Trump Company Files Trademark for Metaverse and NFT Marketplace

According to Cointelegraph, DTTM Operations, a company owned by U.S. President Donald Trump, filed for trademarks on February 24 for the word 'TRUMP' in connection with a metaverse and NFT marketplace centered around the President's brand. This virtual world would allow users to shop for both physical and virtual goods, dine in a Trump-themed restaurant, and experience simulated transport via limousine, aircraft, train, and automobile. Additionally, users could watch public service programs addressing social issues, current events, and fundraising efforts.The proposed Trump metaverse would also offer virtual training services, personal coaching, and guided tours of hotels and public and government buildings. An NFT marketplace is also planned, with the stipulation that only content approved by the President would be allowed. The filing describes hosting software platforms for virtual reality-based worlds where users can exchange digital goods and cryptocurrencies, using only images, texts, videos, and sound files authorized by the 45th and 47th President of the United States and authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).Trademark Attorney Josh Gerben noted that the filing was made on an 'intent to use' basis, indicating future commercial activity under the Trump brand. Interest in the metaverse has declined since its peak in late 2021, following Facebook's rebranding to Meta. Google Trends data shows that searches for the term 'metaverse' have decreased significantly since then. Similarly, NFTs have not regained the popularity they experienced during the 2021-2022 bull run, with many collections seeing reduced prices.President Trump and his family have been active in the crypto space, with ventures into related technologies. Between his presidencies, Trump launched a series of NFT collections and sought to attract the crypto vote. At a Bitcoin Conference in Nashville in July 2024, he pledged to make America the crypto capital of the world and promised to dismiss Gary Gensler on his first day in office. On January 17, 2025, just days before taking office, Trump introduced his official memecoin, causing a stir in the crypto community. First Lady Melania Trump later launched her own memecoin.Other Trump family members have also engaged in crypto activities. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. were involved in forming World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance platform, with the aim to 'make finance great again.' Despite being recognized as the U.S.'s first 'Crypto President,' Trump has faced criticism for shifting from a strategic Bitcoin reserve to a 'digital asset stockpile' and for market instability amid trade wars and economic uncertainty.