Justin Sun Features on Forbes Cover, Talks Crypto and Trump-Linked Investments
Justin Sun, founder of TRON, appeared on the Forbes Digital Assets cover in March 2025, where he discussed his investment in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a project associated with former U.S. president Donald Trump.
Sun became the second Chinese entrepreneur after Jack Ma—and the fourth crypto exchange leader after CZ, SBF, and Brian Armstrong—to be featured on the Forbes Digital Assets cover.
Forbes described Sun as a “Crypto Billionaire Who Helped The Trumps Make $400 Million,” referencing his involvement in high-profile investments.
Justin Sun’s Rise in the Crypto Industry
Forbes described Sun as known for his youth, controversial moves, and rapid accumulation of wealth.
Born in 1990, he developed a reputation for bold, unconventional decisions in the blockchain sector.
“In my 20s I was just trying everything,” Sun shares, reflecting on his hands-on approach to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Over the past decade, Sun built a broad crypto ecosystem that includes public blockchains, payment systems, trading platforms, and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.
His flagship project, TRON, reportedly serves over 300 million users and processes more than ten million daily transactions.
This growth supports his goal of establishing a more accessible global payment system through blockchain-based networks.
As Global Advisor of HTX, Sun helped shape the exchange’s direction. HTX was recently recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 25 World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges of 2025.”
Under Sun’s leadership, HTX has emphasized compliance and user security while expanding efforts to connect traditional finance with blockchain technology.
Justin Sun Features on Forbes Cover, Talks Crypto and Trump Investments
Sun shared his thanks on X, saying, “From a visionary to a global force — honored to be featured on Forbes as Crypto’s Billionaire Barker.”
He was the only Chinese entrepreneur in the top three on Forbes Portugal’s “40 Notable Blockchain Entrepreneurs to Watch” list, ranking just behind Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
Sun has also been named in Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia” lists, reflecting his wide-ranging interests in areas like art collecting, gaming, philanthropy, and space exploration.
In late 2024, Sun was appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Liberland, promoting policies focused on digital freedom and blockchain integration.
Strategic Ventures and Legal Challenges
The Forbes article also highlighted Sun’s collaboration with the Trump family, a deal that reportedly generated more than $400 million.
His $75 million investment in World Liberty Financial (WLFI) demonstrates how crypto and mainstream ventures are increasingly intertwined.
In his interview with Forbes, Sun pointed to the importance of a long-term outlook in crypto, especially when addressing industry volatility and trust issues.
Both HTX and TRON now prioritize transparency, open-source development, and governance shaped by their communities.
Through HTX and TRON, Sun said he continues to bridge traditional finance with Web3, supporting a shift toward a more transparent and efficient digital economy.
Forbes states, “This Eastern crypto pioneer is redefining global rules with code and consensus.”
Justin Sun Faces Lingering Legal Pressure from the SEC
Sun’s latest investment came despite ongoing legal pressure from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The SEC filed a lawsuit accusing him of fraud, market manipulation, and offering unregistered securities tied to Tronix (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT).
Regulators claimed Sun and his entities violated U.S. federal law by inflating trading volume through manipulative practices.
Updated filings also stated that Sun traveled frequently to the U.S. during his time with the Tron Foundation, despite public statements suggesting otherwise.
In February 2025, both parties—Sun and the SEC—requested a 60-day stay in the proceedings to explore a potential resolution.
The joint motion indicated that the stay would serve the interests of both sides and the public, though it did not specify whether the resolution would involve a settlement or dismissal.
As of March 28, 2025, the case remains on hold, with no further public updates on its status. The outcome is pending, and observers are awaiting the results of the negotiations between Justin Sun and the SEC.
Despite the unresolved case, Sun has continued to pursue major ventures and maintain a public presence in the crypto industry.