President Donald Trump erupted during a White House press conference, angrily responding to an Australian reporter’s question about his business dealings while in office. The exchange escalated when Trump warned that his administration’s new crackdown on “hate speech” could soon target journalists who criticize him.
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Trump Defends Business Practices Amid Growing Wealth
During a press briefing before his state visit to the U.K., President Trump was questioned by Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalist John Lyons about whether it was appropriate for a sitting president to be involved in extensive business activities. In response, Trump denied personal involvement, claiming his children manage the business operations. He then criticized the reporter, claiming his questions were harming U.S.-Australia relations and telling him to “be quiet” as he tried to move on to another question.
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Trump’s Wealth Soars Amid Controversy
When asked about his personal wealth, Trump stated that most of his business dealings occurred before his presidency, emphasizing that his children were responsible for managing his business. However, Forbes reported a significant increase in Trump’s net worth, attributing much of the gain to the Trump family’s involvement in cryptocurrencies, including the World Liberty Financial token. Trump’s wealth reportedly surged by $3 billion in the last year alone, bringing his total valuation to $7.3 billion.
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Cryptocurrencies Drive Trump Family’s Wealth Growth
The president’s growing fortune has been largely tied to his family’s embrace of digital assets like cryptocurrencies and memecoins. The Trump family reportedly controls 75 percent of the revenue from the World Liberty Financial token, which has earned approximately $1.4 billion in sales. The cryptocurrency has now surpassed the Trump Organization’s traditional real estate ventures, including hotels and golf resorts, as the family’s most valuable asset.
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Trump Warns Media Over Hate Speech Crackdown
In another tense moment during the briefing, Trump was asked about Attorney General Pam Bondi’s suggestion that classifying hate speech as a crime could undermine free speech. Trump dismissed the concern, sarcastically remarking that journalists, particularly those from ABC News, might be targeted for their negative coverage of him. He implied that the crackdown on hate speech might soon extend to media outlets that criticize his administration, fueling concerns about the administration’s stance on free speech.
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Critics Fear Erosion of Free Speech
Trump’s comments regarding the crackdown on hate speech have sparked further concern about the erosion of free speech protections. Legal experts and media watchdogs warn that treating harsh criticism as a form of “hate speech” could lead to unprecedented censorship of journalists and political opponents, raising alarms about the limits of free expression under Trump’s leadership.