Okay, let's be real. When I first learned that the Trump family was jumping into crypto with both feet, I’ll admit my kneejerk response wasn’t one of unqualified enthusiasm. I mean, really? This is the same dude who once went on record to say he is not a pro Bitcoin guy. Before we write this off as just more proof of the rich getting richer, hold on and consider another view. What if this strange bedfellows coalition had the potential to truly, horror of horrors, serve marginalized communities for once. I admit, it’s a long shot, I know, but hear me out.

Forgotten Finances Find New Hope

For more communities, that same traditional financial system is an impenetrable wall. Banks are scarce in underserved areas. Predatory lending practices are rampant. Credit scores are a constant barrier. While very volatile in its own right, crypto does provide a potential work-around. Think about it: decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms offer micro-loans to entrepreneurs who would never qualify for a bank loan. You could send remittances across borders at a much lower fee level. This puts more money back into the hands of the families that need it most. This is not about endorsing Trump, it's about acknowledging the possibility that this could accidentally unlock financial tools for those who've been locked out for too long.

Cutting Out Middlemen Equals More Control

One of the most iconic—and biggest—promises of crypto protocols is decentralization. No central authority controlling your money. No bank skimming off the top. For marginalized communities, this can be huge. Consider farmers in developing countries selling their crops directly to consumers in wealthier countries using cryptocurrency, avoiding predatory middlemen. Picture this—an artist releases an album and receives payments in real-time directly from their fans. This model cuts out the gatekeepers who usually get most of the money. This newfound control over their finances can be immensely empowering, engendering economic independence and self-determination. This is the promise of crypto—and as cynical as Trump’s involvement is, it could inadvertently help speed up crypto adoption. When Planet Money reporters came to cover our Bitcoin 2025 conference, they saw some blurry lines. For a lot of marginalized folks, those boundaries had never existed in the first place to begin with.

Building Wealth Beyond Wall Street's Reach

Let's be clear: investing in crypto is risky. That’s just as risky as depending on a system that’s long discriminated against and disinvested in marginalized communities. For far too long, these communities have been cut off from tools used to build wealth generationally—such as investments in stocks and real estate. Despite its volatility, crypto offers an opportunity to potentially build wealth outside of the established and often inaccessible financial system. Imagine the possibilities of community-owned crypto projects, with profits going directly back into the same community that incubated the project. Or think about using crypto to invest in startups and other businesses in communities that need it most, generating jobs and other economic activity. It’s a big bet, to be sure, but for some it could be a bet worth making.

Tech Access Opens Doors To Opportunity

The digital divide is real. Crypto adoption — especially in global south countries — is by necessity. Millions of individuals are using mobile phones to access financial services which would have otherwise been out of reach. By removing barriers to access technology and improving digital literacy, we can have positive ripple effects. It provides opportunities in education, workforce development, and business development. You might first leave, sending remittances back to your household. Every step of the way, you’ll be cultivating skills and expertise that you can’t acquire anywhere else. Experiencing the ensuing Bitcoin 2025 conference probably would have felt quite a bit like attending a Trump rally. The technology undergirding it does have the potential to be a great equalizer.

Scrutiny's Silver Lining Transparency Arises

Here's the unexpected connection: Trump's involvement brings scrutiny. Intense scrutiny. Get ready, because every move you make… every transaction, every investment, every tweet will be examined under a microscope. Although that may sound like a bad thing, that would actually be good for the crypto industry overall. Scams and fraud abound, and increased transparency and accountability are desperately needed to combat these threats. With enough awareness and consumer pressure, we may finally motivate the industry to get its house in order. It would better protect the health, safety, and accessibility needs of all people, especially those most at risk of being taken advantage of. We can throw rocks at oversight and regulation all the live long day. Regulated exchanges and DLT-based, transparent DeFi protocols may be just what is needed to lure true, real-world investment on behalf of underserved communities.

Now, please don’t interpret this as advice to go run out and buy some Trump-branded memecoins. I’m not even saying that this all means Trump has great motives. I am saying that we shouldn't dismiss the potential for cryptocurrency to empower marginalized communities, even if it's being championed by someone we don't trust. It’s one small step, but let’s be on guard and continue to call for transparency. Working in concert, we can make this tech uplift, not exploit. Perhaps, just perhaps, good things could flow from this odd-couple partnership.