Cryptocurrency has emerged as the biggest source of income for US President Donald Trump, overtaking his long-established real estate and golf businesses, according to his latest annual financial disclosure filed with the US Office of Government Ethics.

The disclosure reveals that Trump's family-owned cryptocurrency ventures generated more than $1.4 billion (over ₹13,000 crore) in 2025, marking a significant shift in the composition of his business empire. The development has also reignited debate over potential conflicts of interest, although the White House has rejected all such allegations.

Crypto becomes Trump's largest revenue source

The financial disclosure indicates that digital assets have now become Trump's most profitable business segment. His family's cryptocurrency ventures outperformed traditional businesses such as luxury hotels, golf resorts and real estate holdings, which have historically been the foundation of the Trump Organization.

The report highlights the rapid growth of Trump's digital asset portfolio amid the broader expansion of the global cryptocurrency market.

World Liberty Financial drives massive earnings

A major share of the earnings came from World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture launched by Donald Trump and his sons.

According to the disclosure, this single venture generated approximately $800 million (around ₹7,500 crore) in income during 2025.

Trump also earned substantial revenue through the sale of his Trump Meme Coins, which reportedly generated $635 million (nearly ₹6,000 crore).

The latest figures represent a dramatic increase compared to 2024, when Trump had declared earnings of $57.35 million from token sales linked to World Liberty Financial.

Traditional businesses continue to perform strongly

Despite cryptocurrency becoming the largest revenue contributor, Trump's conventional businesses remain highly profitable.

The disclosure states that his golf courses and luxury resorts generated nearly $500 million (around ₹4,700 crore) in revenue during 2025, representing an increase of about 15 percent over the previous year.

Revenue from the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida also increased significantly, rising from $50 million in 2024 to approximately $77 million in 2025.

Additional income from settlements and branding

Apart from cryptocurrency and hospitality businesses, Trump also earned income through media-related legal settlements and international branding agreements.

The report states that settlements with media companies contributed nearly $80 million (around ₹760 crore), while licensing the Trump brand to overseas property developers, particularly partners in the Middle East, generated approximately $52 million (around ₹500 crore).

Conflict of interest debate resurfaces

Trump's growing financial interests in cryptocurrency have once again sparked criticism from ethics experts and political opponents.

Critics argue that the administration has adopted several policies favourable to the cryptocurrency industry after Trump's return to the White House. These include support for creating a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins and a softer enforcement approach toward the crypto sector by agencies such as the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

However, the White House has firmly denied any conflict of interest.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said neither President Trump nor his family had violated any ethical rules. She maintained that the administration's cryptocurrency policies are designed solely to strengthen America's position as the world's leading crypto hub.

Business management remains with Trump's family

The White House has previously clarified that Trump's business interests are managed by his children while he serves as President.

However, according to the disclosure, Trump remains the principal beneficiary of the trust that ultimately receives income generated from the family's businesses and digital assets.

The latest filing underscores how cryptocurrency has become a central pillar of Trump's business empire, reflecting the growing financial significance of digital assets in global markets while continuing to fuel political and ethical debate in the United States.

US President Donald Trump said a Cuba operation similar to the Venezuela mission is “possible”, though his administration continues to publicly favour a peaceful transition in Havana.

Fresh remarks by US President Donald Trump have reignited speculation about Washington's long-term strategy towards Cuba after he suggested that a Venezuela-style operation on the island remains a possibility.

In an interview with The Axios Show, Trump was asked whether a potential US operation in Cuba could resemble the mission carried out earlier this year in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Responding to the question, Trump said such a scenario was "possible." 

The comments have drawn attention because they come amid increasing pressure by the Trump administration on Havana through sanctions and diplomatic measures, even as officials publicly maintain that they prefer a peaceful political transition. 

Cuba Compared To Venezuela

During the interview, Trump contrasted Cuba with other foreign policy challenges, arguing that the island's proximity to the United States would make any operation logistically easier than actions undertaken farther away.

