Donald Trump is venturing beyond NFTs and into the metaverse, as a trademark application filed by his company, DTTM Operations, reveals plans for a sprawling digital world built on blockchain technology. This raises questions about the future of virtual real estate, digital commerce, and content control in the online realm.
The application, submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 24, details a “TRUMP-branded” virtual ecosystem where users can interact, transact, and engage with a wide range of digital assets and services. This includes everything from virtual clothing and accessories to virtual restaurants and educational programs, all operating within a blockchain-based economy.
The filing by DTTM Operations, the entity responsible for managing Trump’s intellectual property, signals a significant and potentially controversial expansion into the digital frontier. At stake is not just a new revenue stream for the Trump Organization, but potentially a new platform for influence and control in the rapidly evolving world of Web3.
The trademark filing itself is remarkably detailed, providing a surprisingly comprehensive blueprint for this potential digital empire. It lists numerous goods and services, categorized broadly as virtual real estate and experiences, digital collectibles (NFTs), cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure, and a digital marketplace.
The trademark filing provides a surprisingly detailed blueprint for this potential digital empire. It lists numerous goods and services, categorized broadly as:
Virtual Real Estate and Experiences: The filing mentions “providing online non-downloadable images of clothing, cosmetics, footwear, furniture, jewelry, flags, avatars, headwear, luggage, handbags, alcohol, food, drink and computer accessories for use in online virtual worlds.”
It also includes “virtual restaurant services” and “simulated restaurant services provided in virtual environments.” It lists, “Providing an online marketplace featuring downloadable images files of apartments for use in virtual worlds; Online retail store services featuring downloadable images files of office buildings for use in virtual worlds.”
Digital Collectibles (NFTs): The application extensively covers NFTs, including “downloadable photographs authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs),” “downloadable video recordings featuring avatars authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs),” and “downloadable image files containing trading cards authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).” It also covers downloadable image files of virtual clothing, avatars, sports equipment.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Infrastructure: The filing describes “downloadable computer software for managing cryptocurrency transactions using blockchain technology” and “downloadable computer software for managing smart contracts using blockchain technology.” This indicates a foundational layer for a cryptocurrency-based economy within the metaverse.
Virtual Retailing: Many sections of the filing describes retail services, rendered in virtual environment.
Digital Marketplace: A central element is the proposed online marketplace for buying and selling “downloadable virtual goods authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).” Significantly, the filing specifies that this marketplace will host content “authorized by the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America and authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).”
Education and Training: The application includes “virtual training services in the field of hotel and real estate management, listing and maintenance” and “simulation-based training services in the field of public service, business, civics, fundraising, real estate, construction and hospitality management.”
The restriction of marketplace content to that “authorized by the 45th and 47th President” is a highly unusual and potentially controversial aspect of the filing. It suggests a level of control and potential censorship that goes beyond typical e-commerce platforms.
This supposed metaverse project builds upon President Trump’s increasingly active engagement with the cryptocurrency and NFT space, encompassing both direct business ventures and broader policy initiatives. His foray into the digital asset world includes:
Companies affiliated with Mr. Trump, such as CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, launched a meme coin known as $TRUMP, marketed as the “official Trump meme coin.” The token attracted significant speculative trading, although its value has been volatile. Melania Trump subsequently released a similar token, $MELANIA, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
The Trump family is involved in World Liberty Financial, a DeFi platform launched with the help of his sons. This venture allows users to borrow, lend, and invest in crypto assets. It has attracted high-profile investors, including Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, though critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest given Mr. Trump’s influence over financial regulations.
As part of his broader economic agenda, President Trump has taken steps to promote cryptocurrency innovation. His executive order, “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” rolls back previous restrictions, prohibits central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and establishes a working group to develop a federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. This initiative aims to position the U.S. as a global hub for the crypto industry and even explores the possibility of a national Bitcoin stockpile.
Beyond tokens and policy, Trump has extended his brand into crypto-related merchandise — such as high-end Trump-themed watches and sneakers — which often incorporate crypto motifs and accept cryptocurrency payments.
These ventures, combined with the metaverse trademark filing, suggest a multifaceted strategy to capitalize on the growing interest in digital assets. The metaverse venture could be seen as a way to:
Extend the Trump Brand: The metaverse offers a new frontier for licensing and branding opportunities.
Generate Revenue: NFT sales, virtual real estate, and transaction fees within the marketplace could create significant income streams.
Maintain Political Influence: A dedicated platform could serve as a powerful tool for communication and outreach to supporters.
Control the Narrative: The “authorized content” clause suggests a desire to control the information and interactions within this digital space.
The DTTM Operations trademark filing raises more questions than it answers. Will this “TRUMP”-branded metaverse become a thriving digital hub, a monument to its creator’s ego, or a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked control in the virtual realm?
Will it attract a loyal following, or be met with resistance and skepticism? Only time will tell if this bold venture represents a stroke of digital genius or a costly miscalculation.
One thing, however, is certain: Donald Trump’s entry into the metaverse has irrevocably changed the game, forcing a critical examination of the future of online interaction, digital ownership, and the very definition of reality in an increasingly virtual world.
