The Trump family is further expanding into crypto, this time with real-world assets and the Saudi crown prince.
Summary
- The Trump Organization will license its name to the luxury hotel in the Maldives
- The hotel will enable investors to own stakes through tokenized real-world assets
- Trump-linked firm partnered with a Saudi-based developer, Dar Global, for the hotel deal
On Tuesday, November 18, the Trump Organization announced plans to develop a luxury resort in the Maldives, offering ownership stakes through digital tokens.
The upcoming resort, set to open in Malé by 2028, will feature approximately 80 ultra-luxury villas. These will include private beach estates, overwater bungalows, and other luxury features. Saudi-based developer Dar Global will be responsible for building the resort, while the Trump Organization has agreed to license its name to it.
“We are delighted to bring the Trump brand to the Maldives in collaboration with Dar Global. This development will not only redefine luxury in the region but also set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization,” said Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation.
Trump Maldives resort to raise capital with RWAs
The Trump Organization, privately owned by U.S. President Donald Trump and his family, could raise up to 70% of the capital through token sales. These digital tokens would represent fractional ownership of the luxury development.
While the exact rights tied to the token are still unclear, these models often include revenue sharing, dividends or resale opportunities.
Since the start of Trump’s presidency, he has launched a wide range of crypto-related ventures. From a digital asset firm, World Liberty Financial, to Official Trump and Melania memecoins, these ventures have made the Trump family over $1 billion in profits.
Still, Trump’s crypto ventures have also resulted in significant scrutiny. Several senators, including Senator Elisabeth Warren, voiced concerns over potential conflicts of interest in the President’s business ventures.
Trump, on Tuesday, dismissed questions about a potential conflict of interest involving his family’s business ties to Saudi Arabia during Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the Oval Office.
Trump insists that he has “nothing to do” with his family-run company.
Separately, Salman announced plans to increase Saudi Arabia’s investment in the U.S. from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion, with a focus on sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. This move, following a May trip to Saudi Arabia, strengthens the economic partnership between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia gaining access to key U.S. military and technology assets in return.