He also described Cuba as possessing "nice property" and a "nice shoreline," while noting that the island sits only about 90 miles from the coast of Florida. 

Although Trump did not announce any military plans or timelines, his remarks have fuelled discussion about whether Washington could pursue more aggressive options if conditions inside Cuba deteriorate further.

No Official Intervention Plan

Despite the rhetoric, there is currently no official announcement of a US military intervention in Cuba.

Reports indicate that US officials have conducted contingency planning and scenario exercises in the event of instability or a potential collapse of Cuba's government. However, administration officials have repeatedly stated that sanctions and diplomatic pressure remain their preferred tools. 

According to Axios, the administration has developed response plans while continuing to emphasise a peaceful transition rather than direct military action. 

Economic Crisis Deepens

The discussion comes as Cuba faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades.

The island has been grappling with fuel shortages, food scarcity, recurring power outages and a shortage of foreign currency. The decline in subsidised oil supplies from Venezuela, coupled with the slow recovery of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, has added to the country's difficulties. 

These challenges have contributed to increased migration and growing public frustration. In recent years, Cuba witnessed rare large-scale protests as citizens expressed concerns over worsening living conditions.

Long History Of Tensions

Relations between the United States and Cuba have remained strained for more than six decades.

Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, Havana aligned closely with the Soviet Union, turning the island into a major Cold War flashpoint. The rivalry culminated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most dangerous confrontations of the nuclear era.

Since then, successive US administrations have imposed sanctions and maintained varying degrees of political and economic pressure on Cuba.

What Happens Next

Analysts caution that Trump's comments alone do not indicate an imminent operation. While administration officials have acknowledged planning for various contingencies, public policy continues to focus on economic pressure and diplomatic measures. 

Nevertheless, the president's remarks have ensured that Cuba remains firmly on Washington's strategic radar. With the island confronting economic hardship and the United States increasing scrutiny of developments in the Caribbean, questions about the future of US-Cuba relations are likely to persist in the months ahead.

US Vice President JD Vance says mediators from Qatar and Pakistan asked Washington to delay publishing the Iran peace memorandum, citing “diplomatic sensitivities” around the emerging Iran peace deal framework.

US defends delayed disclosure

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Biden–Trump administration’s decision to delay the public release of the memorandum of understanding with Iran, saying key mediators in West Asia requested that the peace framework be “sequenced” carefully before it is fully disclosed. According to Vance, the emerging Iran peace deal text is being kept under wraps temporarily at the insistence of Qatar and Pakistan, which are acting as intermediaries in the talks between Washington and Tehran.

Appearing on a US talk show on Tuesday, Vance acknowledged mounting frustration in Washington over the secrecy around the agreement, which is being projected as a broad framework to halt hostilities and de-escalate a prolonged conflict in West Asia. He maintained that the MoU would be made public “at the latest” by Friday, but insisted that the timing had to account for regional political realities linked to the Iran peace deal.

‘Delicate diplomatic things’

Vance said the administration was responding to specific concerns raised by regional partners closely involved in the back-channel process. “There are some delicate diplomatic things going on where the Iranians, and not just the Iranians, but some of our mediators, the Pakistanis and the Qataris, have asked us to sequence this in the right way,” he said, as per media reports.

The Vice President admitted he did not fully grasp every reason behind the demand for operational secrecy, but stressed that Washington needed to be “responsive” to the political environment in Arab and Muslim-majority countries. He framed the delay as a tactical choice intended to protect fragile diplomacy around the Iran peace deal rather than to hide terms from the American public.

Capitol Hill friction grows

The decision to hold back the full text has sharpened tensions in Congress, where both Republicans and Democrats are demanding clarity on the scope and implications of the planned arrangement with Tehran. Foreign policy hawks have raised the alarm that the Iran peace deal could resemble the 2015 nuclear accord, which critics say eased sanctions on Iran without locking in permanent safeguards on its nuclear programme.

