The Trump-affiliated media company is making a fresh attempt to enter the crypto investment market, this time through a Bitcoin ETF that carries the branding of his social media platform, Truth Social.
The proposal, filed with the SEC under NYSE Arca, seeks to track Bitcoin’s price performance and expand Trump Media’s reach in digital finance.
This move comes at a politically charged time, blending market ambition with presidential influence, and raises fresh questions about the role of crypto in Trump’s wider strategy.
A Trump-Branded Bitcoin ETF Is in the Works
On June 3, NYSE Arca submitted a 19b-4 filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the launch of the “Truth Social Bitcoin ETF.”
The ETF would be managed by Yorkville America Digital, an asset manager that partners with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social.
This proposal is notable not only for its financial structure but also for its political associations, as the Trump family maintains close ties to the media platform and crypto-related ventures.
If approved, the ETF would be listed on NYSE Arca and aims to reflect the price of Bitcoin before fees and expenses.
Although the application does not specify a ticker symbol or management fee, it names Foris DAX Trust Company, known for handling assets for Crypto.com, as the proposed custodian.
The structure suggests a straightforward spot Bitcoin ETF, similar to the 11 already approved by the SEC in early 2024, including BlackRock’s dominant iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which currently manages over $69 billion in assets.
Trump Media’s ambitions go beyond just the ETF itself. Back in April, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Yorkville America Digital and Crypto.com to launch a range of crypto-themed ETFs under a “Made in America” banner.
The filing also follows TMTG’s earlier February submission for a separate product, the “Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF,” suggesting the firm aims to establish a comprehensive crypto presence through multiple instruments.
All of this reflects a broader strategy to align Truth Social not just with conservative politics, but also with decentralised finance.
This comes amid Trump’s broader embrace of crypto. The former president and his family have been involved in several digital asset initiatives, including NFTs, memecoins, and blockchain-related ventures.
Critics have raised concerns that such projects could blur the line between private business interests and public service, particularly during an election cycle.
But for now, TMTG appears focused on leveraging its political and cultural brand to penetrate the institutional crypto investment market.
When Could the Truth Social ETF Go Live?
The regulatory process for any Bitcoin ETF in the United States begins with the submission of a 19b-4 filing to the SEC. Once received, the commission has 45 days to respond, either by approving, denying, or delaying the application.
The review period can be extended several times, with a maximum timeline of 240 days. That means the absolute latest decision date for the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF is January 29, 2026.
It’s still early days, as Yorkville America Digital must also submit a separate S-1 registration form that outlines the ETF’s operational structure, planned use of proceeds, and associated investor risks.
This is a crucial step that enables the SEC to fully evaluate the proposed product beyond just its listing on the exchange. Without this form, the ETF cannot launch, even if the 19b-4 is approved.
Given this timeline and regulatory burden, a 2025 launch is possible but depends on how swiftly both filings move through the SEC’s internal and public review phases.
The commission has taken varying approaches to ETF proposals in the past, especially those linked to politically prominent figures or brands.
While the initial wave of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs was approved in early 2024, those came from large financial institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck, firms with longstanding regulatory experience.
Whether the Truth Social ETF will receive similar treatment is unclear. Political affiliations could either complicate or accelerate public interest in the proposal, depending on how the review process unfolds.
Meanwhile, Trump Media’s broader fintech arm, Truth.Fi, has already pledged $250 million towards crypto infrastructure and announced plans to integrate digital asset payments into its streaming platform, Truth+.
This reinforces the view that the ETF is not a standalone product, but part of a broader strategy to position Trump Media as a player in decentralised financial technology.
Furthermore, with the recent announcement that Trump Media raised $2.4 billion through a mix of equity and debt financing, the group has the capital needed to support such high-profile launches.
Part of this fund has reportedly been earmarked to build a Bitcoin treasury, mirroring strategies previously adopted by firms like MicroStrategy.
Taken together, the resources, partnerships, and branding efforts signal that the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF is a calculated part of a larger crypto roadmap.
Conclusion
The Truth Social Bitcoin ETF represents more than just another crypto investment vehicle, it’s a fusion of political identity and financial ambition.
By seeking SEC approval through NYSE Arca, Trump Media aims to insert itself into an increasingly competitive ETF market while promoting its broader crypto agenda.
While the approval process could stretch into early 2026, the submission marks a clear step forward in aligning Trump’s media ventures with the financial infrastructure of Bitcoin. Whether this strategy will resonate with regulators and investors remains to be seen.