Trump-Owned DTTM Operations Enters Web3
DTTM Operations, a company owned by former President of the United States Donald Trump, formally registered trademarks related to an NFT marketplace and metaverse. The applications, filed on February 24, incorporate the word ‘TRUMP’ and describe plans for a virtual world offering digital and physical goods.
Features of the Trump Metaverse
The applications reveal a broad virtual world where users can:
- Purchase virtual and actual goods.
- Eat at a Trump-branded eatery.
- Experience luxury travel via virtual limousines, airplanes, trains, and vehicles.
- Watch performances on social issues, current events, and charitable fundraising campaigns.
- Participate in one-on-one mentoring and virtual training courses.
- Take guided tours of hotels, public buildings, and government institutions.
Trump’s NFT Marketplace Plans
At the heart of the filings is an NFT marketplace, which will be strictly controlled. From the trademark application:
“Hosting computer software platforms for virtual reality-based virtual worlds wherein users can buy, sell, and trade digital goods and cryptocurrencies using only those images, texts, videos, and sound files approved by the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America and authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).”
Trademark Attorney Josh Gerben noted that the filing was made on an “intent to use” basis, indicating upcoming business activities under the Trump brand.
Declining Metaverse and NFT Interest
Interest in the metaverse declined after it peaked in late 2021, based on Google Trends data. NFTs, a once-hot market, have also not regained their 2021-2022 highs, with floor prices of major collections taking a downturn.
Trump’s Expanding Crypto Aspirations
Trump and his family have ventured into crypto. In addition to launching several NFT collections, he has actively courted the crypto universe. During a Bitcoin Conference in Nashville in July 2024, he vowed to make the U.S. the world crypto capital and stated that he would terminate SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.
Then on Jan. 17, 2025, three days before his inauguration, Trump launched an official memecoin, prompting widespread speculation and investment. First Lady Melania Trump soon followed with her own memecoin.
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. have also entered the crypto space, co-founding World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance platform they hope will reshape global finance in their likeness.
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Crypto Policies
Despite Trump having styled himself as the “Crypto President,” his policies have been subject to criticism. His shift from advocating for a national Bitcoin reserve to a more diversified “digital asset stockpile” has alarmed Bitcoin maximalists. At the same time, ongoing economic uncertainty and potential trade wars have further obscured the digital asset landscape.
Trump’s venture into NFTs and the metaverse is continued interest in the Web3 space, though its success will depend on general market directions and regulatory clearness.