Those concerns surfaced on the Senate floor on Tuesday, when a resolution by Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock to curb military action against Iran without explicit congressional approval was narrowly defeated 47–48. Following the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an immediate closed-door briefing for top congressional leaders, accusing the administration of announcing an Iran peace deal without sharing any meaningful detail.

Leaked 12-point framework

Even as the official document remains under wraps, regional media have reported on what they describe as a 12-point framework setting out reciprocal steps by the United States, Iran and allied groups. Israel’s Channel 12 has claimed that the draft MoU includes commitments on security, nuclear activity, maritime traffic and sanctions relief, all packaged as part of an interim Iran peace deal to halt fighting and stabilise the region.

According to these reports, the parties and their regional allies, including armed groups based in Lebanon, would move to an immediate ceasefire. Iran would reaffirm that it will not pursue nuclear weapons and would freeze its uranium enrichment levels while negotiations on a broader, longer-term arrangement continue.

Maritime security and sanctions relief

Maritime security in and around the Strait of Hormuz is reportedly a central plank of the proposed deal. The United States is said to be prepared to lift its naval blockade in return for a 60-day guarantee of safe, uninterrupted commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, a critical route for global energy supplies.

In parallel, the framework reportedly provides for the release of frozen Iranian assets and temporary sanctions waivers to enable limited Iranian oil exports. Those measures, framed as part of the Iran peace deal package, are being described by critics as excessive leverage for Tehran, even as supporters argue they are essential to secure de-escalation and bring Iran to the table for a wider settlement.

Long-term regional exit plan

Beyond the initial ceasefire phase, the leaked blueprint points to a more ambitious reset of US–Iran ties and the broader security architecture in West Asia. If a final agreement is sealed, the US would reportedly withdraw its remaining military forces from the region within about a month, while backing the creation of a reconstruction fund worth around 300 billion dollars for Iran.

Such long-term provisions, if confirmed, would mark a major strategic shift under the Iran peace deal framework, with direct implications for US force posture, regional alliances and energy markets. However, none of these elements have yet been officially acknowledged by Washington or Tehran, and remain based on media leaks from regional outlets.

Vance rejects ‘giveaway’ charge

Vance has pushed back against suggestions that the emerging Iran peace deal is a one-sided concession that hands Tehran substantial economic relief for limited commitments. He argued that critics were focusing only on the potential benefits for Iran while ignoring the constraints, monitoring and policy changes that would be written into the framework.

The Vice President reiterated that the administration intends to publish the text within days, after what he described as a brief window to manage “sensitivities” flagged by mediators and regional governments. Once the MoU is released, congressional scrutiny and domestic debate over the Iran peace deal are expected to intensify, with lawmakers likely to press for more oversight of both the process and the implementation.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a seven-fight UFC card on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday night, a spectacle that combined the president’s 80th birthday celebrations with the nation’s 250th anniversary events. The headline bout ended with Justin Gaethje defeating lightweight champion Ilia Topuria by TKO in the fourth round.

Event on the South Lawn

The South Lawn was transformed into a 4,300-seat arena beneath a 92-foot translucent canopy nicknamed “the Claw,” with an eight-sided Octagon installed directly in front of the executive mansion. Organisers ran the show under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner; CEO Dana White — a close associate of the president — led fight-night proceedings alongside White House hosts.

Gaethje scores TKO

The main event, billed as a high-stakes lightweight clash, went into the fourth round before Justin Gaethje forced a stoppage. According to initial reports and footage from the Octagon, Gaethje landed a sequence of heavy strikes that left champion Ilia Topuria unable to continue. After the referee halted the contest, President Trump and members of his family entered the cage to congratulate the winner, who raised his arms as fireworks exploded over the National Mall.

