Trump Media Seals $105M Crypto.com Deal for CRO Rewards

Trump Media scrapped its own token launch and struck a $105M deal to integrate Crypto.com’s Cronos (CRO) into Truth Social’s rewards system.

Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social, has abandoned its plan to launch a native token in favor of adopting Crypto.com’s Cronos (CRO). The shift marks a significant step in the company’s digital asset strategy and deepens its ties with the broader cryptocurrency sector.

From In-House Token to CRO Integration

As reported earlier, TMTG floated the idea of creating a utility token to support Truth Social’s subscription service, Truth+, and its loyalty program. CEO Devin Nunes hinted that the asset would function as a payment and rewards tool, although he stopped short of calling it a cryptocurrency.

By July, Truth Social had begun testing a digital rewards program that allowed users of its Patriot Package—the platform’s paid tier—to earn “gems” based on their activity. At the time, the company suggested those gems would eventually be linked to a proprietary token.

That plan has now shifted. Instead of issuing its own asset, TMTG has partnered with Crypto.com to enable users to convert gems into CRO tokens through the exchange’s wallet infrastructure. This move gives participants access to a tradable cryptocurrency without the risks associated with launching and maintaining a self-issued token.

Truth Social Adds New Features

Alongside the CRO integration, Truth Social rolled out new features aimed at strengthening its platform and monetization model:

Premium tools for Patriot Package subscribers, including post editing, scheduling, server-side drafts, and version history.
Improved group management, with group titles and upgraded search functions available to all users.

The company emphasized that the CRO-powered rewards program will be central to enhancing user engagement across both Truth Social and Truth+.

A $105 Million Deal With Crypto.com

On September 5, TMTG confirmed a $105 million agreement with Crypto.com to purchase 684.4 million CRO tokens. The deal, structured with a mix of cash and stock, locked in an average purchase price of roughly $0.153 per token. Both the CRO tokens and TMTG shares involved in the transaction are subject to a lockup period.

We now officially begin our work to #MakeCROGreatAgain – Trump Media has completed its acquisition of 684.4 million CRO as part of our strategic partnership. CRO is now stored and staked with https://t.co/pFc4Pz9nFR Custody. https://t.co/9pcYYDvM2n
— Kris | Crypto.com (@kris) September 5, 2025

The acquisition forms part of the newly launched Trump Media Group CRO Strategy, a joint initiative with Crypto.com and Yorkville Acquisition. The partners aim to build a $6.4 billion CRO treasury to support future ecosystem growth.

CRO has rallied strongly since the treasury strategy was announced in August, gaining more than 66% and trading near $0.25 at the time of writing.

Building a Broader Crypto Empire

Truth Social’s pivot to CRO fits into a larger effort by TMTG to establish itself as a serious player in digital assets:

The company launched Truth.Fi in January to pursue investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
It holds approximately 18,430 BTC, worth around $2.1 billion, plus $300 million in options—placing it among top 8 corporate Bitcoin holders, ahead of Tesla and Coinbase.
TMTG has also filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a Truth Social Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, which would allocate 75% to Bitcoin and 25% to Ethereum. Crypto.com is listed as custodian. Regulators have delayed a decision until October 8.

These moves are part of what observers describe as Trump’s crypto empire, spanning direct holdings, financial products, and platform integrations.

Political and Market Implications

The expansion has fueled debate as Trump—currently serving as U.S. president—oversees policy decisions that directly affect the cryptocurrency sector. His campaign has benefited from more than $26 million in donations from crypto firms and investors, including Blockchain.com, Gemini, Andreessen Horowitz, and Paradigm.

Supporters view the integration of CRO as a pragmatic strategy that avoids regulatory pitfalls, builds credibility through established infrastructure, and gives Truth Social’s user base access to a widely traded digital asset.

Critics, however, warn of potential conflicts of interest as family-linked ventures profit from token investments, mining projects, and stablecoin initiatives while the administration pushes new digital asset policies.

Market Position and Outlook

Since going public in March 2024 under the ticker DJT, TMTG’s valuation has fluctuated. Initially valued near $8 billion, the company’s market cap now stands at around $5.5 billion. Despite limited revenues, the firm has sustained momentum thanks to:

Strong brand recognition linked to Trump.
Growth of Truth Social and its expansion into Truth+ streaming.
High-profile moves into cryptocurrency and fintech through Truth.Fi and the CRO partnership.

By aligning with Crypto.com rather than attempting to launch its own token, Trump Media has signaled a more cautious and institutional approach to digital assets. Instead of competing with established players, it is positioning itself as a major partner within the existing crypto infrastructure.

Final Take

The decision to switch to CRO underscores both the opportunities and challenges facing Trump Media. By leveraging Crypto.com’s infrastructure and securing a $105 million CRO treasury deal, the company gains credibility and avoids regulatory headaches. Yet, its expanding crypto footprint will continue to attract scrutiny, particularly as Trump’s political and business roles converge.

If successful, Truth Social could emerge as one of the first mainstream social platforms with a deeply integrated crypto rewards system—potentially setting a precedent for others navigating the intersection of digital assets, media, and politics.