Donald Trump and his family are expanding their presence in the crypto world once again this time through a luxury real estate venture in the Maldives. Partnering with Saudi Arabia’s major property developer Dar Global, the Trump Organization has announced plans to bring a high-end, tokenized resort to Malé by 2028.
The project will carry the Trump brand name and feature around 80 ultra-luxury villas, including private beachfront estates and signature overwater bungalows. While Dar Global will handle the construction, the Trump Organization will license its brand for the development.
According to Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, the resort aims to combine luxury hospitality with cutting-edge blockchain investment. “This development will not only redefine luxury in the region but also set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization,” he said.
A major highlight of the project is its financing model. Up to 70% of the resort’s capital may be raised through tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), allowing investors to buy fractional ownership through digital tokens. While the specific rights attached to the tokens have not been revealed, similar models typically offer benefits such as revenue sharing, dividends, or the ability to trade or resell the tokens.
This move adds to the growing list of crypto-related ventures linked to the Trump family. From World Liberty Financial to Trump-themed memecoins, these initiatives have collectively generated more than $1 billion in profits. However, they have also drawn scrutiny. Several U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have questioned potential conflicts of interest as Trump continues to run the country while his family business pursues global investment deals.
Trump, however, dismissed concerns during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the Oval Office, insisting he has “nothing to do” with his family’s private ventures. Meanwhile, bin Salman announced plans to boost Saudi Arabia’s investments in the U.S. to nearly $1 trillion, focusing heavily on technology and artificial intelligence further strengthening ties between the two countries.