Other key results

Earlier on the card, Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira by TKO to claim the interim heavyweight crown. Bantamweight Sean O’Malley and several other fighters also recorded stoppages or decisive wins, and multiple post-fight moments — including fighters greeting VIPs cage-side — punctuated the evening. The programme ran seven fights in total.

Security and guest list

Security officials said a heavy deployment of federal and local forces protected the event. Metropolitan Police, the Secret Service, National Guard units and other agencies were reported at perimeter checkpoints and crowd-control posts. A string of corporate and tech executives were among the invited guests; Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was visible in the crowd, and former boxer Tyson Fury made a brief appearance. Several Cabinet members and administration officials also attended, according to White House briefings.

Cost and logistics

Reports from outlets including The New York Times put the event’s cost — covering staging, security and related expenses for the UFC and its affiliates — above the level of a typical card, with estimates reaching into the tens of millions of dollars. Organisers erected hospitality spaces and opened several formal rooms inside the White House to fighters and guests for pre-fight access, including the Grand Foyer and Green Room, NBC and other outlets reported.

Questions over protocol

The event drew scrutiny on multiple fronts. Observers noted instances of flag-inspired costumes, which some said could conflict with U.S. Flag Code guidance that discourages using the flag as apparel. There were also fleeting controversies during the night: one fighter made a disparaging comment about former first lady Michelle Obama during a post-fight speech, and cameras caught the president briefly smiling at the remark. Separately, reports said several fighters might receive part of their bonus pay in a cryptocurrency tied to family-promoted ventures, a detail that raised questions about transparency and sponsorship.

Ground-level scene

On the South Lawn, fans chanted “Happy Birthday” to the president after the third fight, and several winners climbed out of the Octagon to greet the presidential box. Ground-level accounts described a charged, festival-like atmosphere late into the evening, with music, pyrotechnics and fans moving between the fan-fest area and the arena seats.

What’s next

The White House said the event was part of broader 250th anniversary programming and birthday events for the president. Officials did not immediately announce plans for similar sporting events on federal property. Media organisations and congressional offices are expected to seek further details on the full cost breakdown and the administrative approvals that allowed a professional mixed-martial-arts promotion to stage a pay-per-view-style card on White House grounds.

The UFC event planned for Donald Trump’s 80th birthday will be held at the White House as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with free public viewing planned for nearly one lakh fans.

US President Donald Trump is set to celebrate his 80th birthday on June 14 with an unprecedented UFC event at the White House, marking one of the most unusual sporting spectacles ever planned at the presidential residence.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, widely regarded as the world’s biggest Mixed Martial Arts promotion, will organise the event on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the larger celebrations commemorating 250 years of America’s founding.

White House UFC Plans

Preparations for the event are already underway in Washington DC. UFC officials have unveiled concept visuals of a specially designed Octagon arena featuring patriotic American flag-themed elements and large-scale lighting arrangements.

The temporary fighting venue is being constructed on the South Lawn and is expected to accommodate more than 4,000 spectators inside the secured event zone.

According to UFC president Dana White, the idea for the event came directly from Trump. Officials familiar with the preparations said the construction work is moving rapidly ahead of the June 14 celebration.

Free Viewing For Fans

Beyond the main arena, authorities are also planning a large public viewing arrangement at Ellipse Field near the White House. Organisers expect close to one lakh people to attend the outdoor screening area, where fans will reportedly be allowed to watch the fights free of cost on giant display screens.

The scale of the arrangements reflects the growing popularity of UFC events in the United States and Trump’s longstanding association with the sport.

Officials also confirmed that the ceremonial weigh-in for fighters is expected to take place at the historic Lincoln Memorial, adding another high-profile backdrop to the event schedule.

Trump Praises UFC Popularity

Speaking recently about the upcoming White House UFC event, Trump said public excitement around the matches was unlike anything he had seen before.

According to people involved in the planning process, the event is being positioned not only as a birthday celebration but also as a major national entertainment attraction tied to the America 250 festivities.

