President Donald Trump defended his family’s business activities, stating the presidency complicates their ability to avoid accusations of conflicts of interest. In an interview with CNBC’s Joe Kernen, Trump expressed sympathy for his children. He said nearly every business decision they make is examined through his role in the White House.
Trump remarked, I feel badly for my kids. Anything they do is scrutinized because the presidency is so powerful.
These comments follow increased focus on Trump family ventures due to a financial disclosure report. The report disclosed $1.4 billion in 2025 income from cryptocurrency endeavors and Trump family-linked business interests. Newsweek reached out to the Trump Organization for a comment.
Family Business Defense
In the interview, Trump dismissed claims that he leverages the presidency for personal financial gain. Kernen inquired about critics accusing him of enriching his family via the White House. Trump stated he has distanced himself from business management.
Trump said, I don’t do anything with my business. My kids run it.
He mentioned that his children encounter unique obstacles since federal decisions affect almost every economic sector. According to Trump, even simple business actions can raise conflict-of-interest questions. He noted he encouraged his children to avoid potential controversies, highlighting they had business careers before his political tenure.
Intensified Scrutiny During Second Term
Throughout both terms, questions about the Trump family’s business interests persisted. However, critics argue concern has intensified during his second term while the family’s portfolio grows to include cryptocurrency and other ventures.
The latest financial disclosure report drew attention due to substantial income linked to crypto ventures connected to the family. Trump followers assert compliance with ethics requirements, insisting federal conflict-of-interest laws do not mandate presidents to divest personal assets. Trump reiterated this in the CNBC discussion, declaring all family business actions legal.
Ethics watchdogs, including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, alongside Democratic lawmakers, argued expanding business endeavors create perceived conflicts. Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Trump of brazen crypto corruption
after the disclosures of over $1 billion profits tied to family crypto ventures. She urged proposed Senate legislation to prevent presidential families from profiteering off the crypto industry.
Trump’s Children and Business Management
Trump’s children occupy distinct positions bridging politics and business. During Trump’s first tenure, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner served as senior White House advisers but stepped away from formal roles in 2021.
Presently, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump manage the Trump Organization as executive vice presidents. They oversee traditional businesses and lead the extension into sectors like cryptocurrency.
Eric Trump mainly drives real estate projects and new developments, while Donald Trump Jr. focuses on public advocacy and external investments. They launched ventures such as World Liberty Financial and American Bitcoin.
According to Forbes, Donald Trump Jr.’s net worth escalated from $50 million in November 2024 to $300 million by late 2025.
Ongoing Debate
The discussion over public office and private business boundaries is expected to persist. Ethics groups and political adversaries remain vocal about perceived conflicts involving Trump-branded operations, while Trump and his organization assert sufficient safeguards.
Trump perceives the issue as both personal and political. He frames scrutiny as a consequence of holding a powerful office, suggesting nearly every action by his children invites public examination.