Trump’s Crypto Swamp: Self-Dealing Amid Trillions

Cryptocurrencies have become tainted by self-dealing and corruption in the US government. President Donald Trump’s administration has faced numerous conflicts of interest, with some notable examples including accepting a Boeing 747 from Qatar to replace Air Force One. This move sparked criticism, but it pales compared to the issues surrounding cryptocurrencies.

In fact, blockchains are now home to trillions of dollars in cryptocurrencies, raising concerns about governance and regulation. The Mexican government’s efforts to throttle the rule of law have been compared to their impact on gangs, while Europe’s free-speech problem continues to simmer.

The US president is shifting towards being a world broker rather than underwriter, with stop-gap deals often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term solutions. Despite these efforts, uncertainty and barriers between America and China remain high.

Source: https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/05/15/crypto-has-become-the-ultimate-swamp-asset