Trump has remained closely connected with combat sports for years and has frequently attended UFC cards even after entering politics.

Longstanding Trump-UFC Ties

Trump and Dana White share a relationship dating back to the early years of UFC’s expansion in the United States. Before his political career, Trump hosted several UFC events at his hotels and casinos at a time when the sport struggled for wider mainstream acceptance.

Over the years, White has publicly supported Trump at political events and campaign gatherings. Political observers in the US have also linked White to efforts that helped Trump gain support from influential online personalities, including podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

The White House, meanwhile, appears keen on expanding its association with large-scale sporting events. Media reports in the US suggest discussions are also underway for a possible IndyCar street race in Washington later this year.

Security And Logistics

Hosting a UFC card inside the White House complex is expected to present significant logistical and security challenges. While officials have not disclosed full operational details yet, security agencies are likely to implement extensive crowd-control and screening measures around the area.

Washington authorities are also expected to issue traffic and public access advisories closer to the event date.

UFC’s Global Growth

Founded in 1993, UFC has grown from a controversial combat sports promotion into one of the world’s most commercially successful sporting organisations. Fighters from boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing compete inside the Octagon under unified MMA rules.

Though criticised in its early years for excessive violence, the sport gradually gained mainstream recognition after stricter safety regulations and professional standards were introduced.

The White House UFC event is now being projected as one of the most watched sporting celebrations linked to Trump’s 80th birthday, with organisers expecting global attention in the days ahead.

Shooting at 17th Street checkpoint left suspect dead and one bystander injured; Secret Service and FBI probe incident

A gunman who opened fire near a security checkpoint outside the White House on Saturday was shot and later died after Secret Service officers returned fire, authorities said, prompting a heavy security response in downtown Washington.

Shooting at checkpoint

The incident began in the late afternoon at the 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue checkpoint, a short distance from the White House complex. According to law enforcement officials and a Secret Service statement, the man approached the checkpoint and fired at officers stationed there. Secret Service personnel immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where officials later confirmed he died from his injuries.

Officials said a bystander was struck during the exchange of gunfire; authorities did not immediately release details on that person’s condition. Initial reports described the suspect as alive when transported, but hospital officials later confirmed his death.

President inside residence

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, officials said. He was reportedly engaged in negotiations related to foreign policy matters and was not harmed. The Secret Service and the White House communications team said the president’s security was maintained and the gunman never breached the secure perimeter.

Trump issued remarks thanking the Secret Service for “swift action” and said the suspect had a “violent history and possible obsession” with the White House. The comments were posted on his social media account; aides later reiterated that the president was safe.

Agencies launch probe

The Secret Service said it is leading an investigation and is being assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel posted that FBI agents were on scene supporting the Secret Service’s response. Local Metropolitan Police officers and National Guard troops mobilised to seal off roads and block access to the area as the probe unfolded.

A Secret Service statement provided to reporters said: “Secret Service police officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect after he opened fire at the checkpoint. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.” Authorities described the individual as an “emotionally disturbed person” and said a previous “stay-away order” had been issued against him.

Scene and timeline

The shooting set off a rapid escalation of security across downtown Washington. Journalists and the public were held back as police cordoned off streets surrounding the presidential complex. Footage from the scene showed multiple law enforcement vehicles converging near Lafayette Square and officers scanning rooftops and nearby areas for additional threats in the immediate aftermath.

Sources familiar with the scene said the exchange of gunfire lasted only moments before officers gained control. Emergency responders treated the wounded and cleared the area, while investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses into the night.

Context and follow-up

The attack comes amid heightened attention to presidential security after several incidents in recent years. Officials noted that the latest shooting follows a string of alleged plots and breaches that prompted reviews of perimeter controls and interagency coordination. In April, an armed man was stopped at a hotel checkpoint where the president was attending an event; other incidents earlier in recent years included a shooting near a rally and an arrest on a golf course.

