Key facts
- Donald Trump received a $10.71 million licensing fee from Amazon MGM for the 'Melania' documentary.
- Total earnings for Donald Trump last year exceeded $2.2 billion from various sources.
- Trump family cryptocurrency ventures reportedly generated over $1 billion in the first year of his return to the White House.
- Amazon reportedly paid $40 million for the film, with $28 million going directly to Melania Trump.
- Critics have called for stricter regulations on politicians' involvement in the cryptocurrency industry.
Donald Trump received a licensing fee of $10.71 million from Amazon MGM for the 'Melania' documentary, according to recently released financial disclosures. These disclosures also revealed that Trump's total earnings last year exceeded $2.2 billion from various sources, including real estate, branded merchandise, licensing deals, and court settlements. Furthermore, the Trump family's cryptocurrency ventures reportedly generated over $1 billion in the first year of his return to the White House.
Amazon reportedly paid approximately $40 million for the film, directed by Brett Ratner, with $28 million going directly to Melania Trump. Amazon MGM also spent an additional $35 million on marketing the documentary. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, previously stated that the company's dealings with Trump were non-partisan and that the film's success was a wise business decision.
The release of these financial disclosures has sparked criticism, with many accusing Donald Trump of "brazen crypto corruption" and demanding tighter regulations on political figures' cryptocurrency dealings. Senator Elizabeth Warren advocated for legislation to prevent politicians and their families from profiting from the crypto industry. Minnesota governor Tim Walz described Trump as "the most corrupt president in American history."
In response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Trump, asserting that neither the President nor his family has ever engaged in conflicts of interest. She highlighted Trump's role in making the U.S. the "crypto capital of the world" through executive actions and supportive policies.