The Trump crime family making new waves in the crypto world! Their startup, American Bitcoin, is completing a reverse merger with Gryphon Digital Mining to go public, causing a splash in crypto and political circles. Is this simply another headline grab, or might it truly be the needed catalyst for mass crypto adoption? Let's unpack this, shall we?

Mining for Votes or Bitcoin Dominance?

The heart of this deal comes down to bitcoin mining. Think online gold rush. Rather than using pickaxes and shovels to mine, you use current advanced technology computers to cut through complicated mathematical problems. Figure out the problem first and you’re rewarded with freshly minted Bitcoin. American Bitcoin too is taking a bullish stride into the new market. In effect, Hut 8 holds 80% of the voting power of the company. The remaining 20% is owned by the Trump sons. To do it, they are merging with Gryphon Digital Mining to uplist on the Nasdaq in Q3 2025.

For Hut 8’s CEO, this is a path to unlocking low-cost growth capital. Eric Trump’s goal to make the U.S. #1 in Bitcoin mining. He amplifies his dad’s ambition to make America the “crypto capital of the planet.” It’s an exciting vision, but is it realistic?

The unexpected connection here? It is not only a story about bitcoin. It is a story about power. Political power, economic power, and technological power. The Trumps understand the allure of crypto, not just as an investment but as a symbol of a decentralized future – a future they seemingly want to control, or at least heavily influence. Is this really all about mining bitcoin, or mining votes in the digital age? The truth, I imagine, is somewhere in the middle.

Demystifying Bitcoin For Everyday Investors

Let's be real: crypto can be intimidating. Terms such as “blockchain,” “hash rate,” and “proof-of-work” are enough to make even the most financially literate flee in terror. American Bitcoin, as you might imagine from the name, is centrally focused on Bitcoin mining. Instead, humans are using these gigantic computers to solve really hard problems, and in exchange, they receive Bitcoin. Hut 8 and Gryphon Digital Mining are already in this space, and this merger is all about scaling up.

The real question for you, the everyday investor, is this: should you invest?

Gryphon Digital Mining’s stock (GRYP) went ballistic after the announcement, increasing more than 300%. Hut 8 (HUT) saw a boost. This is the "Trump effect" in action. We know better than anyone that, as they say on Wall Street, past performance is never a guarantee of future results.

Think of it like this: Imagine you're playing chess. You need to think several moves ahead. Do you know the team? Do you understand the risks? So how are you investing—by following the hype, or by following the research.

This is much more than just buying a share of a company. It’s a pretty incredible gamble on the future of crypto, the ascendance of American Bitcoin, and perhaps even the durability of the Trump brand.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the ethical questions. Trump family’s crypto dealings, to put it mildly, are not above board. The increased scrutiny of World Liberty Financial, and Donald Trump’s $ meme coin, which has a ticker of $TRUMP, is worrisome.

Ethical Minefield or Golden Opportunity?

The $TRUMP coin offers a dinner with Donald Trump and private receptions. Unfortunately, it sounds like a marketing gimmick rather than a means to good infrastructure investment. An Abu Dhabi-backed private equity fund making investments through a Trump-related stablecoin in Binance? Oops — the Genius Act sinks over fears about World Liberty Financial passing on World Liberty Financial. It's a messy situation.

There is the environmental angle: Bitcoin mining uses a lot of energy and water. Is American Bitcoin committed to sustainable practices? Are they truly tackling these environmental challenges or just following the money while clocking a lot of greenwashing in the process?

This is where things get tricky. Can you distinguish the promise of the tech from the baggage of its advocates. Moreover, is it ethical for a public figure to use their position and credibility to sell a meme coin. But are you really prepared to put your money into a venture that’s so inexplicably linked to arguably the most divisive politician on earth today.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Just understand the risks before you start. Know the risks, perform your due diligence, and don’t let the hype cause you to overlook the potential downsides.

It just might be the door to mainstream adoption. Alternatively, it can just be another doom and gloom story from the crypto west world. Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the Trump family's foray into crypto has made things a lot more interesting.

This could be the gateway to mainstream adoption. Or, it could be another cautionary tale in the wild west of crypto. Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Trump family's foray into crypto has made things a lot more interesting.