Security analysts stressed that the Secret Service’s rapid response likely prevented a more serious outcome. “Checkpoints are the first layer of defense,” one former federal agent said on condition of anonymity. “Agents are trained to neutralise immediate threats while containing risk to bystanders.”

What’s next

The Secret Service and FBI said they will continue their joint investigation to determine the suspect’s motive, the origin of any weapons used, and why a prior stay-away order did not prevent the encounter. Authorities also said they would review video footage and forensics from the scene and interview witnesses and personnel who were on duty.

Local officials asked area residents and workers to expect continued restrictions around the White House in the coming hours as investigators complete their work. The city’s police department urged anyone with relevant information or footage to contact investigators.

Gulf Crisis: Back-Channel Diplomacy Intensifies as White House Responds to Mediation Reports

Regional powers including Pakistan and Turkiye push for de-escalation between Washington and Tehran amid rising energy security concerns.

The Gulf crisis has entered a critical phase as back-channel diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a full-scale regional conflagration. With the conflict entering its fourth week, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye have emerged as key intermediaries attempting to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

The White House, however, has maintained a cautious stance regarding these developments. While reports suggested high-level meetings between US officials and Iranian representatives in Islamabad, the Biden-Trump transition framework continues to keep formal confirmations under wraps.

White House Maintains Strategic Silence

During a press briefing on March 23, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the speculation surrounding potential talks in the Pakistani capital. She emphasized that the United States would not "negotiate through the press" given the sensitive nature of the discussions.

While the administration has not confirmed if Vice President JD Vance or special envoy Steve Witkoff are headed to Islamabad, officials noted that the situation remains fluid. The statement comes as President Trump indicated a desire for a "complete restoration" of hostilities via social media.

Pakistan Positions as Lead Mediator

Islamabad is leveraging its unique position as a non-base-hosting US ally with a significant Shi'ite population to facilitate dialogue. Reports indicate that Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have been in active contact with both Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan has formally offered its capital as a neutral venue for diplomatic engagement. A recent readout from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Pakistan remains committed to playing a "constructive role" in regional stability.

Regional Players Join Peace Push

Turkiye and Egypt are also ramping up their diplomatic machinery to prevent a global economic shock. Turkish officials have been relaying messages between Steve Witkoff and Iranian counterparts, focusing on a temporary humanitarian ceasefire.

Simultaneously, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has engaged in a flurry of calls with Qatar and Iran. These collective efforts aim to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy through which one-fifth of the world's oil flows.

Global Energy Markets Under Strain

The urgency for diplomacy is driven by the severe impact on global geoeconomics. With Iran selectively blocking transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude prices have surged past the $100 per barrel mark.

Market analysts warn that if back-channel talks fail to yield a concrete de-escalation, oil prices could realistically test the $150 per barrel threshold. This spike has already begun to disrupt global supply chains and heighten inflation concerns across Asia.

Impact and Outlook for India

For New Delhi, the crisis presents a complex diplomatic tightrope. While US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi discussed the importance of keeping trade routes open, India faces pressure to balance its Western partnerships with its interests in the Global South.

Experts suggest that India’s role as a leader of developing nations necessitates a more proactive stance. Leveraging the BRICS platform could be a potential avenue for New Delhi to enhance its stature while advocating for regional sovereignty and maritime security.

Uncertain Path to De-escalation

Despite the diplomatic flurry, Iran has officially denied engaging in direct talks with the US, labeling such reports as "fake news" intended to manipulate markets. The chasm between Tehran's public rhetoric and the reported back-channel activity remains wide.

The coming 48 hours are viewed as a "make-or-break" period for regional stability. As the international community watches Islamabad and Ankara, the success of these secret parleys will determine if the Gulf moves toward a truce or further escalation. This remains a significant Public Interest Story for the global economy.